Projects made using Fifty Four Ten Studio patterns: Volume #3

It's so fun to see how knitters use my knitting patterns to make special items for their home, family and friends.  I've been keeping a list of projects that caught my eye for several months and now have them compiled here to share the third installment of: "How Knitters Use Fifty Four Ten Studio Patterns".

Click the links on each pattern name or photo to read more about each pattern on my blog.

All photos shared with the permission of each knitter.

Arielle Elizabeth's Lovely 'Happy Endings' blanket:

Arielle Elizabeth shared these beautiful photos of the Happy Endings blanket she made for her new home.  I love her rainy day work-in-progress photo...so cozy!

Cozy knitting!  Happy Endings blanket project. 

In her Instagram post Arielle Elizabeth wrote: "I absolutely love this pattern and the yarn is oOo so soft and washable too.  This pattern is available by the talented @fiftyfourtenstudio who made this project beyond easy to create and my dream of a large couch afghan come true!"  Thanks so much for the kind words!

Arielle Elizabeth used Lion Brand Color Made Easy for this project.  (It looks like it's the 'Wheat' colorway.)

Happy Endings blanket made by Arielle Elizabeth.

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.


Derek's Fabulous 'All These Places' Blanket:

Last week, I discovered Derek's fabulous gray 'All These Places' project on Ravelry.  Derek used 'Oxford Grey' Lion Brand Pound of Love...knitting two strands together on US 11 knitting needles.  Knitting two strands of worsted weight yarn together is a great way to substitute for bulky weight yarn.  I love this close up photo of his project....beautiful stitches!

Derek's 'All These Places' blanket project looks fantastic!

Derek made the XXL size and added additional pattern repeats to make the blanket longer to be suitable for a tall friend.  Finished size is 51.5" wide x 72" long.  It looks fabulous!

Derek's finished blanket is 72" long!

All These Places blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.


Katie's Splendid 'Summer Sidewalk' Baby Blanket:

Katie knit this little baby blanket for her newborn son...and finished it just a couple weeks before he was born.  It's beautiful!  She used my 'Summer Sidewalk' blanket knitting pattern and Plymouth Encore Tweed worsted weight yarn in the 'Gray' colorway.

Katie's hand knit baby blanket using the 'Summer Sidewalk' pattern.

Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern is available on Raverly, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Liz's Cozy 'Westport Blanket':

Liz used Rowan Big Wool in the gorgeous 'Mallard' colorway for her Westport Blanket project.  Her blanket looks lovely and cozy...especially with this inviting breakfast tray!  It was so fun to discover Liz's project on LoveKnitting!

Liz's Westport Blanket looks super cozy!

My Westport Blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Jennifer's Comforting 'All These Places' Blanket:

Jennifer finished her first blanket project!  She made this lovely gray blanket using my 'All These Places' knitting pattern.  She used Cascade 'Swaddle' yarn in colorway #208 and US 10 knitting needles.  Jennifer shared on Instagram that she made two of these blankets while a family member was battling illness.  It's heartwarming to know that knitting brought her some comfort as she reflected on happy memories when they traveled to many interesting places. 

Jennifer's All These Places blanket project looks lovely!

All These Places blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Dana's Gorgeous Shawl Inspired by the 'Meadow Lane Blanket' Pattern:

Dana has adapted my Meadow Lane blanket pattern to make this gorgeous shawl.  She is using Uneek Fingering weight yarn in colorway #3002.  She purchased the yarn at Knit-o-Matic and adapted the pattern to work with the thinner yarn.  She told me she cast on 100 stitches with 4 mm (US 6) knitting needles.  The results are lovely!  See more of her work-in-progress photos on Instagram at @danaraeknits.

Dana's shawl inspired by the Meadow Lane blanket pattern.

Click here to download the Meadow Lane blanket pattern *free* everyday on FiftyFourTenStudio.com or on Ravelry.

Claire's Pretty 'Making Plans' Blanket:

Claire shared her first hand knit blanket project on her @Alchemilla72 Instagram page.  She used my 'Making Plans' blanket knitting pattern along with Lion Brand Heartland worsted weight yarn in the 'Yellowstone' colorway.  Her blanket looks fantastic! 

Making Plans blanket knit by Claire with Lion Brand Yarn.

