Mailing the Afghan Today

I talked to Dan about just keeping it. And kept it I did for a week, nicely folded, in our guest bedroom. It sat there all week long. It was never used. I never even touched it, except to occasionally pet it.

I thought of all the people I could give it to. It would make a great baby blanket until I realized that it would have to be hand washed and air dried. The chances of either my sister or my SIL hand washing a 36-inch afghan are not good. If I were a betting woman, I'd put a good thousand on it becoming a felted afghan.

I thought about keeping it myself. I wouldn't use it; that's for sure. I would want to display it, but we have no room for such displays.

Since I can't think of a good home for it, I am sticking to my original plan. It will be shipped off to Syracuse, NY where it will join 800 other panels on an abandoned gas station. It can serve a purpose rather than sit in my cedar closet for months.

A final picture of it:

At the last moment, I crocheted a border around the outside. It was my neighbor's idea. She recommended that I single crochet a border on all the edges. I inquired about doing a double crochet, but she was hesitant to agree. Not because she didn't think it would look good, but because she is a one-crochet-stitch-kind-of-a-woman.

It appears I am too. I could only remember how to do a single crochet stitch. So, that's what the afghan got. I should know better. I was taught how to crochet by both my MIL and my Aunt. It's just different from riding your bike. You do forget if you don't use it.

Ode to Quilting Afghan

I finished the last seam this afternoon. I think I let out a hoot. Jake was excited for me until he realized that we weren't going outside to play and I didn't have any treats for him.

Since I finished this afghan before the deadline to enter Lion Brand Yarn Slideshow Contest, I entered it. Vote for me! There are 400+ entries already, so I have no illusions of winning. Yet, this contest provided good motivation to complete the afghan early. Now I can take 6 zillion pictures before I have to mail it off early next month. It's headed to the International Fiber Collaborative.

Although, I had originally planned to add a border around the whole afghan, I hesitate to add one now. I think it would detract from the blocks. What do you think?

On a side note, I can now boldly proclaim that I am a Master of Seaming. This project has taught me much about seaming.

As mentioned to both Knitsy Bitsy Spider and Mr. Puffy, I plan to compile all 9 block patterns into one downloadable PDF pattern. Please don't expect to find it listed on my blog by tomorrow morning. It is going to take me some time to compile everything together. Additionally, I will be adding schematics, charts, and a seaming tutorial. Hopefully, I can pass some of my tips to you before you attempt to seam the blocks together.

One of my tips will be to not wait until the end to seam everything together. Jumping off a bridge will seem like a better idea. Ditto for weaving in your ends; the back side should Not look like a shag carpet.

OK, I'm going to shut up now and let the pictures say the rest.

The Front

The Back

Want more pictures? You can find the whole pictorial story from beginning to end in my Flickr album.

Scarf Applique Block, 9th and Last in Ode to Quilting Series

Although I said I would post this pattern yesterday, I didn't. I have a good excuse though. Yesterday was my 8th anniversary. Dan and I were supposed to go out for dinner to one of our favorite restaurants, Spinnerstown Hotel. The weather had other plans for us. It insisted that we stay home.

So, we did. We had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner while watching a baseball documentary. Then, we toasted with a glass of port and played Parcheesi. It was a fun and relaxing evening.

Pattern for Scarf Applique Block

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion's Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.

1. Color A = Ebony, 1 skein

2. Color B = Scarlet, 1 skein

3. Color C = Winter White, 1 skein
4. Color D = Pumpkin, 1 skein
5. Color E = Purple, 1 skein

6. Color F = Goldenrod, 1 skein

Needles: Lion's Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5)

Materials: Large blunt sewing needle and safety pins

Gauge: 3.75 stitches and 7 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Garter Stitch.

4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Stocking Stitch.

Garter Stitch Pattern: Knit all stitches.

Stocking Stitch Pattern: Knit all the stitches on the right side of the work; Purl all the stitches on the wrong side of the work.

Knitting Instructions:

In Color A, cast on 34 stitches.

Knit in Stocking Stitch until piece measures 8 inches.

Bind off all stitches.

In Color B, cast on 32 stitches.

Knit in Garter Stitch for 14 rows or until piece measures 2 inches.

Bind off.

Repeat these instructions, making two long rectangles.

In Color B, cast on 10 stitches.

Knit in Garter Stitch until piece measures 12 inches.

Bind off.

Repeat these instructions, making two tall rectangles.

Finishing Instructions, Part 1:

Take one Color B Long rectangle and place it directly underneath the bottom edge of the Color A square. Line up the edges. Make sure both pieces are facing up. Secure in place with safety pins. Seam together.

Take the second Color B Long rectangle and place it directly above the top edge of the Color A square. Line up the edges. Secure in place. Seam together.

Take one Color B Tall rectangle and place it directly next to the right sided edge of the Color A square. Line up the edges with the top and bottom of Color B long rectangles. Secure in place. Seam together.

Take the last Color B Tall rectangle and place it on the left sided edge of the Color A square. Repeat the above instructions.

Weave in all seams.

Scarf Instructions:

With Color C, cast on 6 stitches.

Knit in Garter Stitch with Color C for 16 rows.

Then, join in a ball of Color D. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.

Then, join in a ball of Color E. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.

Then, join in a ball of Color F. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.

Then, join in a ball of Color B. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.

Then, join in a new ball of Color C. Work 16 rows in Garter Stitch.

Repeat the last 5 rows of instructions once more.

