Big 10 Knit-a-Long: Free pattern(s) for March

Last month there were THREE patterns for the Big 10 Charity Knit-a-Long. I don't know if that is really impressive or just crazy. Either way, this month, there is only one, but I absolutely love this one. It's easy to memorize and is packed with the instant gratification of looking right sharp from the get-go. (Yes, I watch British television programs whilst knitting. Why do you ask?)

The Lines Block

You'll need: US Size 7 needles or size needed to achieve gauge of 5 sts = 1 inch; Worsted weight acrylic yarn. Finished size should be 7” x 9”.

Cast on 30 stitches.
Knit 4 rows for border, then begin pattern.
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: k4, p22, k4
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: k4, p22, k4
Row 5: Knit
Row 6: Knit
Repeat these 6 rows until block measures 8 inches, then knit rows 1-5 again. Finish with 3 knit rows for border. Bind off stitches and weave in ends.

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I know I JUST said there would be only one block this month. The temptation to see how this block would look if I added some vertical lines of reverse stockinette was just too great, however. This variation did not turn out like I envisioned, but it does look more interesting on the both sides than the Lines block does, so I have included pics of both sides of it.

The Lines Block Variation

You'll need: US Size 7 needles or size needed to achieve gauge of 5 sts = 1 inch; Worsted weight acrylic yarn.
Finished size should be 7” x 9”.

Cast on 31 stitches.
Knit 4 rows for border, then begin pattern.
Rows 1, 3, 5: k7, p1, k7, p1, k7, p1, k7
Rows 2, 4: k4, p3, k1, p7, k1, p7, k1, p3, k4
Row 6: Knit
Rows 7, 9, 11: k11, p1, k7, p1, k11
Rows 8, 10: k4, p7, k1, p7, k1, p7, k4
Row 12: Knit
Repeat these 12 rows until block measures 8 inches, then knit rows 1-5 again. Finish with 3 knit rows for border. Bind off stitches and weave in ends.

There you have it (them): a pattern (and a half, ha!) for March. Just now joining us? Check out why we're knitting these afghan blocks and join in the fun--Big 10 Charity Knit-a-Long.

New Sock Pattern and a Sale!

I am so excited to announce that I have a brand new sock pattern! And because I'm so excited, from now through March 31, it's on SALE.  Get my Diamond Ring(let) Sock pattern from Ravelry for 50% off the regular price.

If you have a subscription to KnitCrate, it may look familiar because it was in the February sock crate! Here are reviews from some awesome KnitCrate knitters:

“The Diamond Ring(let) sock pattern is probably my favorite KnitCrate sock pattern thus far. Tiffany D.

I think this sock pattern might be the best yet. Shelley

Diamond Ring(let) is far and away the best sock pattern included since I first subscribed in January of 2014. Brava, Tamara Goff!
Erin”

The ringlet stitch is used to make larger diamonds on the front and smaller diamonds along the sides and is easy to master. Knit in the round on double-pointed needles, these socks are worked from the cuff to the toe.

Bootleggers, rum runners and knitters

So I'm reading this book about "Jazz Age" Manhattan and since it's such a big interesting book, I'm sort of immersing myself in the time period. In pondering the ins and outs of what we remember about the 1920's, I'm seeing a lot about Prohibition, night clubs, jazz, urban construction, disreputable leadership and a hero who flew a long ways all alone.

Thus far I have encountered no mention of knitting. Not one. Why then, do I even bring it up? It's not that there were no knitters in the Roaring Twenties, it's just that, sandwiched between the First World War and the Great Depression, both times of increased knitting activity, knitting just wasn't as big during the Jazz Age. Being a student of history, I understand that things ebb and flow in popularity.

This all makes me wonder...in 90 years when historians look back on our time, will there be NO mention of knitting? Will it be such a small part of life in the first part of the new century that it will be forgotten? Or will it go on record as having had a resurgence in popularity that endured despite the ups and downs of the economy and the ubiquitous nature of technology and the "plugged in" generation?

Will Knit in Public events and charity knit-a-longs and enormous knitting conventions make a blip in the history books? Will we be remembered as the generation that brought back the art of making things by hand?