Making Plans blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Marcia's Marvelous  'On the Porch' Blanket:

Marcia knit this lovely baby blanket to give as a gift for her new great-nephew.  She used my 'On the Porch' blanket knitting pattern that is simple and easy to knit.  Her project looks fantastic!  She used Lion Brand Color Made Easy bulky weight yarn in the 'Kingfisher' colorway.  

Marcia's 'On the Porch' blanket looks beautiful in blue!

The 'On the Porch' blanket pattern is designed for worsted or heavy worsted yarn.  It's very easy to adapt the pattern for a heavier weight yarn...such as bulky weight...by following the directions for one or two sizes smaller than you would like the blanket to turn out.

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

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Thank you so much to Arielle Elizabeth, Derek, Katie, Liz, Jennifer, Dana, Claire and Marcia for sharing their Fifty Four Ten Studio project photos....and for allowing me to share their beautiful photos with you here on my blog. 

Fifty Four Ten Studio blanket projects - Sept 2019

Click here to shop my knitting patterns on FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

Click here to shop all of my patterns on Ravelry.  Most of my patterns are also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Click here to see the first post about customer projects from March 2019.

Click here to see the second post about customer projects from May 2019.

Click here to see lots of other Fifty Four Ten Studio projects that knitters have shared on Ravelry.

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How to share your photos and be considered for a future blog post:  

Instagram: Tag your photo with @FiftyFourTenStudio and #FiftyFourTenStudio.  (If your account is private, I won't be able to see your photo.)

Ravelry Projects: It's so fun to see all the Fifty Four Ten Studio projects that have been shared on Ravelry.

Email: My email address is in every pattern.  I love hearing from knitters!

Photos selected based on an attractive project and attractive, clear project photos.  An interesting story is also intriguing!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

New Blanket Knitting Pattern - Dance on the Breeze

I'm so happy to introduce my new blanket knitting pattern - Dance on the Breeze.

This blanket pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn and the pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.

This design was inspired by many customer requests for a lighter weight version of my popular Winter Dance chunky blanket knitting pattern.

Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern may be purchased on my Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

The knitting pattern is also available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and on Etsy.

Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

If you are a fan of the movie Mary Poppins then you have probably guessed the inspiration for the name of this pattern. The song "Let's Go Fly a Kite" is one of many cheerful songs in the movie...and it reminds us to take some time to have fun...especially with the children in our lives.  Summertime is a great time to get outside: have a picnic in the park, go to the playground at a park, play catch with a Frisbee, go for a walk in a scenic place, go for a bike ride...or go fly a kite!  It doesn't have to be an expensive outing to make wonderful memories.

Here's a bit of the lyrics from 'Let's Go Fly a Kite'....

Oh, oh, oh!
Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height!
Let's go fly a kite and send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

When you send it flyin' up there
All at once you're lighter than air
You can dance on the breeze
Over 'ouses and trees
With your fist 'olding tight
To the string of your kite


SIX BLANKET SIZES:
Approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 27.5” wide x  31” long
Small Blanket: 31.5” wide x 36” long
Medium Blanket: 35.5” wide x 40” long
Large Throw: 39” wide x 45” long
XL Throw: 43” wide x 51” long
XXL Afghan: 53” wide x 60” long

Finished size may vary depending on yarn weight and gauge used.

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about .67" to the length of the blanket.

The pattern includes estimates of how much additional yarn is needed to make each blanket size longer.

The blanket shown in the photos is the small size blanket - about 31.5" wide x 36" long.  I used approximately 775 yards of Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn for this project.

Dance on the Breeze blanket pattern features a seed stitch border and
an easy to remember four-row repeat pattern for the center of the blanket.

WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:

Baby Blanket: 600 - 620 yards
Small Blanket: 780 - 800 yards
Medium Throw: 1000 - 1030 yards
Large Throw: 1250 - 1300 yards
XL Afghan: 1500 - 1600 yards
XXL Afghan: 2250 - 2350 yards

Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your project.

This pattern may be used with slightly lighter or heavier weight yarns.  Select the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.

I used Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in the 'Splash' colorway.  This yarn is made of 55% superwash wool and 45% certified organic cotton and is part of the Blue Sky Fibers family of yarns.  I am a huge fan of this beautiful yarn.  The stitch definition is fabulous!  I purchased the yarn for this project at Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern

I also used the Spud & Chloe Sweater yarn for my Making Plans blanket knitting pattern design.