Then, join in a ball of Color B. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.

Then, join in a ball of Color F. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.

Then, join in a ball of Color E. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.

Then, join in a ball of Color D. Work 4 rows in Garter Stitch.

Then, join in a new ball of Color C. Work 16 rows in Garter Stitch.

Repeat the last 5 rows of instructions once more.

Bind off all stitches.

Weave in all ends.

If desired, add fringe to the bottom of scarf.

Finishing Instructions, Part 2:

Position the scarf to your liking inside the Color A square. Secure in place with safety pins.

Hand tack the scarf down only in the Color C sections. Using a running stitch, tack down all four sides down of each Color C section.

Pull the ends of the Color C yarn to the back of the block.

Weave in all ends.

What is Wrong with this Picture?

Can you find my mistake?

Even with the dark light (the weather consisted of cloudy skies, snow squalls and howling winds), I think my mistake is fairly obvious.

You see it, don't you? At first, I thought I could leave it. Surely, nobody would notice. Who looks at a scarf to see if the pattern is the same on both sides? Then it occurred to me. I do that.

I never thought to invert the striped pattern at the halfway point. I was too busy patting my own back, giddy that the block was knitting up so quickly. What did the Yarn Harlot always quote in her first book? Pride goeth before a fall? Yes, that was it. Apparently, someone should sell those t-shirts.

Now that I am officially more humble than a week ago, allow me to present to you my final Ode to Quilting block.

Scarf Applique Block

I won't tell you that I was so darn proud with the way this final block came out, because I am determined to stay humble. I will tell you that the free pattern will be published in tomorrow's post.

After finishing this block, I pulled out the other 8 blocks and laid them on my dining room table. I shuffled and reshuffled the blocks. This was the final resting point for them.

What do you think?

Knitting it Again

My last Ode to Quilting block:

It looks an awful lot like Jake, doesn't it? Well, I thought I could fool you with his cuteness. It always works on me.

I made a stupid error while knitting the last block and didn't notice it until I was piecing everything together. So, now I have to knit it over again. Since I wanted the block to be a surprise, I'm not even showing you a picture of my mistake. I'll let you see Monday of next week what I did wrong. Dan noticed my error right away. I didn't notice it until I had worked on it for over 2 days. I think I had my "I'm almost Finished" glasses on. They never see any errors.

Since Jake is now my Guest of Honor on the blog today, let me share with you his new trick that he learned. The past two times that Dan and I have poured ourselves a beer after dinner, I gave Jake a treat, thinking we'll all have a treat. Yesterday, when we were pouring beers, Jake sat right in front of my feet, tail wagging, waiting for his treat. I laughed, patted him on the head and promptly went and got him his treat. Does that mean I trained him or he has trained me?

Log Cabin Block, 8th Block in Ode to Quilting Series

This block is perhaps the easiest of all the blocks in the Ode to Quilting series. Only Stocking Stitch is used to knit the squares and rectangles.

Pattern for Log Cabin Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion's Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.

1. Color A = Oceans Blue, 1 skein

2. Color B = Winter White, 1 skein

3. Color C = Goldenrod, 1 skein
4. Color D = Cocoa, 1 skein
5. Color E = Ebony, 1 skein

6. Color F = Rose, 1 skein

7. Color G = Pumpkin, 1 skein

8. Color H = Purple, 1 skein

9. Color I = Midnight Blue, 1 skein

10. Color J = Sage, 1 skein

11. Color K = Flower Garden, 1 skein

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Stocking Stitch.

Needles: Lion's Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5) in straight needles.

Materials:Large blunt sewing needle and safety pins

Stocking Stitch Pattern: Knit all stitches on the right side of the work; Purl all stitches on the wrong side of the work.

Knitting Instructions:

In Color A, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color B, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color C, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 4 inches. Bind off.

In Color D, cast on 18 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color E, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 6 inches. Bind off.

In Color F, cast on 26 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color G, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 8 inches. Bind off.

In Color H, cast on 34 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color I, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 10 inches. Bind off.

In Color J, cast on 42 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 12 rows or 2 inches. Bind off.

In Color K, cast on 10 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch till piece measures 12 inches. Bind off.

Finishing Instructions:

Note: Weave in any ends as you go.

Using safety pins, secure the top edge of the Color A square to the bottom edge of the Color B square. Seam together. (The AB squares will henceforth be referred to as the Log Cabin block.)

Then, secure the right side edge of the Log Cabin block to the left side edge of the Color C rectangle. Seam together.

Then, secure the top edge of the Log Cabin block to the bottom edge of the Color D rectangle. Seam together.

Then, secure the right side edge of the Log Cabin block to the left side edge of the Color E rectangle. Seam together.

Continue in this fashion, repeating the last two instructions until all rectangles have been seamed to the Log Cabin block.

Remove any remaining safety pins.

Weave in any loose ends.

Block according to measurements (12 inches by 12 inches).

Spiral Applique Block, 7th in Ode to Quilting Series

This block was inspired by a bias applique quilter's block.

Pattern for Spiral Applique Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion's Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.
1. Color A = Pearl Grey, 1 skein
2. Color B = Pumpkin, 1 skein
3. Color C = Scarlet, 1 skein

4. Color D = Purple, 1 skein

5. Color E = Midnight Blue, 1 skein

Needles: Lion's Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5) in both straight needles and double pointed needles.

Materials:
Large blunt sewing needle
Safety pins

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Stocking Stitch.

