Debating the Temperature Blanket

I started a temperature blanket this month. I have a heap of stash so I should be able to make it without having to buy anything. I used worsted yarns and a size 9 circular needle. (I like using circular needles even if the item is not in the round. That way, I never lose the other needle in the sofa) I cast on 250 stitches and worked the first two colors in garter stitch. I am going to use knitting pattern that is more fun after the border, but still debating it. I am considering a daisy stitch.

I noticed on Facebook that there is some criticism on why this is popular and why on earth would people would want to do it. A row a day? Work on it for a year? 

These questions crossed my mind too, but there is a part of my personality that loves lists and charts, and this blanket would fit in well. I record my knitting projects daily in my journal along with the color of the day, phase of the moon, and the writing prompt of the day. 

I will let you know how it goes. 

Here are my thoughts on it:

1. I recorded the high and low temperature in my daily calendar even though I hadn't started. I go to a website and record several days at a time. 

http://www.wunderground.com/

2. The mid-range temperatures are in green, so I changed the colors to match my purples and blues. -- because I like blues and purples best and I have more of these colors in my stash.

3. I don't feel obligated to do a row a day. I usually have several projects going at one time from complicated patterns to simple. If I want to do some mindless knitting, I can pick up the blanket and do a few rows. I have yet to change up to today.

4. I like seeing the results everyone is getting on their blankets, so I am glad to be on a Temperature Blanket Facebook page.

5. Not everyone is marking the temperatures from January 1. Some are using the first year of a child/grandchild or a year from another special date.

6. There are really no rules, so enjoy it.

7. It is rather addictive like so many other types of knitting.

8. If you don't see the reason to make temperature blanket, just don't do one. If you get tired of it, frog it.

9. You don't have to participate in making a blanket to enjoy the progress of others. 

Patterns that Sing to Me

Blanket for Oliver

Andrew and Kathy are having a baby boy. Andrew is my nephew, so what better opportunity to make a baby blanket?! Oliver is due around Christmas and he will be wrapped in this blue and white afghan, lovingly made by his Great Aunt (and I will be a great Great Aunt!)

This is one of my favorite afghans to make, so a couple of weeks ago, I pulled out my needles, grabbed the baby blue, white, and dark blue yarn to make another Quilt-Like Afghan. Maybe it's the combination of both knitting and crocheting, but I love this pattern.

Blanket for Zane

Have you ever had a pattern that just speaks to you? Conversely, have you ever had a pattern that your fingers just can't tolerate? Well, this is one that speaks to me. There is something about making these cute little octagons that I response to. Several times, I have started an afghan pattern only to frog it to cast on 8 stitches and start increasing. Since it's an afghan, I don't pay attention to gauge, and in fact, I don't even pay attention to the needle size and yarn size. I just pick out a few colors that I want to put together, look for matching double-pointed and circular needles, and start in.

My afghan -- or rather Neko's

This is the third afghan I have made from this pattern, and I am sure it is not the last. I made the first one for me, which Neko prompted adopted as his own. For this one, I even used the yarn and needles recommended by the pattern. The second one I made for my friend Amber and her son, Zane. My son Lorne has ordered one as well in a variety of colors, as long as one of them is not white. I have another friend who is having a baby by the end of the year, so I will start on that as soon as I finish some scarves for Christmas presents.

This is the free pattern from Lion Brand, so here is the link. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do:

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/929AD.html