Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas
How exciting is this? The awesome editors over at KnitCircus have agreed to give away pattern packs from the current issue to 5 lucky commenters! Below are just a few samples of what you’ll find in this issue, also included are table runners, coffee mug cozies and socks.
Leave me a comment telling me all about your summer knitting!
Giveaway ends next Friday, June (OMG is it June already??) 4, 2010. Ready….set…..GO!!
Any time of year is a good time for stash busting, but if you can combine it with knitting a blanket that will keep you warm when it (finally!) gets cooler that’s even better. Let’s take a look at some fun patchwork blanket knitting patterns.
If you want to keep it super simple, you can just make blocks of garter stitch and sew them together, like the beginner’s patchwork baby blanket from Mini Baa Baa or the color block blanket from Make and Do Crew. Both projects are worked in strips and sew together, with the baby version calling for two strands of DK or light worsted weight yarn held together and the larger one using bulky yarn.
Add a little more texture with the mixed blocks of the cottage quilt throw from Mama in a Stitch. This one combines garter stitch and seed stitch and uses worsted weight yarn. She used a crochet join to make the chains on top of the blocks, but you can join them however you like. It calls for eight colors but you can use what you have, and there are three size options.
Get a real sampler style patchwork blanket with this design from Knit Sew Make. It calls for worsted weight yarn and has four size options. All of the patterns just use knit and purl stitches so this one is still pretty easy for beginners.
If you want a more complex colorwork project that will keep you entertained all season, try the Peace by Piece blanket pattern from Needle and Feather. This one is made up of two color colorwork blocks and calls for worsted weight yarn. You can choose to use just a few of the blocks and repeat them more often, or make multiples of the whole set.
The knitted patchwork recipe from Martine Ellis (free on Ravelry) uses mitered squares in fingering weight yarn, so it’s perfect for using up all your leftover sock yarn and mini skeins. This one is a tutorial more than a pattern so you can make your blanket as big as you like or keep going until you run out of yarn.
Susan B. Anderson’s 100 Squares blanket (find it on Ravelry) has a lot of mitered squares, too, but they’re arranged in fun ways and includes some quilt inspired designs as well. This one also is a bit of method more than pattern but it sure looks like a lot of fun for using all the leftovers.
Of course you can totally improvise a patchwork blanket using the yarn and stitches you like, but I hope these patterns inspire you to look at your leftover yarn in a new way.
I’m participating in two KAL in the KnitPicks Lovers group on Ravelry. I also plan to knit Kat Coyle’s Short-Row Skirt and start my winter knitting in August.
This summer I’m knitting a project that will take some time, it’s the Totally Autumn throw in Knitty 2007 fall issue knitted in Trendsetter Vigna Spanish Sunset. I recently had total knee replacement surgery and will be off work for at least two months, the only thing that keeps me sane is knitting. To avoid one project burn out I’m also working on a Potluck wool hat for my husband. In between those two projects I’m knitting washclothes and plan to begin a pair of socks.
I just love great giveaways! This summer I’m working on Christmas gifts that includes socks, shawlettes, and dishcloths/soap sacks. I’m also working on a cardigan for myself.
I’ve always got one or two pairs of socks going. I use the double circ, two at a time method. Makes it easy to complete a pair of socks in a hurry and on the go. I also have a baby shrug in the works. After that I am going to knit something for myself for a change (besides socks)! Still narrowing down the pattern. Have some fabulous cottons and super merino blends in my stash for inspiration.
socks, cardigans, beaded scarf….and something with my own home spun yarn
I’d love to win!
My summer knitting, is a summer top in CEY Firefly, and a baby sweater for my granddaughter.
I can’t wait to get my knitting needles out for the projects in this book
I have been rediscovering cotton yarn this summer. i am making water bottle and wine bottle carriers and bathing suit covers!
I am working on stockings for Christmas presents. It is very relaxing for me in the evening before bedtime.
I have been knitting sock’s & makeing dish towel’s. All so reading alot of good books by Jennifer Weiner.