Stocking Stitch Pattern: Knit all stitches on the right side of the work; Purl all stitches on the wrong side of the work.

Knitting Instructions:

Make 4 strips, one in each color.

• In Color B, cast on 10 stitches.
• Work in Stocking Stitch till strip measures 8 inches.
• Bind off all stitches.
• Repeat instructions with color C, color D, and color E.

In color A, make 4 small corner squares.

• With color A, cast on 10 stitches.
• Row 1(right side of work): Purl all stitches.
• Row 2: K1, P2, K4, P2, K1.
• Row 3: P1, K2, P4, K2, P1.
• Row 4: Knit all stitches.
• Row 5: Purl all stitches.
• Row 6: K4, P2, K4.
• Row 7: P4, K2, P4.
• Row 8: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat rows 1-4.
• Bind off all stitches.
• Repeat instructions 3 more times.

With color A, make 1 large center square.

• With color A, cast on 34 stitches.
• Row 1(right side of work): Purl all stitches.
• Row 2: K1, P2, (K4, P2) 5 times, K1.
• Row 3: P1, (K2, P4) 5 times, K2, P1.
• Row 4: Knit all stitches.
• Row 5: Purl all stitches.
• Row 6: K4, (P2, K4) 5 times.
• Row 7: (P4, K2) 5 times, P4.
• Row 8: Knit all stitches.
• Repeat rows 1-8 five more times. (Total rows = 48)
• Bind off all stitches.
• Block to measurements (8 inches by 8 inches).

Finishing Instructions:

• Place one color A corner square on either side of the color B strip.
• Using safety pins, secure squares to strip.
• Using a mattress stitch, seam the corner squares to either side of the strip.
• Repeat instructions with the remaining two corner squares and color C strip.
• Place the color E strip on the right side of the color A center square. Secure with safety pins. Seam together with a mattress stitch.
• Place the final strip, color D, on the left side of the color A center square. Secure with safety pins. Seam together with a mattress stitch.

Make 1 i-cord.

• With color B and two double pointed needles, cast on 2 stitches.
• Knit these two stitches on row 1.
• Do not turn the work.
• Instead slide the work to the beginning of the left-hand needle. Wrap the yarn across the back of the work. Knit the two stitches of row 2.
• Continue in this fashion until i-cord measures 10 inches.
• Join in a ball of color E. (Note: When cutting the yarn from color B, leave a long string, measuring approximately 20 inches.
• Work the i-cord in color E until it measures 10 inches from where color E was joined in.
• Join in a ball of color C. (Again, leave a long 20-inch string of color E).
• Work the i-cord in color C until it measures 10 inches from where color C was joined in.
• Join in a ball of color D. (Again, leave a long 20-inch string of color C).
• Work the i-cord in color D until it measures 10 inches from where color D was joined in.
• Bind off all stitches.
• Leave a long 20-inch string of color D.
• Do not weave in the ends yet.

Placement of i-cord

• Arrange i-cord in a spiral on top of the color A center square. Be sure to stay within the borders of the center square. Also, lay the i-cord down so that the right side faces up toward you at all times.
• Secure the i -cord with safety pins.
• Using a blunt sewing needle, thread in the long, unwoven string of color D.
• Hand tack down the color D section with the unwoven end using a running stitch.
• Once the color D section is fully tacked down, pull the remaining string to the back of the work. Weave in the color D ends.
• Repeat the last three instructions for each colored section.

Hourglass Block, 6th in Ode to Quilt series

The 6th block in the Ode to Quilting panel:

This block is very similar to the "9-Patch Block". The only difference is that two of the blocks are made by sewing two right-angled triangles together. Additionally, as with each of the blocks, I used a different stitch pattern. Diagonal ribbing is featured in the Hourglass Block.

Pattern for Angled Nesting Squares Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion's Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.

1. Color A = Midnight Blue, 1 skein

2. Color B = Cocoa, 1 skein

3. Color C = Cadet Blue, 1 skein

Needles: Lion's Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5)

Materials:

Row counter

Large blunt sewing needle

Safety pins

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Stocking Stitch.

4 stitches and 7 rows is 1 inch/2.5 cm in Diagonal ribbing.

Stocking Stitch Pattern: Knit all stitches on the RS; Purl all stitches on the WS.

Diagonal Ribbing Pattern: Work rows 1-6 in instructions to make ribbed squares.

Glossary:

K = Knit

K2og = Knit 2 stitches together

K3tog = Knit 3 stitches together

P = Purl

P2tog = Purl 2 stitches together

P3tog = Purl 3 stitches together

St = stitch

Knitting Instructions:
In Color B, make 4 ribbed squares.

• Cast on 18 sts.
• Row 1 (Right side of work): K2, (P2, K4) twice, P2, K2.
• Row 2: P1, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P3.
• Row 3: (K4, P2) thrice.
• Row 4: K1, (P4, K2) twice, P4, K1.
• Row 5: (P2, K4) thrice.
• Row 6: P3, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P1.
• Repeat rows 1-6 three more times.
• Repeat rows 1-4 once more. Total rows = 28.
• Bind off all stitches.
• Do NOT block.
• Repeat these instruction three more times to make a total of 4 squares.

In Color A, make 1 square.

• Cast on 18 stitches.
• Work in Stocking stitch for 24 rows.
• Bind off all stitches.

In Color A, make 2 right-angled triangles.

