Throw blanket progress

Progress on my knitted throw blanket has been coming along nicely. I received the yarn on the 14th and got straight to work. Due to the drastic changes in thickness throughout the yarn and the smaller-than-called-for needles I chose, it was difficult to get gauge; ultimately, my gauge is still a little off, but I think it's working out fine.

Except a few minor hiccups at the beginning (i.e. I wasn't paying attention AT ALL), this project is working up well! It's nice to work on while watching TV because it isn't too involved. It also moves along rather quickly, despite it's size.

The yarn is absolutely perfect, too. It does shed a LOT, which is something I hope will subside after a while, but other than that, it's beautiful. It's oh-so soft, has excellent drape, and is nice and heavy. Also, the thick-and-thin nature of the yarn lends itself perfectly to the rustic/heirloom quality I was aiming for. I can't wait to see how this project turns out!

Picking up the needles

I have been very (dare I say) out of the loop with knitting for the past few months. Between moving, trying to get a car, and starting two jobs since May, I have felt like I didn't have time to sit down and knit. Although, I did crank out a Link-style hat, a Hufflepuff scarf and most of a Doctor Who scarf with the intent of selling them to fund my car, none of those projects ever made it out of the WIP stage. And, I mean, is it really knitting if you;re forcing yourself to do it? I suppose it can be, but I try to make my knitting time as relaxing as possible.

Since I have started my bedroom redecorating project, I have decided that I need a nice, textural throw blanket in a beautiful mustard yellow to coordinate with my new color scheme (grey, purple, and yellow). I looked around online for a bit, but didn't find anything I was really pleased with. Then, I remembered, "hey, I can knit!" For the pattern, I decided on a Lion Brand pattern knit with a chunky yarn and with simple cables; this will be my largest project to date, so I didn't want something too intricate that would deter me from finishing it. I chose the "Cable Comfort / Sutter's Mill Throw."

Click here for the pattern!

Having decided on a pattern, I then turned to my favorite yarn supplier, KnitPicks.com and started purusing through their decadent selection of yarns. I knew I wanted something in their "Turmeric" shade and I needed a bulky yarn for the pattern I chose; I decided on Billow and ordered 10 skeins! I'm really excited about this yarn because of the beautiful color, luxurious feel, and variegated thickness. I know it's going to make the smooshiest, most wonderful blanket! Since it is cotton, I know it will get really pilly/hairy, but I'm hoping that will wear off after a while, as most cottons do.

While I'm waiting for my yarn order to arrive, I decided to do some warm up knitting by starting a new hat for the coming cold weather. Even though it's still in the 80's here in Indiana, it's never to early to start your winter knitting! I decided on the Katherine Hat pattern by Erin Kate Archer. I chose some Wool of the Andes from my stash (and a project that never was) in the color "Cadet" and got to knitting! I am really loving the pattern so far; there are only 4 rows to the stitch pattern- one of which repeats- making it easy to memorize and fast to work up.

Instagram snap from earlier during the Property Brothers marathon!

I can't wait to finish this one; I know it's going to be adorable for the fall! Here's to hoping my workweek(end) will pass quickly and I'll have my new yarn in hand before long!

Have a good night, readers!

Bethany