Sheep #144: A knitter's one-year sheep, fleece, yarn and knitting adventure!

This is the story of a knitter unintentionally becoming the owner of freshly sheared wool and eventually using that wool to hand knit a blanket that is sure to become a family heirloom. 

A couple months ago a photo of a sheep being sheared caught my eye on Ravelry. The photo was part of Ravelry knitter Sophiefoofoo's project using my On the Porch blanket pattern.

Here's the one-year 'sheep, fleece, yarn & knitting adventure' of @sophiefoofoo.  All photos and her words (in italics) provided by and used with her permission.

This blanket began last January, the 19th, (2017) to be exact.  I went to watch a sheep shearer at work...shearing a small flock in town, thinking I'd stay an hour or so, - I spent the entire day!

January 19, 2017 - Shearing Sheep #144 

I had no intention of bringing a fleece home, I just wanted to see how the process began, - from sheep to skein.  I ended up coming home with a fleece, - sheep #144.

Fleece from Sheep #144

A spinner in town told me she'd be happy to teach me so I began by washing the wool myself.  She patiently tried to teach me carding and spinning, but in the end, I found a fiber processing mill in CT (Connecticut) that would process my single fleece. 

Washing the wool.

Carding the wool.

The 8 months flew by...and the wool returned, carded and spun into beautiful skeins! 3 lbs of raw wool returned 2.7 lbs...ten (10) 200 yard skeins.  Glorious!  

10 beautiful skeins - professionally spun

But what to do with this gorgeous girl? Hats for the whole family plus a sweater or two? I decided on a lap blanket, that way everyone can be warmed by it! 

I looked at many patterns but in the end settled on...5410 Studio's 'On the Porch' blanket pattern....because of the story of its origin.

Here's Sophiefoofoo's On the Porch blanket in progress....in October or November of 2017.

On the Porch - blanket knitting in progress with Sheep #144's wool.

And here's her finished On the Porch blanket! It's beautifully blocked and ready to be enjoyed by everyone in her family.  This blanket is sure to become a family heirloom!

 @sophiefoofoo's On the Porch blanket!

And...to bring the entire story full circle...in January 2018 Sophiefoofoo took the finished blanket back to visit Sheep #144...the sheep who produced the wool for this project!  

Here's Sheep #144 admiring the finished blanket made with her fleece...it looks like Sheep #144 approves! :)

Sheep #144 admiring the blanket made with her fleece!

Thanks so much to @sophiefoofoo for sharing her knitting story on Ravelry and for allowing me to share her story and photos with you here.  I am so touched that she selected my knitting pattern to use for this precious yarn. I hope this beautiful blanket is treasured by her family for years to come!

Her one year adventure in wool and knitting is a great reminder that it's fun to try new experiences and learn new skills because you never know what great memories you will create in the process!

Learn more about my On the Porch Blanket:

Read more about my On the Porch blanket knitting pattern here on my blog.  This blanket is very easy to knit with worsted weight yarn.  The pattern may also be used with DK or Aran weight yarn...or similar.

On the Porch blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy, Craftsy and LoveKnitting.  

On the Porch - easy blanket knitting pattern

Share your Fifty Four Ten Studio projects!

I would love to see your knitting project made with one of my Fifty Four Ten Studio patterns.  

You may share your project on Ravelry, email photos to me at my email address in the pattern, or share your photo on Instagram. Be sure to tag your photo on Instagram with @fiftyfourtenstudio so I will receive a notification. (However, if your page is private I won't be able to see your photo.) You may also add #fiftyfourtenstudio and #5410Studio to your posts.

In case you aren't familiar with sharing a knitting project on Ravelry...here's the basic steps to add a knitting project on Ravelry...

1. Log into Ravelry and click on "my notebook" in the upper right corner of the screen.

2. Then click "projects" in the list under "my notebook".

3. On the next screen...look on the left side and click the button that says "add project".

4. Then you may name your project. Be sure to fill in "enter the pattern name" using the exact name of the Fifty Four Ten Studio pattern you used.

5. Fill in the fields for size made, yarn used and notes about making your project. 

6. If desired, fill in dates when you started and finished your project, rate the difficulty of the project and you may rate the pattern (1 to 5 stars with 5 being the highest). Be sure to click "save"!

7. Then click on the 'photos' tab to upload photos of your project.

It's a real treat to see what you create using my patterns...whether it's a blanket for your first baby or grandchild...or a blanket to send your high school graduate off to college...it's always fun to see what you are making to give love to the special people in your life.