• Cast on 18 sts.
• Row 1 (Right side of work): K all stitches.
• Rows 2-3: Work in Stocking stitch.
• Row 4 (Wrong side of work): P to last three stitches, P3tog.
• Rows 5-6: Work in Stocking stitch.
• Row 7: K3tog, K to end.
• Repeat Rows 2-7 two more times.
• Rows 20-21: Work in Stocking stitch.
• Row 22: P to last three stitches, P3tog.
• Row 23: K all stitches.
• Row 24: P2, P2tog.
• Bind off the 3 remaining stitches.
• Repeat instructions once more to make 2 triangles.

In Color C, make 2 ribbed squares.

• Cast on 18 stitches.
• Row 1 (Right side of work): K2, (P2, K4) twice, P2, K2.
• Row 2: P3, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P1.
• Row 3: (P2, K4), thrice.
• Row 4: K1, (P4, K2) twice, P4, K1.
• Row 5: (K4, P2) thrice.
• Row 6: P1, (K2, P4) twice, K2, P3.
• Repeat Rows 1-6 three more times.
• Repeat Rows 1-4 once more. Total rows = 28.
• Bind off all stitches.
• Repeat instructions once more to make 2 squares.

In Color C, make 2 ribbed triangles.

• Cast on 18 stitches.
• Row 1 (Right side of work): K2, (P2, K4) twice, P2, K2.
• Row 2: P3, (K2, P4) twice, K1, K2tog.
• Row 3: P1, K4, (P2, K4) twice.
• Row 4: K1, (P4, K2) twice, P2, P2tog.
• Row 5: K2, (P2, K4) twice, P2.
• Row 6: P1, (K2, P4) twice, K1, K2tog.
• Row 7: P1, (K4, P2) twice, K2.
• Row 8: P3, K2, P4, K2, P2, P2tog.
• Row 9: K2, (P2, K4) twice.
• Row 10: K1, P4, K2, P4, K1, K2tog.
• Row 11: P1, (K4, P2) twice.
• Row 12: P1, K2, P4, K2, P2, P2tog.
• Row 13: K2, P2, K4, P2, K2.
• Row 14: P3, K2, P4, K1, K2tog.
• Row 15: P1, K4, P2, K4.
• Row 16: K1, P4, K2, P2, P2tog.
• Row 17: K2, P2, K4, P2.
• Row 18: P1, K2, P4, K1, K2tog.
• Row 19: P1, K4, P2, K2.
• Row 20: P2, K2, P2, P2tog.
• Row 21: K2, P2, K4.
• Row 22: K1, P4, K1, K2tog.
• Row 23: P1, K4, P2.
• Row 24: P1, K2, P2, P2tog.
• Row 25: K2, P2, K2.
• Row 26: P3, K1, K2tog.
• Row 27: P1, K4.
• Row 28: P2, P3tog.
• Bind off remaining 3 stitches.
• Do NOT block.
• Repeat instructions once more to make 2 triangles.

Finishing Instructions:

• Take one Color A triangle and one Color C triangle. With right sides facing up, line the diagonal edges of the triangles together. The points of the triangles should meet. Secure with several safety pins. Using a mattress stitch, sew the triangles together. Remove pins.


• Repeat these instructions.

• Lay out all the squares on a table. Move them around until you have obtained the Hourglass design (the Color A square should be in the center with the two Color A triangles meeting at the top right and bottom left of the Color A square).



• Using mattress stitch, seam the squares into three columns.



• Then, seam the columns into one block, taking care to match the seams up.
• Weave in any loose ends.

International Fiber Collaborative

Long-time readers may remember my Ode to Quilting blocks. Although I have taken an extended break from them, I have not forgotten them. Over the next 2 months, you'll be seeing a lot of them. I will be using the 5 FOs.

And the current WIP (an Hour Glass Block)

Coupled with the addition of 3 yet to be knitted blocks to create a 3 foot square panel. This panel will be submitted to the International Fiber Collaborative to be sewn together with 800 other panels. The massive 2400 square foot artwork will cover an abandoned gas station in concern over our dependency on oil.

Would you like to join me? Here is more info from Jennifer Marsh, the organizer behind IFC.

The goal of the International Fiber Collaborative is to provide an opportunity for people who enjoy working with crafts, whether professional artists, hobbyists or students to come together from all over the world to express their concerns about their countries extreme dependency on oil for energy. Those who participate will crochet, knit, stitch, patch, or collage 3 foot square fiber panels that will express each participants concern about this topic. By designing and creating a panel and participating in this project you are, in the larger picture, expressing your concern about this important subject to the rest of the world. Once all 800 panels are received, they will be sewn together to completely cover an abandoned gas station in central New York State, USA. Panels are due March 15, 2008

Angled Nesting Squares Block, 5th in Ode to Quilting series

The 5th block in the Ode to Quilting afghan:

This block is very similar to the "Nesting Squares Block". The only difference is that I made fewer squares (only 2) and turned the squares at a 90 degree angle. To make the block a 12" square again, I knit 4 right-sided triangles.