If you are using slightly lighter weight yarn, such as DK weight, consider following the directions for one size larger than you want the blanket to turn out.

If you are using slightly heavier weight yarn consider following the directions for one size smaller than you want the blanket to turn out.

Finished size and amount of yarn needed may vary depending on yarn choice and gauge...so buy some extra yarn just in case!

If you prefer super bulky weight yarn please see my Winter Dance blanket knitting pattern.

NEEDLES:

The project is worked flat, back and forth on circular knitting needles.  Circular knitting needles are highly recommended in order to accommodate the large number of stitches for a blanket.  If you are tackling the XXL or 3XL size blanket, look for needles with a very long cord...such as 40" or longer.  The needles do not have to be the same width as the project, but need to be long enough to accommodate a large number of stitches that can be slightly scrunched together.

I used US size 8 Knitter's Pride Nova Platina knitting needles for my Dance on the Breeze blanket.

Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.  The goal is to find the knitting needle that gives the best stitch appearance, without being too tight...or too loose.

The blanket is knit flat in one piece using long circular knitting needles.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend taking the time to block this blanket after weaving in the ends.  Spending a little extra time carefully blocking the project can really improve the final appearance of the project!

January 30, 2020 Update: Click here to see my updated blog post on how to block your blanket.  The post includes lots of tips and step-by-step photos.

Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern.

SKILLS NEEDED:

This is an easy knitting project for any knitter who has mastered knit and purl stitches, and changing back and forth from knit to purl.  You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends.

If you already know how to work seed stitch and stockinette stitch then you have the skills to work this pattern.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Fifty Four Ten Studio Website: Click here to purchase at FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

Ravelry: Click here to purchase the Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern on Ravelry.

Etsy:  Click here to purchase the Dance on the Breeze knitting pattern on Etsy.

HAPPY SUMMER!

I hope you are able to enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends this summer!

Thanks so much for your interest in my knitting patterns!

Mary Lee

Projects Made Using Fifty Four Ten Studio Knitting Patterns: Volume #2

This is the second installment of "How Knitters Use Fifty Four Ten Studio Patterns"!  It's such a joy to see how knitters have used my patterns to make special items for their family and friends...as well as their own home.  These are just a few of many lovely finished projects.  (Click here to see the first post about customer projects from March 2019.)

All photos shared with the permission of each knitter.

Click the links on each pattern name or photo to read more about each pattern on my blog.

Moza's Lovely 'Westport Blanket':

In April, I received a sweet message from Moza sharing this lovely work-in-progress photo of the Westport Blanket. Her blanket looks gorgeous!!  The light, neutral yarn color allows her beautiful stitches to shine. She is using DMC Natura Just Cotton XL yarn in the ‘Cream’ colorway. It’s a super bulky weight yarn that’s available in 30 colorways.

Westport Blanket made by Moza

Moza lives in UAE - United Arab Emirates. It’s such a joy to be able to exchange messages with knitters who live on the other side of the world from me!  I grew up in the 1970’s and 80’s so I will never take for granted how amazing this experience is thanks to technology. (When I started my first job after college in 1991 the office did not have a fax machine yet. Customers had to call on the phone to place an order! That was before email and internet, too.)

My Westport Blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Jenny's Wonderful 'Westport Blanket':

Here's another Westport Blanket made by Jenny.  These are two of several wonderful project photos Jenny shared on Ravelry.  She used Bernatt Softee Chunky super bulky yarn in the 'True Grey' colorway.  Her finished blanket looks fabulous!

Westport Blanket project by Jenny

Love this photo Jenny captured when she started her Westport Blanket project!

Kim's Beautiful Blue 'Piece of Home' Blanket:

Kim shared this pretty blue version of the Piece of Home blanket on her @jediknightling Instagram page and on Ravelry.  I love how she included a little Lego mini-figure in each of her photos!  Her finished blanket measures 56" wide x 68" long...that's big cozy blanket!

Piece of Home blanket made by Kim

Kim used an acrylic yarn called Spotlight Value Ball Spot Saver USA Style in the 'Peacock' colorway.  The results are beautiful!  

Piece of Home blanket: work-in-progress by Kim.

Piece of Home blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Ruth's Pretty Pink 'Piece of Home' Blanket:

Ruth also made the Piece of Home blanket in this lovely 'Rosebud' colorway of Berroco Comfort Worsted.  She made this pretty pink blanket as a gift for her friend's first granddaughter....so sweet!

