I’ve been knitting squares. It means more stash busting and some much-needed mindless knitting. I really do knit to relax but I also use it to challenge my abilities to use math creatively as in writing patterns in multiple sizes.
I guess I need a little bit of both and like to alternate between challenging and relaxation projects.
Also, last week I taught a class on embroidering knits. It was great fun but a lot of work to prepare for. I knit quite a few squares for the class and had square fever afterwards.
For the class, the squares are done in stockinet stitch. I had the students work a sampler using the face from the beatnik doll found in Boho Baby Knits.
I also had the owl face ready, but we didn’t have time to get to that one. The owl face is one of the decorations on the bonnets from Boho Baby.
All these other squares are for a blanket. They are garter stitch. Ah, lovely, easy, textural, lays flat, garter stitch I love you.
I got on a kick with planning patchwork blankets and can’t stop. Right now, I’m working with what’s in the stash, Brown Sheep Nature Spun sport weight in a variety of colors that I used to make my dolls. I’ve been studying the color card and feel tempted to buy more colors. This is how THE STASH gets to be so huge, there’s always a need for more!
15 comments:
Mindless knitting is definitely good...cute embroidery....those beatnik dolls are on my to do list....and your stash is so organized!
The patchwork blanket is a nice idea. How long do you think it will take you to do? I am asking because I am amazingly slow knitter...
I love the look of the embroidery on the knitting! I have tried it before but found it difficult to do neatly.
I love when you post something on your blog, because it's always creative, unique, and fun! I would love to make a blanket like this for my little granddaughter, but I'm afraid my embroidery skills are not that great. Any suggestions? You are so artistic that it all comes easily to you, but for me, it's tough. What would you advise?
Well, the stash is just part of your professional toolbox, right? :) Squares are cute. I wouldn't have the patience to seam it all though!
The first photo is so adorable! Great colors. Your embroidery is fantastic, too.
Gudrun: Ooh, can't wait to see your version of the beatnik dolls.
bohemian girl: I'm almost knitting the squares. There are 20. It's a small baby sized blanket. I started 5 days ago. We'll see how long it takes to sew the patches together!
Nettie: It does take some practice to embroidery on hand knit fabric. You have to learn how to work with the knitted texture.
Poethead: When I want to embroidery a design on knitting I draw the idea onto knitters graph paper. Each square represents one stitch. You can then draw the design on to your knitting using one of those pens with the disappearing ink.
Also, it's easier to embroider onto a knit fabric with a smaller gauge.
Connie: Yes, absolutely, it's all a part of my tool box. I guess I need a bigger tool shed and then it won't feel so crowded in here!
Shopgirl: ah thanks!
I forgot to say--That stash is Nothing--I have a stash room----crazy
The squares are super cute and would make an awesome blanket
Those beatnik doll faces get me every time. Is it wrong to make a doll for a boy? :)
edna: that's what I'm aiming for, a whole room of yarn!
raining sheep: thanks. I just finished knitting 16 squares for the garter stitch blanket (I think it's enough). I miscounted before. TIme to stitch it up.
Julia: Are you kidding!? Of course it's okay to knit a boy a doll!! Felix is crazy about these dolls. Loves them.
sigh ... you must have been born with an embroidery needle in your hand - your embroidery stitches are so neat. i love the beatnik doll face. is it wrong to make a beatnik doll for yourself? :-)
Oh the squares are fabulous! How did your class go? I'm sure it was fantastic, but I also know you were a little nervous about it.
The owl face is perfect!
Cristina: thank you! I like the owl too. I'm thinking he would make a very cute, large sized pillow/stuffie.
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