Pattern for Angled Nesting Squares Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion's Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.
1. Color A = Rose
2. Color B = Autumn Sunset, divided into 2 balls
3. Color C = Sage

Needles: Lion's Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5)

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Stocking Stitch

Stocking Stitch Pattern: Knit all stitches on the RS; Purl all stitches on the WS

Knitting Instructions:
In Color A, cast on 19 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K3, (P1, K1) 6 times, P1, K3.
Row 2 (WS) and all even rows: Knit the K stitches and Purl the P stitches.
Row 3: K4, (P1, K1) 5 times, P1, K4.
Row 5: K5, (P1, K1) 4 times, P1, K5.
Row 7: K6, (P1, K1) 3 times, P1, K6.
Row 9: K7, (P1, K1) 2 times, P1, K7.
Row 11: K8, P1, K1, P1, K8.
Row 13: K9, P1, K9.
Row 15: Repeat row 11.
Row 17: Repeat row 9.
Row 19: Repeat row 7.
Row 21: Repeat row 5.
Row 23: Repeat row 3.
Row 25: Repeat row 1.
Row 27: Bind off.

In Color B, cast on 36 sts. Work in stocking stitch for 14 rows. Row 15 (RS): K10. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 14 sts. K11. Working both sides at once, continue in stocking stitch until 40 rows have been completed since the beginning. Row 41 (RS): K11. Cast on 14 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K11. Work in stocking stitch for 13 more rows (54 rows since beginning). Bind off all sts.

In Color C, make two triangles.
Triangles: Cast on 26 stitches. Knit three rows in stocking stitch.
Row 4(WS): P3tog, Purl to end.
Knit two more rows in stocking stitch.
Row 7(RS): K5, P12, K4, SK2P.
Row 8: Knit the K stitches and Purl the P stitches.
Row 9: K5, P11, K6.
Row 10: P3tog, P4, K10, P5.
Row 11: K5, P10, K5.
Row 12: P6, K9, P5.
Row 13: K5, P8, K4, SK2P.
Row 14: P5, K8, P5.
Row 15: K5, P7, K6.
Row 16: P3tog, P4, K6, P5.
Row 17: K5, P6, K5.
Row 18: P6, K5, P5.
Row 19: K5, P4, K4, SK2P.
Row 20: P5, K4, P5.
Row 21: K5, P3, K6.
Row 22: P3tog, P4, K2, P5.
Row 23: K5, P2, K5.
Row 24: P6, K1, P5.
Row 25: K9, SK2P.
Row 26-27: StSt the 10 stitches.
Row 28: P3tog, P to end.
Row 29-30: StSt the 8 stitches.
Row 31: K5, SK2P.
Row 32-33: StSt the 6 stitches.
Row 34: P3tog, P to end.
Row 35-36: StSt the 4 stitches.
Bind off.

In Color C, make two mirror-image triangles.
Mirror Image: Cast on 26 stitches. Knit three rows in stocking stitch.
Row 4(WS): P23, P3tog.
Knit two more rows in stocking stitch.
Row 7: K3tog, K4, P12, K5.
Row 8: Knit the K stitches and Purl the P stitches.
Row 9: K6, P11, K5.
Row 10: P5, K10, P4, P3tog.
Row 11: K5, P10, K5.
Row 12: P5, K9, P6.
Row 13: K3tog, K4, P8, K5.
Row 14: P5, K8, P5.
Row 15: K6, P7, K5.
Row 16: P5, K6, P4, P3tog.
Row 17: K5, P6, K5.
Row 18: P5, K5, P6.
Row 19: K3tog, K4, P4, K5.
Row 20: P5, K4, P5.
Row 21: K6, P3, K5.
Row 22: P5, K2, P4, P3tog.
Row 23: K5, P2, K5.
Row 24: P5, K1, P6.
Row 25: K3tog, K to end.
Row 26-27: StSt the 10 sts.
Row 28: P7, P3tog.
Row 29-30: StSt the 8 sts.
Row 31: K3tog, K to end.
Row 32-33: StSt the 6 sts.
Row 34: P3, P3tog.
Row 35-36: StSt the 4 sts.
Bind off.

Abbreviations:
P3tog: Purl 3 stitches together
SK2P: Slide 1 stitch. K2 together. Pass slipped stitch over K2tog stitch.
K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together.
K3tog: Knit 3 stitches together.
StSt: Knit in Stocking Stitch pattern

Finishing Instructions:
Place the Color A square inside the Color B square. Using safety pins, match the corners of the Color A square with the inside corners of the Color B square. Starting on the right side and using the mattress stitch, weave the two sides together. Next, weave the top of the A square to the cast-on row of the B square. Continue around in this fashion until the entire A square is weaved together with the B square.

Turn the AB square 90 degrees. Place the triangles on each side of the AB square. Be sure that the triangles are situated so that the stocking stitch runs parallel to the outside of the block. In other words, your block should look similar to the picture on the left.

Use safety pins to hold the triangles in place while you seam the them to the AB square.

Finally, seams the points of the triangles together.

Weave in any loose ends.

A Little Frustration

Well, I have tried to complete my sweater afghan several times now, but to no avail. I finished hand basting the tape around the edges, which I might add did a lovely job of hiding the not-so-stellar cutting job and zigzag stitching. I am now at the point where I should topstitch the tape in place. I've tried twice to do this step with my trusty straight stitch foot. Twice now I've ripped the stitching out. The 3 layers of fabric kept shifting so my stitching line was anything but straight.

Certain that an edging foot would be the answer to my problem, I biked over to my favorite sewing store (Pottstown Sewing and Craft). I bought the only edging foot they had available that looked like it would fit my not-so-fancy sewing machine. It didn't fit. So, I am back where I started with just a straight stitch foot. I've considered hand stitching the tape in place using a slipstitch. The only thing stopping me for jumping in and testing the water is that I would have to hand stitch the tape to both sides of the afghan. I might get it done in a month. To stitch by machine, I could have a finished afghan in 10 minutes. One month vs. 10 minutes. Call me lazy, but I won't give up on the 10-minute option until I've exhausted all avenues.