Ruth's Piece of Home blanket project

Sandy's Wonderful 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' Blanket Project:

It was so fun to spot this Instagram photo of Sandy's 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' blanket carefully blocked and drying outdoors on a sunny spring day.  She used Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky in 'Colonial Blue' for her blanket project.  And...how about that darling little cardigan?!  Sandy used the Frida Baby Cardigan knitting pattern from WEBS Yarns.

'Where the Sidewalk Ends' blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Sandy's 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' blanket project.

Dawn's Beautiful 'Boulevard Blanket':

Dawn made this striped version of The Boulevard Blanket using Caron Chunky Cakes in the 'Plum Perfect' colorway.  The yarn is self striping in a super bulky weight.  The yarn worked beautifully with this easy to knit pattern!

The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern is FREE everyday on Ravelry and LoveKnitting.

The Boulevard Blanket made by Dawn

Anyone notice the blue and raspberry pink theme going here with several of these projects?!  It's just a coincidence! 

Sherri's Splendid 'On the Porch' Blanket:

I love this close-up photo of Sherri's cheerful, green On the Porch blanket that she shared on Instagram.  She made her beautiful blanket with Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton worsted weight yarn in the 'Pickle' colorway.

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

On the Porch blanket knit by Sherri - using Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton

Thank you so much to Moza, Jenny, Kim, Ruth, Sandy, Dawn and Sherri for sharing their Fifty Four Ten Studio project photos....and for allowing me to share their beautiful photos with you here on my blog.  It's such a treat to see how other knitters use my knitting patterns!  

Thanks for sharing your Fifty Four Ten Studio project photos!

How to share your photos and be considered for a future blog post:  

Instagram: Share your Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting project on Instagram and tag your photo with @FiftyFourTenStudio and #FiftyFourTenStudio.  (If your account is private, I won't be able to see your photo.)

Ravelry Projects: It's so fun to see all the Fifty Four Ten Studio projects that have been shared on Ravelry.  I try to look for recently shared projects every month or so.

Or...send me an email anytime!  My email address is in every pattern.  I love hearing from knitters!

Photos selected based on an attractive project and interesting, clear project photos.  Taking good quality photos can take some practice.  But, it's easier than ever to practice photography skills thanks to the amazing capabilities of the cameras on most smart phones.

Tips for taking photos of your knitting projects:

1. Natural light is best!  Turn off lamps and ceiling lights.  Arrange your project near a window with soft daylight or take your project outside. 
2. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight. An overcast day is great for photos.
3. Turn off the flash on your camera.
4. Take at least 10 photos.  Try different angles.  Pick your favorites and delete the rest!
5. If you don't like how the photos turn out...try a different location.

Here's a sneak peek at the new design I'm working on now!  I'm using Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' organic cotton and superwash wool blend yarn in the 'Splash' colorway.  I purchased this yarn at Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri.

My current knitting project - working on a new design
using Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in the 'Splash' colorway.

Thanks so much for reading!  Have a fabulous day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Making Plans - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - Making Plans.

This blanket design features an easy to remember four-row repeat and a seed stitch border.  The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.

Making Plans blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

The pattern may also be purchased on the Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Making Plans - blanket knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn.

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. 

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

Each little purl stitch in the center of the Making Plans blanket represents the numerous little tasks that must be completed when making plans…especially big plans.  Every big step in life requires the accomplishment of many small details in order to achieve the bigger goal:  starting a new business, changing jobs, graduating from school, welcoming a child to the family, moving to a new home, getting a first apartment, starting college, celebrating a wedding…and so much more.  

I met Trish in October 2018 when she was making plans to open her yarn shop….YarnSocial.  This blanket design is inspired by her!  

Connecting with Trish started when I attended my first SunflowerKnitters Guild meeting and someone mentioned a new yarn shop was in the works in the Kansas City area.  Through Instagram I found @yarnsocial and soon received a kind invitation from Trish to stop by and meet her.  The first day I visited her shop she was so warm and cheerful…and excited about taking this new step in her life to begin on a new career path.  Her list of tasks was incredibly long in order to accomplish her goal of opening the shop about a month later – but she was calm and obviously organized.  As we chatted for over an hour about her plans for the shop, the yarn she would stock and all things knitting, I immediately felt fortunate to have connected with Trish.  She is so welcoming, kind, smart and enthusiastic.  With a lot of hard work and carefully made plans, Yarn Social opened five weeks later.  The space that was virtually empty when I saw it in October was transformed into a welcoming, bright and well-stocked yarn shop.  It was such a treat to see Trish soaking up the joy of a mission accomplished!  Here’s to celebrating the joy in making plans.