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

River of Dreams - New Chunky Cable Bed Runner Knitting Pattern!

I'm so excited to introduce my new chunky, cable bed runner knitting pattern - River of Dreams!

I'm thrilled with how this blanket bed runner came together!  The blanket has one giant cable down the center and the entire blanket is framed by a seed stitch border.

River of Dreams - Bed Runner - Cable Blanket Knitting Pattern

Click here to purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Click here to purchase the pattern on FiftyFourTenStudio.com. 

Click here to purchase the pattern on Etsy.

January 28, 2020 UPDATE: My blog has a new location at FiftyFourTenStudio.com!  Click here if you would like to read this post on my new website.

The design is simple and classic...but the super bulky yarn gives it a modern appearance that adds great texture to any bedroom decor.

River of Dreams - bed runner knitting pattern.

I'll warn you now....when you have this blanket proudly displayed at the foot of your bed...someone is going to see it and ask you to make a 'River of Dreams' bed runner blanket for them!

This design is a variation on my chunky cable blanket knitting pattern - North of the River.

'River of Dreams' seemed the perfect name for this cozy, bed runner blanket...to bring comfort and peaceful dreams.

A giant cable gives great texture to the River of Dreams bed runner.

And...if you choose to spend a lazy Saturday morning in bed...knitting and jotting down your day dreams...this River of Dreams blanket is sure to add a layer of coziness!

River of Dreams - cozy, cable bed runner blanket knitting pattern.

FOUR BED RUNNER SIZES

The pattern includes instructions for 4 bed sizes...Twin, Full, Queen & King.

Approximate dimensions after blocking:

Twin Bed Runner: 23" wide x 65" long
Full Bed Runner: 23" wide x 81" long
Queen Bed Runner: 23" wide x 89" long
King Bed Runner: 23" long x 105" long

Bed runner length is designed to drape over each side of the bed approximately 14 - 15", depending on the thickness of blankets underneath.

Note: This is an accent blanket designed to lay across the end of the bed.  It is not designed to cover the entire bed.

Bed runner knitting pattern - River of Dreams.

SUPER BULKY YARN

This bed runner blanket knitting pattern is designed for use with super bulky weight yarns.

Yarn requirements for each size:

Twin Bed Runner: 550 - 575 yards
Full Bed Runner: 670 - 700 yards
Queen Bed Runner: 720 - 750 yards
King Bed Runner: 900 - 950 yards

I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Springfield Silver'.

YARN SUGGESTIONS

I used Lion Brand Hometown in 'Springfield Silver'. I have enjoyed using Hometown USA on many projects but this was the first time I have used 'Springfield Silver'...and it won't be the last.  I love this colorway!  The gentle heather silver gray is simply lovely!

Note about Yardage on Hometown: Check the label!  Yardage varies depending on the color.  Springfield Silver is one of the "print" colorways and has 64 yards per skein.  The solid color Hometown USA options have 81 yards per skein.

This blanket will look great in any color!  However, if you are thinking about using gray yarn and want to compare 'Springfield Silver' to other shades of gray...check out 'Dallas Grey' (nice medium gray - I used it for my Westport Blanket knitting pattern) and 'Chicago Charcoal' (dark charcoal gray - I used it for my North of the River cable blanket pattern). 'Cape Cod Tweed' also looks like a great option if you like little flecks of other colors mixed in (this shade is on my list to try soon!).

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick would also work well with this pattern. It's a blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool.  Nice texture and great stitch definition.  I have used this yarn for many blanket projects and I'm always thrilled with the results.  Get more details and shop for this yarn on the Lion Brand website and LoveCrafts.com.  

River of Dreams - Cable Bed Runner Knitting Pattern

CABLE KNITTING EXPERIENCE RECOMMENDED

If you have basic cable knitting experience this blanket is pretty easy to knit.  If you need a reminder on how to do cables...there are lots of video tutorials available.  This one from Wool and the Gang is pretty good.  And, Mama in a Stitch blog has a step by step photo tutorial.

Basic cable knitting experience recommended.

KNITTING NEEDLES

The blanket is worked flat, back and forth.  I used US size 15 circular knitting needles because I like having lots of room for the stitches.  My needles are about 38" long (shorter will work just fine).