To add to my frustration, I decided to tackle the collar on my striped sweater yesterday. The collar measures ten inches on each side. Based on my gauge, I needed to pick up 70 stitches on each side. I sat and struggled with the sweater for at least two hours yesterday. I only managed to pick up 6 stitches per inch. Thus, I am 20 stitches short. Do I just ignore my shortfall and carry on in normal fashion? Or do I K2P2 ribbing for one row, increasing 20 stitches along the way. This latter option seems slightly silly to me for the next row requires me to decrease one-third of the stitches in order to achieve a K2P1 ribbing. Maybe what I'll do is just decrease fewer stitches. Hmmm, I'll have to ponder on this problem. But just to state the obvious, dropping all the stitches and retrying to pick up 7 stitches per inch is NOT an option. I think I would cry if I had to do that.


Now for some good news, I am further along with my Angled Nesting Squares block.


I just have the triangles left to join.

Unfortunately, I am not sure when this block will be posted. The viewing is tonight and I still have much to do, such as finish cooking the fried stuffed mushrooms. (My own recipe! If they taste as good as I hope, I'll post the recipe along with the block). The funeral is tomorrow and I imagine we'll be busy all day with family. Thankfully, our dear friends have volunteered to watch Jake. They love to spoil him. I'm sure he will get plenty of treats and pets.

A special thank you to everybody who left their comments to "A Memorium". I was very touched by each one.

Nesting Squares Block, 4th in Ode to Quilting series

The 4th block in the Ode to Quilting afghan:

This block was a lot of fun to knit. So without further ado, following is the complete knitting pattern.

Pattern for Nesting Squares Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion's Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.

1. Color A = Pumpkin

2. Color B = Autumn Sunset, divided into 2 balls

3. Color C = Sage, divided into 2 balls

4. Color D = Flower Garden, divided into 2 balls

5. Color E = Pearl Grey, divided into 2 balls

6. Color F = Ocean Blues, divided into 2 balls

Needles: Lion's Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5)

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Stocking Stitch

Stocking Stitch Pattern:Knit all stitches on the RS; Purl all stitches on the WS

Knitting Instructions:

In Color A, cast on 10 sts. Row 1(RS): K5, P4, K1. Repeat this row 5 more times. Row 7(RS): K1, P4, K5. Repeat this row 5 more times. Bind off in pattern.

In Color B, cast on 18 sts. Work in stocking stitch for 6 rows. Row 7: K5. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 6 sts. K6. Working both sides at once, continue in stocking stitch until 12 rows have been completed since bind off row (18 rows since beginning). Row 19 (RS): K6. Cast on 6 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Work in stocking stitch for 5 more rows (24 rows since beginning). Bind off all sts.

In Color C, cast on 26 sts. Row 1(RS): K1, (K4, P4) repeat to last st, K1. Repeat this row 5 more times. Row 7(RS): K1, P4. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 14 sts. K6. Row 8(WS): K1, P4, K1. Switch to other side. K6. Repeat row 8 four more times. Row 13: K6. Switch to other side. K1, P4, K1. Repeat row 13 five more times. Rows 19-24: Repeat row 7. Rows 25-30: Repeat row 12. Row 31: K1, P4, K1. Cast on 14 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Rows 32-36: K1, (P4, K4) repeat to last st, K1. Bind off all sts in pattern.

In Color D, cast on 34 sts. Work in Stocking stitch for 6 rows. Row 7: K5. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 22 sts. K6. Working both sides at once, continue in stocking stitch until 36 rows have been completed since bind off row (42 rows since beginning). Row 43(RS): K6. Cast on 22 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Work in stocking stitch for 5 more rows (48 rows since beginning). Bind off all sts.

In Color E, cast on 42 sts. Row 1(RS): K1, (K4, P4) repeat to last st, K1. Repeat this row 5 more times. Row 7(RS): K1, P4. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 30 sts. K6. Row 8(WS): K1, P4, K1. Switch to other side. K6. Repeat row 8 four more times. Row 13: K6. Switch to other side. K1, P4, K1. Repeat row 13 five more times. Rows 19-24: Repeat row 8. Rows 25-30: Repeat row 12. Rows 31-36: Repeat row 8. Rows 37-42: Repeat row 12. Rows 43-48: Repeat row 8. Rows 49-54: Repeat row 12. Row 55: K1, P4, K1. Cast on 30 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Rows 56-60: K1, (P4, K4) repeat to last st, K1. Bind off all sts in pattern.

In Color F, cast on 50 sts. Work in Stocking stitch for 6 rows. Row 7: K5. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 38 sts. K6. Working both sides at once, continue in stocking stitch until 60 rows have been completed since bind off row (66 rows since beginning). Row 67(RS): K6. Cast on 38 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Work in stocking stitch for 5 more rows (72 rows since beginning). Bind off all sts.

Finishing Instructions:

Place the Color A square inside the Color B square. Using safety pins, match the corners of the Color A square with the inside corners of the Color B square. Starting on the right side and using the mattress stitch, weave the two sides together. Next, weave the top of the A square to the cast-on row of the B square. Continue around in this fashion until the entire A square is weaved together with the B square.

Next, place the A-B square inside of the Color C square. Using safety pins, match the corner of the Color B square with the inside corner of the Color C square. Using more safety pins, ensure the checker pattern of the C square lines up with the checker pattern of the A square. Then, starting on the right side and using mattress stitch, weave the two sides together.

