Friday 10 January 2014

WEEK 2
KNIT A BLOCK A WEEK CHALLENGE
 
Its week 2 of the Knit a block a Week Challenge.
My block for this week was number 8 - Little Blocks.
 
 
This block will definitely be a firm favourite with me.
It was an easy block to knit and knitted up quickly.
Importantly too it keeps it's shape and had a lovely texture.
One downside to it was it did come up a little over the 6" but maybe you need to allow for different yarn - even though Double Knit different brands can come up thicker or thinner and then there is your own personal tension to allow for.
 
As I mentioned before I'm knitting my blocks into strips to be made into a blanket to be sent to SIBOL (hopefully!).
 
I've been able to complete my first strip by adding two garter squares in between my first block no 17 and this weeks no 8. (Garter squares are not included in the Knitted block book so Ive kind of cheated a little here!)
 
Last week after square no 17 I felt despondent and thought "oh no what have I let myself in for""  I'm not a confident knitter and this is coming out of my woolly comfort zone but this week after being able to knit the other 4 squares I'm feeling more uplifted - I'm sure my feelings for this will dip again over the coming weeks.
 
I'm looking forward to starting strip 2 over the weekend
 
Happy "Blocking" xx


Sunday 5 January 2014

KNIT A BLOCK A WEEK
 
My first block is finished.
 
 


Block Number 17 - REVERSED HEART
 
I have knitted similar blocks before in this style, where using a mixture of knit and purl you achieve an image that "pops" out.
 
 
This block was quick to do and also keeps its shape well, have often found that some squares curl etc.
 
 
 
My only criticism is that I find reading charts quite lengthy so did write the pattern out to follow rather than follow the chart as I knitted.
 
I'm keeping my blocks on the needle as I'm knitting a blanket in strips to save on sewing up.  Picking blocks with the same stitch count should in theory make this work.
 
You will see this block again over the coming weeks as I have used it more than once.
 
Cant wait to start week 2 block 2
which one will I choose next ?
 
If you would like to join in pop over to Linda's Crafty Corner



Saturday 4 January 2014

KNIT A BLOCK A WEEK
 
Plans have been whirling around my head for the "Knit a block a Week Challenge" Linda's blog
 
The book 200 Knitted blocks by Jan Eaton was delivered a little earlier than Christmas by Santa "Amazon" Claus hee hee. 
Last night it even came in the bath with me while I pondered the designs I would like to knit.
Having decided to produce my first blanket for SIBOL (unfortunately Sue can no longer accept squares but can receive made up blankets), using my first squares I produce I set to work on the pattern, I think Im just about there! That's as long as it turns out ok - I have visions of it turning out like a dogs dinner ............  I think SIBOL is a wonderful organisation, donating blankets to care homes for the elderly.  Im sure they get so much pleasure from the blankets that are delivered to them. 
 
Choosing the squares I went for squares with the same stitch count and what I think the thickness of the square will come out like - Im thinking that maybe some of the designs will give you a thicker/denser texture, I might be completely wrong in this thinking, time will tell.........
 
For SIBOL's blankets they like them to be 36" square - 25 squares plus a border.
 
 
Tonight I've chosen the yarn, stashbusting into the bargain.
 
 
I was thinking of adding a green in too but am undecided on that one, more thinking in the bath required for a decision on that one!
 
My design choices are repeated in my blanket so will count these towards my "Square per day" challenge that is running over on Loving Hands forum.
 
This blankets means Im stashbusting, block a week and square per day - all of these challenges covered.
As this is my first real attempt at a blanket it is stretching my knitting confidence so hope it turns out alright.
 
Im all ready so tonight I start!