If you are purchasing new needles for this project...I would recommend buying long circular needles because they will be very useful if you decide to try another (wider) blanket knitting project!

However, if you already own a set of US 15 straight needles they will work fine for this project since the blanket runner is not very wide.  Just make sure your needles are at least 14" long.

Finishing the last couple of rows of the seed stitch border.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED

Careful blocking of the finished blanket is highly recommended!  I have said this over and over...I always love how my project looks after blocking...it is really worth the extra effort!

For tips, read my blog post about blocking.

HAND WASHING RECOMMENDED

Hometown USA is a 'machine washable' yarn.  So are many other yarns.  However...I think that any hand knit project, especially a large blanket, will look better if it is hand washed, and dried flat on blocking mats.  Hand washing takes extra time but it's worth it when you have put a lot of time into knitting your blanket!

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN

Click here to purchase the pattern on FiftyFourTenStudio.com. 

Click here to purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Click here to purchase the pattern on Etsy.

I loved making my River of Dreams bed runner...and it looks fantastic at the foot of the bed!

Thanks so much for reading and for your interest in my knitting designs.

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

River of Dreams bed runner knitting pattern.

My Favorite Knitting Pattern Highlights from 2017

It's one week into the new year and I'm making plans for knitting projects to work on this year.  I have two projects in the works right now and lots of other ideas that are competing for my attention. It's hard to say exactly which direction my creative ideas will take me, but I know that I'm looking forward to trying out new pattern ideas! 

Here's a little peek at one of the projects I'm working on right now....I'm really excited about this design!

Working on a new knitting design with
Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Springfield Silver'.

In these first days of the new year I've also been looking back to last year.  I'm cherishing memories of good times that I had with my family and friends throughout the year. We were so fortunate to finish off the year by celebrating the holidays with our extended family on several occasions.  Hosting family dinners at our house is one of my favorite things! 

In terms of knitting accomplishments...I guess you could say that 2017 was my year of blankets!  Last year I designed and knit 10 blankets!  I knit 7,440 yards of yarn to make those ten blankets...that's about 4.25 miles of yarn! 

Here's a look at some of my favorite knitting patterns I published in 2017.  Click on any photo to read more about the patterns on my blog. 

My Favorite 2017 Chunky Blanket Knitting Patterns for Super Bulky Yarn

I love knitting blankets with super bulky yarn...they knit up pretty quickly and are so cozy...perfect for keeping warm on cold, winter days! 

I started knitting my Over the Rooftops blanket on New Year's Day 2017.  I'm still amazed by the enthusiastic response to this design!  It has become one of my best selling knitting patterns.  Read more about it here on my blog.

Over the Rooftops - chunky blanket knitting pattern.

It was so fun to design my Winter Dance blanket knitting pattern as a collaboration with Lion Brand Yarn Company!  I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the color 'Denim'...which I love!  A kit to make the blanket as shown below is available from Lion Brand...or you may purchase the pattern on Ravelry, Craftsy or Esty.  Read more about the Winter Dance blanket pattern on my blog.

Winter Dance blanket knitting pattern

North of the River is a chunky, cable blanket knitting pattern that is easy to knit if you have basic cable knitting experience.  This design is one of my favorites!  Read more about this pattern on my blog.

North of the River - chunky cable blanket knitting pattern

Company's Coming is an easy to knit, chunky throw blanket...with tassels! This blanket is fun to knit with super bulky yarn.  I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Dallas Grey'.  The tassels are fun to make and my pattern includes step-by-step instructions with photos. Read more about this pattern on my blog.

Company's Coming - modern, tassel blanket knitting pattern

My Favorite 2017 Blanket Knitting Patterns for Worsted or DK Weight Yarn

My Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern is very easy to knit!  The pattern instructions include five sizes so you can make a nice baby blanket or lightweight throw.  I loved knitting this blanket with some Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic that I have had in my yarn stash for many years. The pattern will work well with DK, worsted or other similar weight yarns. This pattern is a great choice for beginners who have mastered garter stitch and are ready for the next step.  Read more about the pattern on my blog.

Summer Sidewalk - easy blanket knitting pattern

On the Porch blanket is also easy to knit! This lightweight blanket is perfect for cool summer evenings...on the porch!  This pattern is also a great choice for a baby blanket.  The pattern has instructions for six sizes.  Read more about the pattern on my blog.

On the Porch blanket knitting pattern.

Other knitting patterns I published in 2017 are...