Next, turn the corner and start weaving the top of the B square with the cast on row of the C square.

Continue on in this fashion, weaving the left side and the bottom of the B square to the side and bind-off row of the C square.

Continue to place the ever-growing block inside of the next larger square. Use the mattress stitch exclusively when weaving all the sides together.

When it is all said and done, you'll be the proud owner of a Nesting Squares Block.

Join me next week when I roll out the 5th block in the Ode to Quilting series. If you are knitting along with me, please send me photos of your completed blocks so I can share them with everybody else!

Bright Hope Block, 3rd in Ode to Quilting series

The Bright Hope block is the 3rd block in my Ode to Quilting afghan.


Pattern for Bright Hope Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion's Wool by Lion Brand (see my links to the right for Lion Brand's website) or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.
1. Color A = Ebony
2. Color B = Pumpkin
3. Color C = Goldenrod
4. Color D = Scarlet
5. Color E = Purple

Needles: Lion's Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5)

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Stocking Stitch

Stocking Stitch Pattern:
Knit all stitches on the RS; Purl all stitches on the WS

Arrow Pattern:
Row 1 (RS): K6, P2, K6.
Row 2: K1, P4, K4, P4, K1.
Row 3: K4, P6, K4.
Row 4: K1, P2, K8, P2, K1.
Row 5: K2, P4, K2, P4, K2.
Row 6: K5, P4, K5.
Row 7: K1, P3, K6, P3, K1.
Row 8: K3, P8, K3.
Row 9: K1, P1, K10, P1, K1.
Row 10: K1, P5, K2, P5, K1.
Row 11: K5, P4, K5.
Row 12: K1, P3, K6, P3, K1.
Row 13: K3, P8, K3.
Row 14: K1, P1, K4, P2, K4, P1, K1.
Row 15: K1, P4, K4, P4, K1.
Row 16: K4, P6, K4.
Row 17: K1, P2, K8, P2, K1.
Row 18: K2, P10, K2.

Knitting Instructions:
In Color A, cast on 26 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 36 rows. Bind off.

In Color B, cast on 14 stitches. Work rows 1 thru 18 of the Arrow Pattern three times for a total of 54 rows. Bind off.
In Color C, cast on 14 stitches. Work rows 1 thru 18 of the Arrow Pattern three times. Bind off.
In Color D, cast on 14 stitches. Work rows 1 thru 18 of the Arrow Pattern three times. Bind off.
In Color E, cast on 14 stitches. Work rows 1 thru 18 of the Arrow Pattern three times. Bind off.

Finishing Instructions:
Lay all the knitted pieces out on a flat surface. Shift them around until you like the way it looks. Your block will look like the one below, minus a dog. (Jake wanted to be in all the pictures yesterday. How could I say no? He looked so cute!)

Pick up only the black square and the color strip to the right of the block. In this case, it is the pumpkin (orange) strip.

Line the top of the pumpkin strip up with the top of the black square. The strip should be 3 inches longer than the black square.

Using a mattress stitch and orange yarn, weave the two pieces together. Do not break the yarn. It will be used later.

Next, pick up the color strip that lay directly below the black square. In this case, it will be the purple strip. Lay the purple strip down so that the top of the strip butts up with the left side of the orange strip. The arrows of the purple strip should point toward the orange strip.

Measure the purple strip. It should measure 9 inches. Using a straight pin with a colorful head, mark the placement of 6 inches down from the top. Line the straight pin up with the bottom left corner of the black square. Using safety pins, pin the purple square in place.

Using a mattress seam and purple yarn, seam the purple strip to the black square. Do not break the yarn.

Next, pin the top of the purple strip to the remaining left side of the orange strip. Pick up the leftover yarn used when seaming the orange strip to the black square. Use it to seam the two strips together.

Next, pick up the color strip that lay to the right of the black square. In this case, it is the red strip. Line the bottom of the red strip up with the bottom right hand corner of the black square. The top of the red strip should extend 3 inches beyond the top of the black square. It should butt into the section of the purple strip extending beyond the black square. Additionally, the arrows in the red strip should point toward the purple strip.

Using the mattress stitch and red yarn, weave the red strip and the black square together.

Next, pin the top of the red strip to the remaining 3 inches of the purple strip. Using the leftover purple yarn, weave the two pieces together.

Next, pick up the final color strip. In this case, the yellow strip is the lone straggler. Pin the yellow strip in place.

The top of the yellow strip should butt into the side of the red strip. The bottom of the yellow strip should be even with the right outside edge of the orange strip. Additionally, the arrows on the yellow strip should point toward the red strip. Likewise, the arrows on the orange strip should point towards the yellow strip.

Measure the yellow strip to locate where it is 6 inches from the top. Mark it with a pin. Line the pin up with the orange and black seam (where the orange strip was weaved together with the black square).

Using the mattress stitch and yellow yarn, weave the yellow strip to the black square and to the top of the orange strip.

Finally, pin the top of the yellow strip to the remaining loose side of the red strip. Using the leftover red yarn, weave the final two pieces together.

Weave in any loose strands of yarn.

Ta Da. You have a Bright Hope Square.

9-Patch Block Finished

The 9-patch block in all its finished glory:

As promised, following are the finishing instructions for the 9-patch block.