This is just one section of the many shelves of yarn at Yarn Social!

If you live in the Kansas City area, or ever find yourself visiting the area, be sure to set aside a bit of time to visit Yarn Social!  (It's very close to The Plaza and Westport areas...and not far from downtown Kansas City.)

Yarn Social - a darling little yarn shop in Kansas City, Missouri

And...look for the yellow 'Making Plans' blanket which is now on display permanently at Yarn Social!

Making Plans blanket on display at Yarn Social in Kansas City.

May 2019: Yarn Social is offering kits to make the 'Making Plans' blanket!

The 'Firefly' colorway from the Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn collection is the perfect match for the Yarn Social logo!   

Yarn Social - yarn shop in Kansas City, Missouri

Making Plans blanket knitting pattern includes instructions for 6 blanket sizes.

SIX BLANKET SIZES:
Approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 26.5” wide x 30” long
Small Blanket: 28.5” wide x 31.5” long
Medium Throw: 31.5” wide x 38” long
Large Throw: 35.5” wide x 42” long
XL Afghan: 41.5” wide x 50” long
XXL Afghan: 49.5” wide x 60” long

Finished size may vary depending on yarn weight and gauge used.

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about .67" to the length of the blanket.

The pattern includes estimates of how much additional yarn is needed to make each blanket size longer.

The yellow blanket shown in the photos is the small size blanket - about 28.5" wide x 31.5" long.

Making Plans blanket knitting pattern.

WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:

Baby Blanket: 580 - 600 yards
Small Blanket: 620 - 650 yards
Medium Throw: 870 - 900 yards
Large Throw: 1100 - 1150 yards
XL Afghan: 1500 - 1600 yards
XXL Afghan: 2200 - 2300 yards

Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your project.

This pattern may be used with slightly lighter or heavier weight yarns.  Select the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.

I used Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in the 'Firefly' colorway.  This yarn is made of 55% superwash wool and 45% certified organic cotton and is part of the Blue Sky Fibers family of yarns.  I am a huge fan of this beautiful yarn - in fact, I've already started another project with this yarn.  The stitch definition is fabulous.  I'm absolutely thrilled with the results!  Yarn Social carries the full selection of 30 beautiful colorways.

Working on my 'Making Plans' blanket with
Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in the 'Firefly' colorway.

If you are using slightly lighter weight yarn, such as DK weight, consider following the directions for one size larger than you want the blanket to turn out.

If you are using slightly heavier weight yarn, such as Aran weight yarn, consider following the directions for one size smaller than you want the blanket to turn out.

Finished size and amount of yarn needed may vary depending on yarn choice and gauge...so buy some extra yarn just in case!

If you prefer super bulky weight yarn please see my Third Street Blanket knitting pattern.

NEEDLES:

The project is worked flat, back and forth on circular knitting needles.  Circular knitting needles are highly recommended in order to accommodate the large number of stitches for a blanket.

I used US size 8 knitting needles for my Making Plans blanket.  Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.  The goal is to find the knitting needle that gives the best stitch appearance, without being too tight...or too loose.

Use circular needles to knit the blanket in order to hold all of the stitches.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend taking the time to block this blanket after weaving in the ends.

Click here to see my blog post on my new Fifty Four Ten Studio website with lots of tips on blocking your finished blanket project.

I loved knitting my 'Making Plans' blanket with this cheery yellow yarn!
Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' worsted weight yarn in 'Firefly'.

SKILLS NEEDED:

This is an easy knitting project for any knitter who has mastered knit and purl stitches, and changing back and forth from knit to purl.  You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends.

If you already know how to work seed stitch and stockinette stitch then you have the skills to work this pattern.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

RAVELRY: Making Plans blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

FIFTY FOUR TEN STUDIO: Click here to purchase on the Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

ENJOYING SPRING DAYS:

It's been a beautiful spring in Kansas City.  Here's a few photos from a recent quick visit to the Kauffman Gardens.  (Tip: It's open every day and it's only two miles from Yarn Social!)

Yellow tulip - close up!