I also enjoyed designing these knitting patterns! Read more about each pattern by clicking on the name of the pattern.

Graph Paper blanket - easy to knit with super bulky yarn.

On the Map blanket knitting pattern for worsted or DK weight yarn.

Prairie Fields blanket for worsted or DK weight yarn.

Meadow Lane blanket - a free knitting pattern for worsted or DK weight yarn.

A Bit of Good Luck shawl knitting pattern for super bulky yarn.

January in my studio...knitting in progress,
the sun is shining, and my amaryllis blooming!

Many, many thanks!

In November, I celebrated 4 years of designing knitting patterns!  I really appreciate all the kind feedback and interest in my knitting designs!  I feel so fortunate to spend my days making and sharing knitting ideas. I really appreciate the opportunity to share my 'adventures in knitting' on this blog, Ravelry, Etsy, Instagram, Facebook, etc.  The internet and all these amazing platforms make it possible for me and so many other knitters to share our love of this craft. (I'm old enough to know how limited the knitting pattern selection was before any of this technology existed!) I am also so fortunate to have tremendous support and encouragement of my family! 

I love seeing your completed Fifty Four Ten Studio projects when you post your project on Ravelry, share a photo on Instagram...or simply send me an email with your knitting project photos.  If you post a photo of your project on Instagram be sure to tag me with @FiftyFourTenStudio or use #fiftyfourtenstudio (just remember...if your account is private I won't be able to see your post).

I'm so touched that knitters chose my patterns to make special items for their family and friends.  And, it warms my heart to hear that many of you use my patterns to knit items to donate to those in need of comfort. 

Wishing you all the best in 2018!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Easy, Modern Tassel Throw Knitting Pattern - Company's Coming

I'm so excited to introduce my new throw blanket knitting pattern - Company's Coming!

This modern throw blanket design features four chunky tassels on the corners.  The blanket is quick and easy to knit with simple stockinette stitch, big knitting needles and super bulky yarn. This is a great knitting pattern for beginning knitters or any knitter who would like a very easy, relaxing project.

The pattern includes instructions for five blanket sizes: small, medium and large throw blanket sizes, as well as queen and king size bed runners!

Visit my new website at FiftyFourTenStudio.com! 

Company's Coming throw & bed runner blanket pattern is available on FiftyFourTenStudio.com, Ravelry, Etsy, and LoveKnitting. 

Company's Coming - easy throw blanket knitting pattern with tassels!

When I have friends or family coming for an overnight visit or holiday dinner it always inspires me to tackle projects around the house so that everything looks a little bit more 'put together' when the guests arrive.  Sometimes it's just simple projects like hanging pictures that have been sitting in the corner for months...or organizing a bookshelf.  Other times, if I start early enough, I take on bigger projects such as painting a bathroom...like I did this fall...a long overdue project!  Some paint and new towels did wonders for an otherwise dated bathroom!

Whether it's a small or large home improvement project, it always feels great to have things around our old house looking a little bit more up to date when company's coming!

Company's Coming - modern throw blanket knitting pattern with tassels.

My favorite part of this blanket design is the tassels!  When I was making these tassels I felt a bit nostalgic....with memories of my 1970's childhood home.  I remember my mom having a chunky tassel tied to her little sewing scissors so they would not get lost...and a tassel tied to a old-fashioned style key for a cabinet.

It's fun to make these chunky tassels! Detailed instructions in the pattern.

These tassels are fun to make and I've included detailed step-by-step instructions in the pattern....along with lots of photo illustrations!  Here's a couple examples of the many photos included in the pattern...

Making a tassel is very easy...there are lots of tutorial photos in the knitting pattern.

A large, sharp pair of scissors is needed to cut the yarn with clean ends.  You'll also need a tapestry needle for attaching the tassel to the corners of the blanket.

Attaching a tassel to the corner of the blanket. More photos in the pattern!

I made four tassels...one for each corner of my blanket.  If you would like to add more tassels to your blanket...plan on at least 15 yards of yarn for each additional 6" tassel.

Here's some more details about the Company's Coming blanket pattern....

FIVE BLANKET SIZES:

Small Throw: 35.25" wide x 40" long

Medium Throw: 38" wide x 50" long

Large Throw: 43.5" wide x 54" long

Queen Bed Runner: 24.25" wide x 80" long

King Bed Runner: 24.25" wide x 96" long

The dimensions do not include length of 6" long tassels.  