First, lay the squares out as you would like them to be in the final block. Then, pick up the 3 squares that make up the first row. Pin the sides together (I recommend using safety pins as they allow the items to lay flat while keeping them securely in place). Once pinned, your row will look like the pic below.











Then, seam up the sides using a mattress stitch, taking the pins out as you come to them. (For a reminder on how to execute the mattress seam, go to http://www.learn2knit.co.uk/knitting/joining.php). Do not be concerned about which color of yarn you use to seam up the sides with. As Elizabeth Zimmerman would say, "Flip a coin. It's the only way." Once you have both sides seamed, set Row 1 aside.

Repeat these instructions for both rows 2 and 3.










Next, pick up Row 1 and 2. Pin the long sides together being careful to align the seams. Once pinned, your block will look similar to the pic below.











Then, seam the rows together, taking the pins out as you come to them. In this case, you may want to use Color A as your seaming yarn, since the majority of the blocks are in this color.

Once completed, pick up Row 3 and pin it to the bottom of the half-completed block. Do take the extra time to match up the seams. Then, seam the rows together.






Weave in any loose strands of yarn.

Block lightly to measurements. The block should measure slightly larger than a 12 inch square (due to the added selvage stitches and bind off rows).

Set block aside with the St. Louis block.

The next block in the "Ode to Quilting" afghan will be posted Monday, May 21st.

Thank you for keeping up with the series. I truly have enjoyed creating each block!

9-patch block unfinished

Here is the 2nd block in my "Ode to Quilting" afghan.

It is a traditional 9-patch block, consisting of 4 dark squares and 5 light squares.

Pattern for 9-patch Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion's Wool by Lion Brand (see my links to the right for Lion Brand's website) or substitute any wool yarn from your stash
1. Color A = Winter White
2. Color B = Cadet Blue
3. Color C = Midnight Blue
4. Color D = Purple
5. Color E = Black

Needles: Lion's Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5, but I am a habitually loose knitter)

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Stocking Stitch
3.5 stitches and 7 rows is 1 inch in Garter Stitch

Stocking Stitch: Knit all stitches on RS (Right Side); Purl all stitches on WS (Wrong Side)

Garter Stitch: Knit all rows

Pattern: In Color B, cast on 18 stitches. Row 1: Knit all stitches. Row 2: K1, Purl 16, K1.
Repeat these two rows until 24 rows have been knit or until piece measures 4 inches.
Bind off.

Repeat the instructions above for Colors C, D and E.

When finished, you will have four dark colored blocks knit in stocking stitch.

Block lightly to measurements of 4 inches by 4 inches. Set aside.

Now for the fun part .... the knitting of the white blocks.

Block #1 (Garter square): In Color A, cast on 16 stitches. Work in Garter stitch for 28 rows or until piece measures 4 inches. Bind off.

Block #2 (Diamond square): In Color A, cast on 16 stitches. Row 1 and all future odd-numbered rows: Knit to end. Row 2: K1, P6, K2, P6, K1. Row 4: K1, P5, K4, P5, K1. Row 6: K1, P4, K6, P4, K1. Row 8: K1, P3, K8, P3, K1. Row 10: K1, P2, K10, P2, K1. Row 12: K1, P1, K12, P1, K1. Row 14: Knit to end. Row 16: Repeat Row 12. Row 18: Repeat Row 10. Row 20: Repeat Row 8. Row 22: Repeat Row 6. Row 24: Repeat Row 4. Row 26: Repeat Row 2. Bind off.

Block #3 (Fools Welt square): In Color A, cast on 16 stitches. Rows 1-3: Work in Stocking Stitch. Rows 4-8: Work in Garter stitch. Work rows 1-8 twice more for a total of 24 rows. Then, work rows 1-3 again. Bind off.

Block #4 (Ridged square): In Color A, cast on 18 stitches. Rows 1-2: Work in stocking stitch. Row 3: K1, P16, K1. Row 4: Knit to end. Rows 5-8: Work in stocking stitch. Row 9: K1, P16, K1. Rows 10-13: Work in stocking stitch. Row 14: Knit. Row 15: K1, P16, K1. Rows 16-19: Work in stocking stitch. Row 20: Knit. Rows 21-24: Work in stocking stitch. Row 25: K1, P16, K1. Row 26: Knit. Rows 27-28: Work in stocking stitch. Bind off.

Block #5 (Step pyramid square): In Color A, cast on 16 stitches. Rows 1-4: Knit to end. Row 5 and all future odd-numbered rows: Knit. Rows 6 & 8: K1, P1, K12, P1, K1. Rows 10 & 12: K1, P2, K10, P2, K1. Rows 14 & 16: K1, P3, K8, P3, K1. Rows 18 & 20: K1, P4, K6, P4, K1. Rows 22 & 24: K1, P5, K4, P5, K1. Rows 26 & 28: K1, P6, K2, P6, K1. Bind off.

Finishing instructions will be provided tomorrow, Tuesday, May 15th.

Forgive me, but I am off to prune more of my "Carrot Top" bush. I recently realized this bush is actually a Fire Thorn bush. I never knew that. Guess how I found out. You betcha. I stuck my hand into the middle of the bush, trying to prune out all the dead twigs and I had the dickens of a time getting my hand back out unmarred. This time I am wearing long sleeves in the hopes it will keep me unscathed. No wonder the birds don't bother it. =)

Other knitting news: The brown yarn from Shelridge Farms arrived on Saturday! I can Finally finish my sleeve. I've already wound it into a ball. It's ready for tonight's baseball game.

Happy Knitting, All!