Yellow tulips & a lovely fountain at Kauffman Gardens.

Many varieties of tulips in bloom at the Kauffman Gardens.

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading.  Have a wonderful day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Happy Endings - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to introduce my new blanket knitting pattern - Happy Endings.

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern is very easy to knit with bulky weight yarn. This is a great project for a confident beginner...or an experienced knitter who enjoys a relaxing, easy project.  And, this blanket is reversible! An easy to remember two-row stitch pattern creates a texture that is attractive on both sides of the blanket.

The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.  Read all the details below!

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

It means so much to see how knitters use my patterns...and to hear their stories of how they demonstrate their love for their family through their handmade gifts.

They often make blankets to celebrate happy beginnings...to welcome babies to their family, to give to adult children moving into their first apartment, to celebrate a wedding, and to celebrate a loved one's birthday.  All of these gifts are heartfelt wishes for happiness.  And, each day those blankets will give comfort and be a physical reminder of their love.

Here's to celebrating happy beginnings...and wishing for happy endings.

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern - It's reversible!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX BLANKET SIZES:

The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.  Approximate sizes after blocking:

Baby Blanket: 26” wide x 30” long
Small Blanket: 30” wide x 34” long
Medium Throw: 34” wide x 42” long
Large Throw: 42” wide x 52” long 
XL Afghan: 46” wide x 58” long 
XXL Afghan: 50” wide x 62” long 

It's very easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.

The pattern includes estimates of how much additional yarn is needed to make each blanket size longer.

I made the small blanket size which is about 30" wide x 34" long.

This blanket pattern looks attractive on both sides.

BULKY WEIGHT YARN:

Baby: 460 - 480 yards
Small: 650 - 670 yards
Medium: 850 - 880 yards
Large: 1300 - 1340 yards
XL: 1600 - 1650 yards
XXL: 1850 - 1950 yards

Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your project.  Estimates for additional yardage needed to make each size longer are noted in the pattern.

This pattern may be used with slightly lighter weight yarns.  Select the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.  To adapt for worsted or Aran weight yarn, follow the instructions for 2 or 3 sizes larger than you want the blanket to turn out.

I used Lion Brand Yarn 'Color Made Easy' bulky weight yarn in the colorway 'Shade'.  This bulky weight yarn has a lovely, light weight feel.  This is my second blanket design with this yarn and I'm thrilled with the results.  This yarn is 100% acrylic, easy care and affordably priced. And, it's available in more than 20 pretty colorways.

Chunky texture in bulky weight yarn - Color Made Easy in 'Shade'

NEEDLES:

The project is worked flat, back and forth on circular knitting needles.  Circular knitting needles are necessary in order to accommodate the large number of stitches for a blanket.

I used US size 10.5 knitting needles for my Happy Endings blanket.  Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.  The goal is to find the knitting needle that gives the best stitch appearance, without being too tight...or too loose.

SKILLS NEEDED:

This is a very easy knitting project.  The main section of the design is a two-row repeat stitch pattern.

You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, change back and forth from knit to purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends.

Blocking of the finished blanket is suggested, but not essential for this pattern.  Click here to see my blog post for tips and information about blocking a blanket.

The 'Happy Endings' blanket is very easy to knit with bulky weight yarn.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading.  Have a wonderful day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

How Knitters Use Fifty Four Ten Studio Patterns - Sharing their projects!

Today, I'm sharing photos of some projects customers have made using my Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting patterns.  It's such a joy to see how knitters have used my patterns to make special items for their family and friends...as well as their own home.  These are just a few of many lovely finished projects.

All photos shared with the permission of each knitter.

Click the links on each pattern name to read more about each pattern here on my blog.

Patti's Pretty Blanket Projects

Patti has made several blankets using my knitting patterns.  She sent me this photo of the Westport Blanket she made for a birthday gift...neatly folded and boxed up for gift giving.  It looks absolutely lovely!

Westport Blanket - knit by Patti

Patti also made the Over the Rooftops blanket in this pretty pinkish cranberry shade.  (I'm sorry I forgot to ask her the yarn color!)  Beautiful stitches!

