Category: Afghans/Blankets

Last evening, I was able to complete the crocheted border for my knitted afghan. I’m really liking it a lot. While making this afghan, I was undecided on what type of border I would create, even though I knew it would be crochet, I didn’t reach my decision until yesterday on what I would use.

What stitch did I choose? Well… first I did a single crochet stitch completely around the blanket. It was very neat and I could have left it at that, but I decided to add another row of crochet only this time I crocheted a border that had a scalloped edge.

Do you want to know something? I attempted to crochet that scalloped edge several times before I got it the way I envisioned it to be.

Results? I really like this handknit blanket a lot and so does my daughter.

I’ve included a video so you can see a tutorial for crocheting a scalloped edge.

However, I did deviate a bit from her instructions.

What’s next? I believe I’ll be adding a handstitched lining to this blanket (think Alabama Chanin) and sew an embroidered label (to the fabric) that features one of my daughter’s designs and the start and end date of this project.

By the time this handknit blanket is finished, I do think this will qualify as an heirloom blanket! 😉 I only work with natural fibers, this afghan is 100% merino wool.

My daughter loves this afghan and so do I. It’s large enough to fit on top of a full-size bed, however, it doesn’t hang down on the sides. When not in use, this afghan is being stored in a storage container. I’ve added small cotton swatches of fabric that contain lemongrass and lavender essential oils. Also, in that container are my knit in progress blankets.

Knitting another Blanket

I’m still knitting that king-sized blanket and I just started working on a fisherman’s wool blanket in brown heather. Fisherman’s wool is 100% Pure Virgin Wool. It’s a sturdy yarn and I love that it still contains natural lanolin oil you can feel it when you’re working with the fiber. Fibers that don’t have the lanolin removed are great since it weatherproofs the fabric that’s created.

 

My knitted afghan is slowly growing.

It’s slow because I still am experiencing left wrist/arm pain, however, I do make an effort to knit at least a few minutes each day.

Now granted, the past few weeks, that hasn’t happened even though I did manage to still knit a few times weekly. Hopefully, in the future, I can change that.

Several months ago, when my daughter was out with her grandfather (my father), she purchased me a sweet little battery operated clip-on light. She explained to me that I could use it for knitting with dark yarn. I thought it was thoughtful that she thought of me and purchased it with her own money. I used that little clip-on light until it stopped working and I must say I still have that light because it came from her. Unfortunately, you could not access the battery and so there it sits languishing.

A few hours ago, I finally got around to purchasing a proper rechargeable (usb) light. It’s flexible and will hang around my neck. The reviews for the product seem to be great and it’s a bright light, which will make it perfect for the dark purple of my knitted afghan.

Also, I purchased this yarn. It’s Paton’s Dragon Dance. I only purchased one skein, but if I like it, I’ll purchase enough to make a twin sized blanket. I love color and I believe this would look fabulous as an afghan.

And… I purchased this book, Evidence That Demands A Verdict. It’s over 700 pages! It’s written from the Christian Apologetics view. I tell my daughter it’s important to be able to explain the why of your belief system. That holds true with anything. I can do that, but it’s always nice to have other resources on hand. Reading the Bible is part of my daily reading. I have devotions daily and also reread the Bible. When I finish I simply start reading it again. Despite the times I’ve read it, my knowledge continues to deepen. How awesome is that? I purchased this book on Amazon and since I’m a Prime member, it should arrive here on Saturday. I’ve heard Josh McDowell in person. He spoke at the university I attended.

Progress for my king-sized knitted blanket

While sitting down, this king-sized knit in progress (100% wool) blanket is almost touching the floor.

I’m still knitting slow and I’ve found a way to knit without moving my left arm/wrist. Which is great news for me since that means no pain. I’m using a modified version of Irish knitting.

Once the blanket is complete, I’ll either knit or crochet a floral pattern scattered over the entire knitted blanket (think of embroidery that is placed on top of an item) and also crochet or knit a lace border on the top and bottom of the knit blanket. So, there’s still much to do before this (kip) is finished. I’m also thinking of backing this blanket, so… that adds even more time. I’m fine with that, I’ve already decided this will be an heirloom blanket (for my daughter) so why not add the extras?

So many stitches…

The cast-on was 400 stitches and I’m knitting the seed stitch. Thus far, this knitted blanket has over 100,000 stitches and I’m not even at the halfway mark. The king sized blanket in progress is being knit with my Hiya Hiya Steel Sharp interchangeable cable needles and the cable length is 120″ (two 60″ cables plus one cable extender made that possible) which gives me plenty of room to fit all these stitches.

The knitted blanket smells like Lavender and Cedarwood essential oils

When I’m not knitting the blanket, it’s kept in a large zippered project bag to which I’ve added a few strips of cotton that have had drops of lavender and cedarwood. So yes… this blanket smells like both. It’s delightful. Both oils are relaxing which adds another wonderful attribute to the blanket.

Handcrafting in the Bible

Below, I’ve shared an excerpt from my favorite handcrafting passage recorded in the Holy Bible.

*****

Curtains of Linen
26 “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material; you shall make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman.
2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains shall have the same measurements. 3 Five curtains shall be joined to one another, and the other five curtains shall be joined to one another.
4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set, and likewise you shall make them on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second set.
5 You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is in the second set; the loops shall be opposite each other.

6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and join the curtains to one another with the clasps so that the tabernacle will be a unit.

Exodus 26:1-6

I’m slowly making progress with my king sized knitted blanket. Of course, it’s going to be a long-term knitting project and I’m fine with that.

A few days ago, I swapped to my third (and my second solid color) color of Fisherman’s wool in brown heather.

Initially, I was going to do a much larger block of the brown heather, but after a bit of thought and chatting with my daughter, I’ve decided to only knit a thin strip of brown heather and alternate between another knitted strip of matching blue worsted weight yarn throughout the entire project.

 

I also decided to knit the seed stitch for the entire blanket. Initially, the alternate colors were going to be a knit cable stitch, but… I decided to stick to this stitch. It’s an easy knit stitch to create.

 

• Row 1: *K1, p1; rep from * across.
• Row 2: *P1, k1; rep from * across.
• Repeat rows 1 and 2 for the entire pattern.

See? The stitch is simple but it’s so elegant.

The bulk of this king-sized knitted blanket will be knit in Paton’s royal purple worsted wool. Originally, I was going to purchase all the yarn at one time, but… I thought since the yarn was being knit in Paton’s worsted wool and it’s readily available at the local craft stores that have weekly coupons that start at 40% off, it made sense to take advantage of the coupons offered at AC Moore, Michael’s and JoAnn Fabrics (you can use them interchangeably between all three stores) and save even more money. You can only use one coupon per visit. My daughter has been purchasing a skein of yarn also.

Slow knitting…

Admittedly, it’s a bit frustrating that I can’t knit like I normally do, because of my arm/wrist issues, however, I’m not complaining. There are so many reasons that I am thankful so why should I complain. As a Christian, I’m reminded to give thanks in all things (I Thessalonians 5:18) and while at time it can be a challenge to find ways to be thankful. The few times I feel the urge to complain, I’m instantly reminded of all the reasons why I shouldn’t complain. 🙂 I still am blessed with a lot that I take for granted, such as getting up each morning. Having a home, transportation, food and the list is seemingly endless.

12 But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction,
13 and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.
16 Rejoice always;

17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:12-18
New American Standard Bible