(Still) in Progress: Green Twill Blanket

Remember that green blanket I was knitting back in June? Well, it’s almost finished. I took some long breaks from it to sew Medieval garb, but now I’m back on the knitting horse (nesting might have something to do with this).

As soon as I finish the big green square, I will crochet or knit a thin white border around the edge. I’m inclined to crochet the border, because I know more tricks with crocheting than knitting, but I’ve heard that I’ll have to be careful since the two types of work stretch so differently. Anyone have experience mixing knit and crochet? Any tips you can offer?

Happy Yarning!

Fun with Freezer Paper

I picked up a new hobby! Freezer paper stenciling. All you need is an iron, some acrylic paint or fabric paint, some freezer paper, a knife, and an idea. There are dozens of great tutorials online.

I was surprised and delighted by the crisp lines I could achieve. However, I have learned that very thin parts of the stencil got muddled when I blotted on the paint too thickly, as you see with the orange text on the Faster Than Light onesie. Perhaps I can clear up the lettering with white paint and a thin brush.

Seriously though, if you ever want to decorate a t-shirt/bag/onesie/etc., try freezer paper stenciling!

Happy Yarning.

Let it Go (Reprise)

Remember what I said at the beginning of the month, about going back to finish Gwen’s story?

Well, I decided it’s not the right time yet–for a number of reasons.

I’m going to rewrite Featherfolk instead. The plot is solid. I forsee mostly tweaking the cultures and magic systems, fixing character inconsistencies, and addressing pacing/POV issues, but we’ll see what else comes up as I re-read the whole draft.

I’ll give myself part of August to research and plan, then spend September and likely October rewriting. I definitely want to have the second draft finished before our baby arrives in November.

Here goes!

Happy yarning.

In Progress: Green Twill Blanket (and Baby)

I’ve crocheted or knitted a number of baby blankets over the years, but this one is extra special for me, because it’s the first that I intend to keep. My husband and I are expecting our first baby in November.

I still only have a vague idea of what that actually means. But I do know one thing–I’ll have a captive recipient for all sorts of knitted and crocheted projects during the next few years. Mwahahahahaha.

As you see, I’m using the twill pattern I developed back in April when I got a knitting itch. Three guesses why I was itching to knit.

Happy Yarning!

Completed Stripes and Checkers Baby Blanket

Almost three months to the day since I started this project, it is finished!

I’m quite pleased with it.

I based the checkerboard design off several blankets I saw online, but the stripes were my own invention. The alternating sections of knit and purl are 12 stitches wide by 16 rows tall, plus a border of garter stitch 7 rows tall on the top and bottom and 7 stitches wide on the sides. I used size 6 circular needles and medium weight acrylic yarn.

It ended up being 44 inches by 37 inches (.9m x 1.1m), big enough to warm my lap.

I hope my friends’ baby girl will get some good use out of it.

Either way, I’d call my fourth knitting project a complete success.