Easy Crochet Cardigan

 So I saw this free pattern ages ago and wanted to have a go.  It looked so straight forward but kinda cool.  So I made it this Christmas for my mum, using a really dark purple chunky wool.

But I really should know by now that free patterns never have enough detail in them to do a good job.  For instance this is a crochet pattern but it didn't say if it was using UK or US terms.

Also the sizing - hooks and wool were pretty vague.  It would have been more helpful to know what the end material should be like.  In the end I had to buy more wool than expected and it was very thick, which means it doesn't have quite the drap I was hopping for.  In reality I should have used a bigger hook size (then I probably wouldn't have needed more wool), but there was no guidance on sizing other than the final size to make the cardigan.  

 

So I gifted it as a cardigan, but with instructions to cut the sleeves if it didn't fit or feel good and turn it into a blanket, something I think it would do really nicely.  (this is what she ended up doing.)

I do really like the texture of the material.  By crocheting into the back of the stitch rather than the front as I would normally, I've ended up with this sort of ribbing which is a nice detail.

It took ages to make.  I think I need to be more discerning about the projects I take on.  I really don't have time to spend on things like this - there are so many possibilies out there, of course there will always be things that don't go to plan - that's how we learn.  But maybe stick to more trusted sources in the future. 

The Sky Blanket - December

 

After a year of knitting, the sky blanket is finally finished!

To keep it's shape I finished the squares on 26th December, then spent the last couple of days giving the blanket a crochet boarder.  This helped me tidy up a little bit of left over wool and make the blanket look a bit more finished.

 

I can't believe it's finished.  It's been one of my longest projects I think.  I'm pleased to have completed it and within the year too, but I'm also glad it is finally finished.  What a year!

• 360 squares
• 154cm wide by 170cm long (apparently thats 2.61m2)
  
• 5 rainbows
• Weighs 5lbs
• 19 balls of wool 
• 1 year

The Sky Blanket - November

 

I can't believe it's the end of November already and that I only have one month of sky blanket to go!

 

The blanket is huge now but only needs one more row before it's finished.  It means the squares stop on 26th December, but I want to add an edge to the blanket which will take me to the end of the year no doubt.

 

What a crazy project!  I'll be glad to finish and be able to devote my time fully to whatever other project I'm working on, I have a few on my list.

The Sky Blanket - October

 

The blankets getting really big now.  To the point where I've started waiting until I've got maybe 3 or 4 squares ready before sewing them in.  It's a bit unwieldy.

 

I also used it for the first time this weekend.  We were watching a film and I was feeling cold.  I didn't want to pause the film while I went to find a blanket - it was right there on the coffee table - why not use it.  And it did a beautiful job.

And we had the 4th rainbow of the project.  I was so sure there would be more, but then I guess that is part of the beauty of a rainbow - they aren't that common, so they feel special when you see one.

 

Not long until its finshed.  I hope I can fit all my Christmas projects in round it.
 

The Sky Blanket - August

 I've found it pretty hard going this month.  I think there are two reasons.

1. I had hoped, as it's August, that there would be lots more blue in this months additions.  I've found all the grey a little wearing.

2. I've been distracted by knitting a jumper.  I'd much rather spend my time on something that is nearing completion and I want to start wearing!

But I got there in the end.  Only 5 months and 7 rows to go!

The Sky Blanket - July

The blanket is growing, as you would expect.  As its July I had hoped for a bit more blue, but other than one week of heat wave it's mostly been sunshine and showers. 

One week of a heat wave

I thought I should record how I've been joining the squares.

I start by leaving a long tail when I finish a square - about 20cm long.

With right sides facing I then use the tail from the left hand square to sew them together.

I then continue along the line until the row is finished - always using the tail from the left hand square.

When I start the next row below, I use what is left of the tail from the left hand square above to join the square below.

I then repeat for this row - using the tail from the left hand square to join the next square, and so on.  Easy when you know how.

 

The Sky Blanket - June

 

And the Sky Blanket continues.  I'm still managing to keep up, but our social lives are starting to pick up again as lockdown is reduced.

I thought I'd explain how I make my bumpy cloud squares today.  All my squares are knitted with double strength DK - so two strands held together, which allows me to have more colour variety.  For these squares you need 4 strands of DK.  Two of blue to make your sky and two of cloud colour - white or white and grey or just grey.

 

So cast on 12 stitches in sky colour.

Row 1:  Knit in sky colour.

Row 2: Purl in sky colour.

Row 3: Knit 3 stitches in sky colour, add your cloud colour and purl 3 stitches.  Make sure you bring your cloud colour to the back of your work and knit 3 stitches in sky colour.  Purl the last 3 stitches in cloud colour.

Row 4: Purl 3 stitches in sky colour, knit 3 stitches in cloud colour, purl 3 stitches in sky colour and knit 3 stitches in cloud colour.

Repeat these 4 rows 2 more times.  

Row 13: Knit in sky colour.

Row 14: Purl in sky colour.

Row 15: Knit in sky colour.

Cast off all stitches and sew in all your ends.  Leave a nice long tail of sky colour to sew into the rest of the blanket.