Knitting Project Monogamy

This has to end. I’m declaring to an end to this. What is “this”? The random, willy-nilly casting on of new projects just because I have that yarn in my stash that would be wonderful knit into this, that or the other thing. Or I’ve come across a new pattern (usually free) that I can NOT live without the knitting of said pattern.

Enough! Take that knitting karma! I’m taking control. So I pledge the following:

1. I will not cast on for any new projects until the 3 that are currently living on my end table are done. All are in a ridiculously “so close to being done” state that I can surely accomplish this by the end of the year. I won’t have to make my forced fast last for too long.

2. I will take control of this ridiculous obsession I have with the fibery goodies. NO NEW CASTING ON! Hear me, Karma? Nothing new shall be cast on until the top of the end table is once again viewable (except the 2nd in the slippers, that doesn’t count).

3. Karma, I’m not sure you’re listening. I’m prepared to deal with you, bring it on, but you will not win with this one! Nothing like a war with myself to get the blood flowing!

There, now I’ve sufficiently jinxed myself and am surely doomed to fail. But I can fix that too. All I have to do is look for another pattern to start.

So, this was found: A free pattern for 3 different Tams, from Knitty! I had seen one made up in pale blues, purples and frosty whites. Gorgeous. And, yes Virginia, you do still have time to whip this up, unless of course you’ve tempted fate like I have and are in bed hiding under the covers!

And, what will be the next project I cast on for after my self-induced fiber famine? The Wisconsin Socks. Nothin’ like hand knit socks in worsted weight up here in N. Michigan!

Another shot to Karma, and most likely a blow to myself… all of my grandchildren (7 counting, I think) shall receive a hand knitted gift from me on their birthday this year, but, seriously, what in the world can you possibly knit for a 13 year old boy??

Next Pattern:

Blankets are a great blank slate project that you can change up in a million different ways. From color to stitch pattern to size, the possibilities are almost endless.

Jared Flood, the designer behind Brooklyn Tweed, was inspired by a log cabin quilt his mother made in 1995 to re-create that design in knitting, which led to more blankets and ultimate Brooklyn Tweed’s Knit and Crochet Blankets, which includes 25 patterns from an array of designers using different skills and techniques to make cozy, pretty blankets.

The patterns are divided into three aesthetic themes: traditions, minimalism and colorplay. The patterns are rated on a scale of one to five, with one being the easiest, and there aren’t any pieces rated five. Two blankets are rated one, 14 are two, eight are three and one is four.

In addition, three of the 25 patterns are crocheted, but they either use single crochet or granny stitch, so they are pretty easy even if you don’t do a lot of crochet. You can see all the patterns on Ravelry.

Some of my favorites include Rattan by Rastus Hsu, a chunky blanket worked in knits and purls with simple crossing stitches to make a raised woven look; Homewood by Seth Richardson, covers in dramatic, loopy cables; Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Tessellate, one of the beginner projects that doesn’t really look beginner but is totally worked in knit and purl stitches; Warp + Weft by Aist? Butkevi?ien?, which is mostly knits and purls but makes a fun woven look fabric that blew my mind a little bit; and the same designer’s Canyonland, a multicolored blanket with wavy stripes.

The patterns tell you how to resize them for different dimensions and include information on pattern repeats where it is possible to make a totally custom size.

Many different techniques are included here such as cables, lace, shadow knitting, intarsia and other colorwork techniques, as well as modular knitting and lots of sewing pieces together. The patterns are all presented with charts, but there are line by line written instructions available on the Brooklyn Tweed website if you need them.

The book ends with a deep dive into log cabin knitting, telling the story of the quilt Jared’s mom made and how he made it in knitting, as well as the multitude of variations you can make if you want your own log cabin style design.

The back of the book includes a little written information about some of the special techniques needed, but there are no photos.

This is a lovely book full of inspiration for knitting and crochet blankets for any skill level. If you like to make blankets as gifts or aspire to have a handmade blanket in every room of the house, these designs would be a great place to start.

About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 25 patterns. Published 2024 by Abrams Books, suggested retail price $24.99.

Next Pattern:

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