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Gotta love the whimsey in this kid.
Pattern: Abby's Blanket
Yarn: Random balls of Karabella Aurora 6 and Auora 8 from my stash
Needles: US 9
Finished Measurements: 40x40"
Notes: I worked this version at a larger gauge and switched colors every 8 rounds. The last few color bands took 60-70 grams per color. Every other band took less than one 50 gram skein from the stash.
*She has once again achieved grades that boggle my mind in very demaing classes. I am a proud mama.
The pattern for Abby's Blanket is now ready.
I originally created this design for my sweet new niece who joined us on June 7th. We haven't had a baby in the family in 17.5 years so this is a big deal. She has been lavished with love and is one of the cutest babies ever. (I am not at all biased.)
Abby's blanket is worked in the round from the center outward. The simple stitch pattern works well in a delicate solid shade as with the original that I made for my niece. Or you can go stash diving and work it in bold colors for your whimsical 17 year old daughter. If you don't have a whimsical 17 year old daughter it works well for just about anyone in your life who enjoys something cozy to snuggle up in. And did I mention stash busting?
I switched colors every 8 rounds for IJK's version using random balls of Aurora 6 and Aurora 8 that have been in my stash for years. Don't ask which colors they are. Most lost their ball bands years ago.
Pattern: Abby's Blanket
Yarn: Madelinetosh Vintage
Colors: Body - Afternoon 3 skeins, Border - Coral 1/2 skein
Needles: US 8/5 mm or size to obtain gauge - (I used US 9/5.5 mm for the multi striped version)
Finished Size: 34x34" - (the striped version worked at a larger gauge is 40x40")
Gauge: 14 sts and 25 rows = 4" (the striped version is worked at 11.5 sts = 4")
Price: $6.00 US
Thank you to Elspeth, Michelle and Katie for test knitting!!
Summertime is a great time to knit shawls. They are lightweight projects that are perfect for taking along on a summer vacation or knitting on your own back deck. When finished shawls are the ideal garmet to have on hand to throw over your shoulders in an overly airconditioned office or restaurant.
In celebration of summer and our love of shawls we're having a Through the Loops Summer Shawl Knitalong over in the Through the Loops group on Ravelry. We'd love it if you'd join us.
To join the KAL head over to the KAL thread in the Through the Loops group on Ravelry and tell us which Through the Loops shawl you'll be knitting. I've got a list with links to all of my shawl patterns there. Also tell us what yarn you'll be using and anything else you care to share. Then all you have to do is knit a Through the Loops shawl pattern between now and the last day of summer and post a finished photo in the group thread by midnight on September 23rd. Of course I hope you'll join in the conversation as well, but that's not required. I'll draw 5 winners who will receive prizes of yarn, patterns or other goodies from all of the finished shawls posted to the group by that date. Keep an eye on the KAL thread as I will begin posting photos of the prize swag soon.
For those who'd like a button feel free to swipe the one below.
Prunus Cerasifera: Purple Leaf Plum
My small purple leaf plum was at the peak of its glorous bloom when I cast on for this shawl. How could I help but name the pattern after it?
While I was out at the Loopy Ewe Spring Fling in April, Sheri kindly took the teachers for a private trip to her amazing shop. There is so much spectacular yarn at the Loopy Ewe it was hard to know where to turn, but the instant I saw the shelf of String Theory Caper Sock I knew a skein or two would have to come live with me. The two skeins of Jade that I chose were cast on almost immediately after I returned home. Between the color and the softness of the yarn I couldn't stop knitting and the shawl flew off the needles. I don't remember exactly how long it took, but I'm pretty sure I designed and knit this in under a week.
Since I knit the first so fast I thought I should probably make a second just to double check my notes. I've had two skeins of handspun that I've wanted to use together in a shawl waiting for the right project. So while my mother was here last week I cast on a second Cerasifera. My mom and I sat and chatting and knitting and the second Cerasifera flew off the needles as quickly as the first. The colors of the Funky Carolina fiber really seem to suit the pattern.
The handspun yarn was a worsted weight so I went up a needle size to keep the lace from being too tight. The gauge is much bigger on this version so the blocked shawl measures 67x27" as opposed to the original which is 53x21". I ran out of yarn after only 10 rows of ribbing so I bound off sooner than on the original. It's nice to see that this pattern can adapt.
It turns out that it's quite perfect for taking an early morning walk around the garden with coffee in hand.
To see more photos visit the Cerasifera Raverly page or my Flickr photostream.
Thank you as always to my amazing test knitters: Monika, Holly, Julie & Karyn. I asked them to have their test knitting completed between July 1 & 15th and all four of these talented knitters finished way ahead of schedule! Each of their Cerasifera shawls are unique since the all chose very different yarns.
Size: One Size
Finished Measurements: 53” across top edge, 21” from top edge to bottom at center - can be made larger or smaller by adjusting the gauge.
Yarn: Fingering Weight approximately 500 yards. Shown in: String Theory Caper Sock, 80% superwash merino, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400 yards/366m per 4 oz/113g skein; color: Jade; 1.25 skeins
Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) 32” circular needle or size to obtain gauge
Gauge: 15 sts & 30 rows = 4” in openwork lace pattern (see notes) - blocked, always take the time to check gauge
Other Materials: Scrap Yarn, 13 Place Markers (PM), tapestry needle
Price: $6.00 US