It's very easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer...or shorter.  The pattern includes estimates of how much additional yardage is needed to make each blanket size longer.

Any of these blanket sizes will add texture and interest to your home design....so everything looks lovely when company's coming.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

Small Throw: 540 - 565 yards

Medium Throw: 700 - 725 yards

Large Throw: 900 - 940 yards

Queen Bed Runner: 740 - 770 yards

King Bed Runner: 900 - 940 yards

Yardage for 4 tassels included in materials list above.  If more tassels are desired, add at least 15 yards per additional tassel.

If you would like to use a different color yarn for your tassels (how cute would that be!?!) you will need about 60 yards of yarn for 4 tassels.  

Company's Coming - chunky blanket knitting pattern.

YARN OPTIONS:

I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in the color 'Dallas Grey' for my blanket.  This is one of my favorite shades in the Hometown USA collection! (I used it for my Over the Rooftops blanket design and my Westport Blanket.)  I really enjoy knitting with this yarn...it's so soft and cozy!  The yarn has a subtle sheen that gives it an appealing modern vibe.  

One note...Hometown USA is a 'machine washable' yarn.  However, I always feel that many items look better and last longer if they are hand washed and dried flat.  That's especially true with this design since it has chunky tassels that would not do well in the washing machine. I would not put this blanket in the washing machine!  Hand washing recommended!

This blanket would also work well with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.  If you prefer a more "woolly" feel and look for your yarn...this is a great choice.

Another economical yarn choice is Lion Brand's new Thick & Quick Bonus Bundle yarn which is basically just like the classic Wool-Ease Thick & Quick...only without the wool!  And...these bonus bundle skeins are giant...lots and lots of yardage at a great price!  This yarn is a nice option if you would like the 'look' of wool...without the wool content.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend blocking your finished knitting.  It takes a little bit of extra time but it's always worth it!  Click here to see my blog post about blocking a blanket.

Weaving in the ends on my 'Company's Coming' blanket.

I loved knitting my Company's Coming blanket!  I started working on it a couple weeks before Thanksgiving...when I wanted an easy, relaxing project to work on as we made plans to host Thanksgiving dinner for our extended family. 

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Company's Coming throw blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on FiftyFourTenStudio.com, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Company's Coming - knitting pattern available on Ravelry.

Thanks so much for your interest in my knitting patterns!  I am so thankful for the opportunity to share my love of knitting through my knitting designs and this blog.  Thanks for reading!  

Happy holidays!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Company's Coming Throw Knitting Pattern

Free Blanket Knitting Pattern - Meadow Lane

I'm so happy to introduce this new free blanket knitting pattern - Meadow Lane.

The Meadow Lane blanket is very easy to knit with Aran, worsted, or DK weight yarn.  The pattern may also be used with other similar weight yarns.  Just pick the needle size that works best for your yarn and knitting tension. (See more info below.)

APRIL 2023: The Meadow Lane blanket knitting pattern was originally published in 2017.  I recently updated the pattern instructions to reflect the gauge, yardage and measurements from a new project sample.  

Click here to download the updated PDF pattern file for the Meadow Lane Blanket.

Or, click here to download the pattern for free on Ravelry.

This pattern is very easy but once in a while knitters need a little extra help getting on track.  Here's a free PDF tutorial for the Meadow Lane Blanket to address the most common questions.

If you prefer super bulky weight yarn...check out my popular free chunky blanket knitting pattern....The Boulevard Blanket.

The Boulevard Blanket - free pattern for super bulky weight yarn.

The Meadow Lane blanket is the lighter weight version of the two blankets.

At first glance you might think this blanket is simple garter stitch.  Look again!  An easy K4, P4 repeat pattern creates a subtle vertical stripe effect.

This pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX SIZES:
approximate dimensions after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 28" wide x 30" long

Small Blanket: 30" wide x 36" long

Medium Throw: 34" wide x 37" long

Large Throw: 38" wide x 44" long

XL Afghan: 42" wide x 46" long

XXL Afghan: 47" wide x 50" long 

It's very easy to make any of the blankets longer...just work additional rows until the blanket is the desired length or you run out of yarn. Be sure to purchase more yarn than noted below if you want to make your blanket longer.

ARAN OR WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:
Amount of yarn needed for each blanket size...