Over the Rooftops blanket knit by Patti

Khonnie's Traveling Bed Runner Project

Khonnie is knitting a River of Dreams chunky cable bed runner blanket and has shared several gorgeous progress pics on her @atticus_fynch Instagram account.  It was hard to pick just two photos to share!  Her caption for this one: "I take my projects around so I can say they were made in different places. #madeinsac#madeintahoe #madeinLA"

River of Dreams bed runner - knit by Khonnie

How about the pretty composition of the photo below: the open window...the dark shadow in the foreground...the cable knitting appearing out of the shadow and drawing our eye to the window. 

Khonnie's caption: "Adding #madeinoakland to this cable bed runner. I’m renting a small room this weekend while finishing a weaving workshop in Oakland."  Head over to Khonnie's Instagram account to see her posts about weaving!

River of Dreams bed runner - work in progress by Khonnie

UPDATE: Khonnie posted this finished project photo of her beautiful River of Dreams bed runner on Instagram on April 7, 2019:

Khonnie's finished 'River of Dreams' bed runner knitting project.

Eleri's Cozy Blanket Projects

Here's a work in progress photo of Eleri's Stones in the Road blanket.  She used Drops Andes yarn in the 'Gray Lilac' colorway. I love how the chunky texture of her knitting looks with all the fabric designs on her couch...so cozy!

Stones in the Road blanket knit by Eleri

And....she also made this beautiful Across the Diamond blanket for her parents last year.  Such a special gift with perfect stitches...and a gorgeous yarn color!

Across the Diamond blanket knit by Eleri

Carla's 10th Knitting Project!

Carla knit the All These Places blanket in a lovely navy blue yarn.  She told me the yarn is Kramer Yarns Perfection Chunky in the colorway 'Admiral'. 

When I emailed Carla to ask if I could use her project photo for this blog post, she shared with me that this is her 10th finished knitting project...and she's only been knitting for about four months.  She started knitting in November 2018 and she made this blanket in March 2019....it looks fabulous!

All These Places blanket knit by Carla

Carla's Beautiful Birthday Gift

Carla, from Mexico, shared this lovely photo of the beautiful blanket she made as a birthday gift for her adult son. She used my Where the Sidewalk Ends knitting pattern and Lion Brand Hometown USA in the 'Dallas Grey' colorway.  Her stitches are gorgeous!  Such care and love shows in her presentation of flowers, cake and her handmade gift.

Where the Sidewalk Ends blanket - knit by Carla

Shona's Cheery Stay on the Ridge Blanket Project

Shona, from New Zealand, made a gorgeous blanket with the Stay on the Ridge knitting pattern using Malabrigo Worsted yarn in the 'Frank Ochre' colorway.  She shared several beautiful progress photos on her @lilbidypurl Instagram account last year....these are my two favorite:

Stay on the Ridge blanket - work in progress by Shona

I love this September 2018 photo of Shona's finished Stay on the Ridge blanket!  

Stay on the Ridge blanket - knit by Shona

Liz's Beautiful Boulevard Blanket Knitting Project

Liz, who lives in Alaska, shared this pretty work-in-progress photo of The Boulevard Blanket on her Instagram account (check out her beautiful photography!) in mid-January. She said: "I must finish this blanket soon, so it can keep me warm!!! And of course there's Watson, never too far away.  My little quality control specialist." (See more cute photos of her dog Watson on her Instagram account!)

The Boulevard Blanket - knit by Liz

Liz used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Lake Tahoe Blue' for her Boulevard Blanket project...it's gorgeous!  I love how the very subtle variegation of the yarn works with the stitch pattern.

Liz used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Lake Tahoe Blue'

The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern is *free* everyday on Ravelry and LoveKnitting.  It's easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes!

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Thank you so much to Patti, Eleri, Carla, Khonnie, Liz, Shona and Carla (yes...two knitters named Carla!) for sharing their Fifty Four Ten Studio project photos....and for allowing me to share their beautiful photos with you here on my blog.  It's a joy to see how other knitters use my knitting patterns!  

How to share your photos and be considered for a future blog post:  

Instagram: If you are sharing your Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting project on Instagram...be sure to tag your photo with @FiftyFourTenStudio so I will see it!  (Keep in mind that if your account is private, I won't be able to see your photo.)

Email: My email address is in all of my pattern documents...drop me a line anytime!  I love hearing about your projects!  

Ravelry Projects: I love seeing Fifty Four Ten Studio projects that are shared on Ravelry!  I try to check on Ravelry and look for new projects every few weeks.  

Thanks so much for reading!  Have a fabulous day!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Projects made with Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting patterns - 2019