Friday, February 21, 2014

Finished Object Friday


Pattern:
Sea of Dreams Baby Blanket by Aimee Alexander

Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby in "Little Mouse" colourway

Needle Size: US 3 (3.25mm) and US 4 (3.5mm)

Modifications: None.

Comments: This was my Ravellenic Games project in the Giant Slalom-ghan event. I cast on during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and bound off Saturday Febraruy 15th.  As near as I can figure I finished 25th in a field of 820 international competitors. Maybe not medal-worthy, but I'm happy with that.

The pressure of competitive knitting was good for me - it was what kept me going through the tiresome middle part of the blanket. That's not meant to be a knock on the pattern; it's just I get bored with long repetitive seemingly endless rows. Blankets are a struggle for me.

The yarn was a but disappointing. It knit up with a fuzziness that I didn't expect based on its appearance when purchased. It's also quite splitty if you've tinked back a row, but for the price it's still a good deal. I've machine washed and dried the blanket and it looks great. I purchased three balls - 1086 yards total - and knit until the yarn ran out. The resulting blanket is 34" x 38" after blocking.
The pattern is really beautiful. I'll definitely knit it again. In fact, I may or may not have ordered this yarn to knit another :)

Pattern: 
Mr. Dress-Up by Valerie Johnson

Yarn: Top Cat MCN in "Sandalwood" colourway

Needle Size: US 1 (2.25mm)

Modifications: I lengthened the ribbing on the cuffs and ended the final repeat of the leg 9 stitches before the end of round to centre the diamond motif on the instep.

Comments: When Valerie published this free pattern and announced a KAL, I knew I was in. It's been a cold winter here and some non-lacy, non-fussy hand knit socks are just what the doctor ordered. When I bought this yarn I was on the lookout for a simple masculine pattern, and this pattern delivers. It's a quick and easy knit - although there's lots of purling - and the finished sock is very handsome. And if you hurry, there's still more than a week to join the KAL and qualify for prizes :)

Happy Friday everyone! We're having a very windy and rainy Friday here, but you'll get no complaints from me. If the precipitation is falling as rain, it's above zero and that's awesome. For sure there's more snow coming in March, but the mountainous snow piles are melting leaving us with somewhere to shovel the next load of snow. Friday is also Finished Object Friday at Tami's Amis - why not follow me over there to see all the other finishes, and maybe stumble over a medal winner or two?!



14 comments:

Corrie B said...

Wow that blanket is stunning!

wynette vass said...

The blanket is beautiful! I do hate when I purchase yarn that feels and looks so gorgeous on the skein and then works up fuzzy!

Unknown said...

I am in baby blanket knitting mode right now, so will have to mark that one. Darling pattern. Way to go on the placing. LOL! Very nice socks, lovely color.

Michelle said...

I really like the Sea of Dreams blanket! I hadn't seen that pattern before, but now it's in my favorites!

Elisabeth Andrée said...

What a beautiful blanket, you must be happy with the result! The socks are gorgeous too, you have some wonderful FO's!
Happy weekend!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

The blanket it absolutely beautiful! I'm sure it will be treasured!

And of course, I love the socks!

Unknown said...

That is a really gorgeous blanket pattern. I've yet to finish a blanket so even just completing it seems medal-worthy to me!

Unknown said...

Wow! I've never had the patience to even attempt to knit a blanket, yours is beautiful :)

Stefanie said...

That is some blanket! It has an heirloom look. I like how the socks are almost a men's standard but has an extra something about it.

Alittlebitsheepish said...

Two impressive projects, I think you deserve a medal- that blanket is gorgeous

kathy b said...

Good for you for finding a way to force a blanket finish!!! I love it. You should medal

...:M e d h a:... said...

wow two gorgeous FOs! Love that blanket. I'm struggling on one myself, although its a very simple one. Like the colors you've chosen too.

A Baby's Smile Knits said...

Love your sea of dreams, I have knit this pattern many times, was actually going to cast on another soon for our new arrival. I do agree the lace section can get a bit boring but it looks so amazing when finished, totally worth it.

Marie/Underground Crafter said...

Great blanket - and I know what you mean about needing some pressure to finish a blanket. (I usually have deadlines imposed to provide that pressure.) The socks are perfect for this long winter.