Baby: 670 - 700 yards

Small: 850 - 880 yards

Medium: 1000 - 1050 yards

Large: 1300 - 1400 yards

XL: 1500 - 1600 yards

XXL: 1850 - 1950 yards 

The pattern includes estimates for approximately how much additional yarn is needed to add about 2" to the length of each blanket size.

This pattern will work well with worsted, Aran, DK, or other similar weight yarn.  Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.

YARN UPDATE 2023: The yarn I used for this blanket project has been discontinued.  However, the pattern will work with many worsted or Aran #4 weight yarns.  

Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling (100% Acrylic) - This is not your grandmother’s 1970’s acrylic yarn!  It’s very soft to the touch… not scratchy or ‘sticky’.  I love how this stitch pattern works with this yarn!  Available in a large selection of attractive colorways including ‘Silver Heather’, ‘Mustard’ and ‘Turquoise Heather’ (shown in photo below).  Machine washable and dryable. Shop: LionBrand.com | Amazon

Lion Brand Heartland (100% Acrylic) - Nice stitch definition and a lovely, soft texture.  Great for blanket projects.  A nice selection of muted heathered and tweedy colorways that are perfect for home décor projects.  Machine washable on gentle cycle.  Shop: LionBrand.com | Amazon

This yarn has been discontinued.  See notes above about other yarn suggestions.

GAUGE:

I used US size 8 knitting needles and my gauge in pattern stitch is about 15 - 16 stitches = 4".

Exact gauge is not essential for this pattern.

It's more important to pick the needles that work best for your yarn and your knitting tension.

TEST KNITTING:

To test the pattern and decide which needle size is best for your yarn....cast on 20 or 28 stitches with the needle size suggested for your yarn.  Work in the stitch pattern as noted in the pattern....

Row 1: *K4, P4; repeat from *, end K4
Row 2:  same as Row 1 (be sure to start the row with K4)

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until work measures about 2" or more.  It can take at least 2" of knitting for the subtle vertical line effect to show up.  If your stitches are too loose the pattern may not show up as desired so try switching to one needle size smaller.  If you think your knitting is too tight...try one needle size larger.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PATTERN:

You can download the Meadow Lane blanket knitting pattern for free on Ravelry or click here to get the instant download PDF. 

Thanksgiving is just about a week away.  I'm looking forward to spending lots of time with my family over the holiday week.  Hope you have a nice holiday if you are celebrating Thanksgiving in the U.S.!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Meadow Lane - easy blanket knitting pattern - FREE!

Celebrating Four Years Designing Knitting Patterns! My top 10 best-selling knitting patterns are...

Four years ago this week I published my first knitting pattern!

Each year in early November I reflect back on all I have learned and accomplished since I started with just one little Christmas ornament pattern.  I am so appreciative of the interest in my knitting designs and all the purchases of my patterns. Thank you so much!

My first knitting pattern that I published in November 2013 was a mini sweater ornament.  This design perfectly represents how I feel...both now and when I first started...having pursued this creative endeavor that I absolutely love!

Mini Sweater Ornament - My first knitting pattern!

Buy the Mini Sweater Ornament Knitting Pattern on Ravelry, Etsy or FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

Designing knitting patterns has brought so much joy to me....I love every step of the process...coming up with a new idea, selecting the yarn and color, knitting the project, finishing the last steps of the project, photographing the finished design (lots of photos and lots of editing!), writing the instructions, learning how to navigate several websites where I publish my patterns, helping knitters when they need assistance, seeing photos of customers' finished projects on Ravelry and Instagram (that always makes my day!)...and always looking forward to the next project.

TOP 10!

Before I get back to work on my next knitting design...I thought it would be fun to take a look at the  "Top 10" knitting patterns in my collection of 43 knitting patterns I have published in the last four years.

This top 10 list is based on customer purchases on Ravelry, Etsy, and LoveKnitting.

This list does not include my "always free" knitting patterns.

This is the first time I have compiled the number of sales by pattern design across each of the four websites.  It's fun to see which patterns are my customer's favorites!

#1 Best Selling Knitting Pattern: Third Street Blanket

Third Street Blanket - My Best Selling Knitting Pattern!

Running away with first place is my Third Street Blanket!  The Third Street Blanket has been my top selling pattern every month since I published the design in September 2016.

This blanket is easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the lovely shade of 'Glacier'. I updated the pattern this year to include instructions for six sizes...there's directions for every size from a little baby blanket up to an XXL afghan.

