While pondering what classes to plan for 2023’s schedule, I wanted to include something we can come together longer-term to work on together, but something somewhat modular so as to not be unbearable to work on come the warmer summer months. Something that we could, ideally, work on just 1 skein at a time, if desired, to make it easier on your budget. Something that embraces the slowness of handmade items, instead of feeling rushed and like you’re being asked to work until your fingers bleed to get it completed in time. Slow, steady, enjoyable. Enter the Starflower Blanket and the Nature’s Walk blanket!
Starflower is our knit option and features hexagonal stars knit in the round from the center out. Each block uses about 45 yards of DK-weight yarn, and comes in the option of stroller, crib, or throw sizes (but, given its construction, you can obviously choose to make yours bigger!) We’ll be knitting with Berroco Vintage DK and you can get 6 full blocks out of 1 skein. You’ll need about 10-11 skeins* total for the throw size, but I’d like to suggest you pick a new color every month (or every other, depending on how many colors you’d like in your blanket – I’m personally aiming for 5 colors total, 2 skeins of each) and that helps to spread out your cost over the months!
Nature’s Walk is our crochet option and features a series of gorgeous crocheted squares and is finished with a beautiful crocheted border. Worked up in 7 colors, you’ll need about 2 skeins of Berroco Vintage DK in 2 different colors, and then 1 skein of each in 5 coordinating colors*. Just as with the Starflower blanket, this is a great time to pick a color each month or so and work from there and spread your cost out a bit more!
Both of these blankets are a great way to try out some new techniques or stitch patterns that you may not have tried before, too!
* Yardage is estimated and depends on your stitch gauge
Our make-a-long blanket-a-long will kick off on Sunday, February 5th, and we’ll meet in-store on the first Sunday of each month at 12:00 pm to work on our blankets together throughout 2023.
Ready to join the make-a-long? Fill out this form below and let me know that you’ll be joining us!
Hi, Candice!
This sounds like fun. I like the variety of pattern in the crochet better than the knit, but am someone who rarely crochets….do you think this would be too ambitious a project for me? Could send me the book, or a copy of one of the blocks for me to try out? Or you can call me at 917-558-5643.
I hope your Christmas was joyful, peaceful and loving. I still need to figure out how to get to your shop (did not want to call you during rush of holiday season), but plan to do so with spinning wheel. I have made two of the Strickmich hats out of the one ball of yarn I bought. I love the pattern, and that yarn looks good. One of my daughters really liked it so that is why I made two so fast.
I hope to enjoy your company and easy style in 2023.
I’m also torn on whether to knit or crochet and leaning toward crocheting, but like Fereshteh, I rarely crochet. I’m definitely a beginner.
A lot of customers are choosing the crochet version, so you’d be in good company if you need help!
Hi Candice,
What level is this? Intermediate? I’d like to know before committing to such a large project. Otherwise I think it would be lovely.
.Debating on whether to use it though, as my cats like to jump on my bed – can this yarn take a few cat claws? I would want to keep it nice.
Last question- what size bed does throw fit- double, queen, king? Can a person adjust or is it one size only?
Thank you,
Joelle
Hi Joelle! The knit version of this blanket is more along the lines of an intermediate. The beginning of each block starts in the very center and works outward, and it can be a little fiddly until you get the hang of it. The blankets are roughly a throw size, but you can make it bigger (or smaller) by making a differing number of blocks.
I am happy to join but I hope it is OK that I can do it much slower. I have a brittle bone disease & it takes me a long time depending what is broken (right now my sternum is broken ugh washing hair in sink bent over forward with help) BUT crocheting helps so much with pain! I really do hope it is OK to join!~
Thank you all ~
You’re very welcome to join! The nice thing about this make-a-long is that it’s a great at-your-own-pace, no-rush kind of thing since there’s no deadline!