While it is impossible to know the answers to these questions for several generations, what IS possible is for us to do all we can to make sure that knitting does get that mention. It really is up to you and me to make history--this year and next year and for as long as we have the opportunity to make a difference of any type. It's up to us to knit for charity, to learn all we can about knitting, to spread that knitting know-how far and wide and to leave a lasting impact on future generations. When my great-great-grandchild writes the history of the southern United States, 2000-2030, I want it to be written, to be remembered, that we were knitters in our time. I want it to be written that we changed the world for the better, just by picking up sticks and string.

We can do it! Who's with me?

Basketweave and Big 10: More patterns!

Basketweave, Method 1

Remember when we were talking about that fun little stitch, Basketweave? It's one of my go-to stitches for knitting up a quick dishcloth or scarf. As I was thinking about basketweave I did some research and discovered there is more than one way to knit it.

Unlike Method 1, the ones featured here are not quite the same on both sides. That's OK, though, because they look marvelous so it's worth it.

Method 2 is a "3/5" variation with sections of 3 stitch wide stockinette alternating with sections of 5 stitch wide reverse stockinette.

Method 3 is similar to Method 2 except the ratio is "2/6". I would imagine (though I haven't tried it) that the variations might be close to endless. I'm going to knit a big "6/10" ratio rug or something some day and prove the point.

When I plopped all three swatches (4/4, 3/5 and 2/6) in my husband's lap to show him what was making his Christmas socks take so long to finish (working on swatches pushed his gift to the back burner--again) he decided that he liked the 4/4 basketweave best because it was symmetrical. What the other 2 lack in symmetry they make up for in movement. To me, a 3/5 or a 2/6 basketweave look more like they are actually woven than a 4/4. Because of this, I think 2/6 is my favorite. What's yours?

Ready to give them a try? Here are two patterns that, when knit up in easy-care acrylic, will make perfect blanket blocks for the Big 10 Blanket Knit-a-Long. (hint, hint) Or knit it in cotton for a dishcloth/washcloth (I have found I can't have too many of those...).

Basketweave method 2

The Basketweave (Method 2) Block

Use worsted weight yarn (acrylic for the afghan block or cotton for a dishcloth) and US size 7 needles or size needed to achieve a gauge of approximately 5 stitches to the inch in pattern.

Size: Approximately 7 by 9 inch afghan block

CO 29 stitches

    Rows 1 and 5 (RS): Knit.

    Rows 2 and 4: K5, * p3, k5; rep from * to end of row.

    Row 3: P5, * k3, p5; rep from * to end of row.

    Rows 6 and 8: K1, p3, * k5, p3; rep from * to last st, k1.

    Row 7: P1, k3, * p5, k3; rep from * to last st, p1.

    Repeat Rows 1–8 to create the pattern.

Knit for approximately 8 inches, ending with having just knit Row 5. Knit Rows 1-4, then bind off in pattern. 

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Basketweave method 3

The Basketweave (Method 3) Block

Worsted Weight yarn
Size US 7 needles
Gauge: 5 sts = 1 inch
Finished size: 7 by 9 inches

CO 30 stitches

Rows 1 & 5 (RS): Knit
Rows 2 & 4: k6, *P2, k6; rep from * to end of row
Row 3: p6, * k2, p6; rep from * to end of row
Rows 6 & 8: k2, *p2, k6, rep from *; end p2, k2.
Row 7: p2, k2, *p6, k2; rep from *; end p2

Repeat these rows for a total of 9 inches. Bind off, weave in ends.

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Now, if you have grown tired of basketweave and prefer something a little more seed-y (haha), here's a bonus pattern for you...

The Double Seed Stitch Block

You'll need: US Size 7 needles or size needed to achieve gauge of 5 sts = 1 inch; Worsted weight acrylic yarn.

Cast on 31 stitches.
Row 1: *k1, p1; repeat from *, end k1
Row 2: *p1, k1; repeat from *, end p1
Row 3:  *p1, k1; repeat from *, end p1
Row 4:  *k1, p1; repeat from *, end k1

Repeat this 4 row pattern until piece measures 9 inches, ending on a Row 2. Bind off in the pattern of Row 3. Weave in ends.

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Remember we will be knitting these blocks all year, so keep it up! We want to make as many blankets as possible! There will be more patterns again in a few weeks. Sign up to get them via emailed PDF by going to this post and filling out the form on the bottom. And THANK YOU for participating!