Read more about the Third Street Blanket on my blog post.

Third Street Blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry and Etsy.

#2 : Over the Rooftops blanket knitting pattern

Over the Rooftops - Chunky Blanket Knitting Pattern

I published my Over the Rooftops blanket knitting pattern in January 2017.  I was completely bowled over by the enthusiastic response to this design!

This chunky blanket is fun to knit and it is so cozy!  I used Lion Brand Hometown super bulky yarn in 'Dallas Grey' for this design.  Read more about the pattern here on my blog.

#3: Westport Blanket

Westport Blanket Knitting Pattern - Easy to knit!

The Westport Blanket is knit with super bulky yarn so it's quick to knit.  I love the chunky texture of this blanket!  I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Dallas Grey'...one of my favorites shades in this yarn that includes so many color choices.

The pattern includes instructions for five blanket sizes.  Read more about the pattern here on my blog.

#4: Summer Sidewalk blanket

Summer Sidewalk - Blanket Knitting Pattern

Summer Sidewalk is the most recently published pattern in my 'Top 10' list!  I published this pattern in March 2017. 

This blanket is very easy to knit with DK, worsted...or similar...weight yarn.  This is a great pattern for a confident beginning knitter!  

The pattern includes instructions for five blanket sizes.  Read more about the pattern here on my blog.

#5: Stones in the Road blanket

Stones in the Road - Blanket Knitting Pattern

Stones in the Road blanket is fun to knit with super bulky yarn.  I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool from Michael's. 

The design includes a seed stitch border and matching seed stitch "stripes" for the center design.  Read more about the Stones in the Road pattern on my blog.

#6: Brookside Blanket

Brookside Blanket - Afghan Knitting Pattern

The Brookside Blanket is named for the neighborhood where I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri.  This was my fourth blanket design and it quickly became quite popular with knitters!  

In October 2017, I updated the Brookside Blanket pattern to include instructions for six blanket sizes.  Read more about this knitting pattern on my blog.

#7: Felt Applique Mitten Christmas Ornament 

Felt Applique Mitten Christmas Ornament - knitting pattern

This little mini-mitten felt applique ornament pattern was my second published knitting pattern back in November 2013!  

I updated the pattern in January 2016 to add more felt applique options including letters and numbers. I love knitting these little mittens and stitching on felt designs to make each little mitten unique.  Click to read more about this pattern here on my blog. 

#8: Where the Sidewalk Ends blanket knitting pattern

Where the Sidewalk Ends - Easy Blanket Knitting Pattern

Where the Sidewalk Ends blanket is very quick and easy to knit! I love the simple, chunky, striped texture of this design.  And...the bright white yarn adds to the modern design.  This yarn is Lion Brand Hometown in 'New York White'.  Read more about this pattern here on my blog.

For a light weight version of this design, see my Summer Sidewalk blanket pattern at #4 above.

#9: Belleview Blanket

Belleview Blanket knitting pattern for super bulky yarn

The Belleview Blanket is designed for super bulky yarn.  It was my 5th blanket design.  Read more about the Belleview Blanket knitting pattern on my blog.

This year, I was thrilled when Lion Brand Yarn asked if they could use this design to offer a knitting kit for sale on their website!  The kit includes the pattern and enough yarn to make a large throw using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the color 'Glacier'...as shown in the photo above.

#10: The Parkway Pillow

The Parkway Pillow knitting pattern

I published The Parkway Pillow knitting pattern in April 2014.  It's very easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  Read more about this pattern and the name for this Kansas City inspired design on my blog.

Most Popular Free Knitting Pattern

And....my 'Top 10' list would not be complete without acknowledging my most popular free knitting pattern...The Boulevard Blanket.  

The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern for super bulky yarn.

As of November 2017, The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern has been downloaded a total of over 20,000 times on Ravelry and LoveKnitting!  I'm so happy that knitters have enjoyed using this pattern!  

2023 UPDATE: Click here to download the updated PDF file of The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern.

Thanks so much!

Thank you so much for your interest in my knitting designs!  I have learned so much in four years...I learn new things every day!   Your interest in my designs...by purchasing my patterns, and reading my blog...helps make me curious and excited to create new knitting designs.  I am really excited about working on new designs in the coming months and years.

It's a beautiful fall day here in Kansas City.  The trees have turned beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red...Mother Nature is really showing off!  Hope you have a great day!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio