Reminder

The last few days to knit your squares for our community knitting project are upon us. All squares must be completed and turned in at the meeting on December 15th. Come enjoy our holiday party and silent auction, and turn in your completed squares!

The project isn’t over in December — we’ll be sewing the squares together at our January meeting. Please make a note to bring your darning needle (and an extra or two if you can, for those who forget!) to the January meeting. The squares will already be pre-sorted so we’ll be ready to start sewing! (Thanks, Michele, for taking time during this busy season to sort these for us!)

Thanks for your participation in our project!

Block-of-the-Month: December

Here are our final patterns for our Block of the Month/afghan project. 

Keep knitting those squares! We’d love to have many afghans for donation! We will be collecting completed squares through our Guild meeting on December 15th. Please have all your squares submitted by the December meeting as they will be pre-sorted into afghan combinations, ready for joining at our January meeting.

Please mark your calendars for the meeting on January 19, 2010 – we’ll need many hands to put all these squares together! We’ll post photos of the completed afghans after our January meeting.

December “easy” pattern:  Center Stitches in Middle Diagonal, submitted by Paula Knutzen

Source: Vivan Hoxbro’s Domino Knitting

Materials: worsted weight yarn

Size US 7 needles

Cast on 71 sts.

Row 1 (WS): Knit to last st, P1. Mark the center st.

Row 2 (RS):  Sl 1 Kwise, knit to 1 st before center st, Sl 1 Kwise, K2tog, PSSO, knit to last st, P1.

Note:  the center st is the one that is “buried” the K2tog and a new center st is created. These center sts will line up in the middle of the diagonal of this square.

Row 3 and all wrong side rows: Sl 1 Kwise, K to last st, P1.

Row 4:  Sl 1 Kwise, K to 1 st before center, Sl 1, K2tog, PSSO, mark new center st, K to last st, P1.

You will have one less st on each side of the center st after each double centered decrease. Continue in this manner until 3 sts remain.

Next Row (WS): Sl 1 Kwise, K1, P1.

Last Row: Sl 1, K2tog, PSSO.

Cut yarn and pull through last stitch. Weave in yarn tails and block if needed.

December “challenge” pattern:  Garterlac Dishcloth by Dave at Criminy Jickets (with permission)

Note: This pattern was written to create a dishcloth, however the result is an approximately 8″ x 8″ square. There is no gauge on the pattern as an exact size is not usually needed for a dishcloth. The designer calls for dishcloth cotton, which is a worsted weight yarn. The above square was knitted with worsted weight acrylic yarn and size US 7 needles.

Abbreviations:

K-Knit

K2tog – Knit two stitches together

K-FB – Knit into the front of the next stitch and, before removing it from the needle, knit into the back of the same stitch.

SKP – Slip one stitch knit-wise, knit 1 stitch, pass slipped stitch over

Turn – Put the stuff in your right hand into your left hand and the stuff that used to be in your left hand into your right hand

Pick up – Insert right hand needle from front to back into side of previous layer between two garter bumps, wrap the yarn around the needle and pull a stitch through

Materials: 1 ball dishcloth cotton and appropriate needle.

Directions:

Very loosely, cast on 24 stitches.

Bottom Triangle:

K1, turn, K1, turn.

K2, turn, K2, turn.

K3, turn, K3, turn.

K4, turn, K4, turn.

K5, turn, K5, turn.

K6, turn, K6, turn.

K7, turn, K7, turn.

K8, do not turn.

Repeat the directions for the Bottom Triangle twice more – three triangles in total. They look a little twisted right now. Don’t worry; they’ll sort themselves out as you go along. Turn and make an Increasing Side Triangle.

Increasing Side Triangle:

K1, turn, K-FB, turn.

K1, SKP, turn, K-FB, K1, turn.

K2, SKP, turn, K1, K-FB, K1, turn.

K3, SKP, turn, K2, K-FB, K1, turn.

K4, SKP, turn, K3, K-FB, K1, turn.

K5, SKP, turn, K4, K-FB, K1, turn.

K6, SKP, turn, K5, K-FB, K1, turn.

K7, SKP, do not turn.

Now make a Square.

Square:

Pick up 8 stitches along the side of the previous row, turn.

*K8, turn, K7, SKP, turn*

Repeat between the *s another seven times, but do not turn at the end of the eighth repeat. Make another Square, and then a Decreasing Side Triangle.

Decreasing Side Triangle:

Pick up 8 stitches along the side of the previous row, turn, K8, turn.

K6, K2tog, turn, K7, turn.

K5, K2tog, turn, K6, turn.

K4, K2tog, turn, K5, turn.

K3, K2tog, turn, K4, turn.

K2, K2tog, turn, K3, turn.

K1, K2tog, turn, K2, turn.

K2tog, turn.

You are left with one stitch on the left hand needle. Transfer it to the right-hand needle. Pick up a further 7 stitches down the side of the previous row so you have 8 stitches in total, turn, and continue with the directions for Square. Make two more Squares.

Continue adding layers in a similar manner. The next layer will be Increasing Triangle, two Squares, then Decreasing Triangle. The next layer will be three Squares. The next series will be Increasing Triangle, two Squares, then Decreasing Triangle. Now it is time to make triangles along the top. Transfer the remaining stitch to your right hand needle and proceed with Top Triangle.

Top Triangle:

Pick up 7 stitches along the side of the previous row, turn.

K6, K2tog, turn, K6, SKP, turn.

K5, K2tog, turn, K5, SKP, turn.

K4, K2tog, turn, K4, SKP, turn.

K3, K2tog, turn, K3, SKP, turn.

K2, K2tog, turn, K2, SKP, turn.

K1, K2tog, turn, K1, SKP, turn.

K2tog, turn, SKP. K1 and pass the second stitch on the right-hand needle over the first.

You are left with one stitch on the right-hand needle. Make 2 more Top Triangles, and fasten off last stitch and weave in ends.

http://criminyjickets.blogspot.com

This pattern is also available through Ravelry. The pattern page has links to help for a stretchy cast on, a “no cast on” edge, and a tutorial for the placement of the squares.

Block-of-the-Month: November

We are nearing the end of our year-long community service project — time for the final push to get your squares completed! Squares will be collected through the December, 2009 meeting and will then be pre-sorted into afghan combinations so they are ready to sew together at the January, 2010 meeting.  Remember that Guild members are eligible for a prize drawing if you submit a completed square, and are eligible for a second drawing if you complete at least 12 squares!

Yarn must be machine washable, and any pattern is acceptable as long as it produces an 8″ x 8″ square. You may also make multiple squares of the same design. Check the links to the pdf files on the right side of the blog for the patterns from previous months.  Completed afghans are also acceptable. Baby afghans for Bundles of Love must be at least 32″ x 32″

November “easy” pattern: Log Cabin Square, submitted by Shelley Monitor

Materials – Worsted weight acrylic yarn, colors A, B, C, and D

Size US 8 (5.0 mm) needles

Gauge: 16 sts over 4 in/10cm over stockinette stitch

 

First Rectangle:

Cast on 8 sts in color A. Knit 15 rows. Cut yarn A and join in yarn B. Knit 16 rows. Bind off 7 sts leaving one live st on needle.

Second Rectangle:

Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up and knit 15 sts along what was formerly the left side selvedge. Knit 15 rows. Bind off 15 sts leaving one live st on needle.

Third Rectangle:

Cut yarn B and join in yarn C. Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up and knit 15 sts. Knit 15 rows. Bind off 15 sts leaving one live st on needle.

Fourth Rectangle:

Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up and knit 23 sts along what was fornerly the left side selvedge. Knit 15 rows. Bind off 23 sts leaving one live st on needle.

Fifth Rectangle:

Cut yarn C and join in yarn D. Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up and knit 23 sts. Knit 15 rows. Bind off 23 sts leaving one live st on needle.

Sixth Rectangle:

Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up and knit 31 sts along what was formerly the left side selvedge. Knit 15 rows. Bind off 31 sts leaving one live st on needle.

Seventh Rectangle:

Cut yarn D and join in yarn A. Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up and knit 32 sts. Knit 15 rows. Bind off 31 sts leaving one live st on needle.

Eighth Rectangle:

Turn work 90 degrees clockwise and pick up and knit 39 sts along what was formerly the left side selvedge. Knit 15 rows. Bind off 40 sts.

Bind off, block if needed and weave in yarn tails.

November “challenge” pattern:  Mosaic 37, submitted by Shelley Monitor

Source: Walker, Barbara G.   A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns. 2001. Schoolhouse Press, Pittsville, Wisconsin. p 58.

Materials and Equipment:

Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Cream and Dark Rose Heather

Size 8 (5.0 mm) knitting needles or size to obtain gauge

Gauge:

26 sts and 35 rows = 4″/10 cm in Mosaic Stitch pattern

Please note: pattern includes graph indicating slipped stitches, etc. which I am unable to reproduce for the blog post. Please see pdf file for the graph.

Note 1: Each line of chart represents two rows, one right side and one wrong side row.

Note 2: On right side rows that begin with a black square, knit all black stitches and slip all white stitches purlwise with the yarn held in the back of the work. On right side rows that begin with a white square, knit all white stitches and slip all black stitches purlwise with the yarn held to the back of the work.

Note 3: On every wrong side row knit the same stitches and slip the same stitches as the previous right side row. Hold the yarn to the front of the work when slipping stitches.

Cast on 51 stitches in dark rose heather and knit one row. Work the 48 rows of the chart once and then end by working chart rows 1 through 23. Bind off in dark rose heather. Block and weave in all tails.

 

Block-of-the-Month: October

Just a few short months left to finish your afghan squares! Here are the newest patterns to try.

October “easy” pattern: Holey Afghan Square, submitted by Carrie Bartz

 Source: Show Your Colors Shawl by Amy King

Materials: Red Heart Worsted Yarn, US 8 (5.0 mm) needles

Gauge: 17 sts by 15 garter stitch ridges = 4 inches

Pattern:

CO 32 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): knit

Row 2 (WS): knit

Repeat rows 1 and 2, 5 more times. (12 rows)

Row 13: K6, (yo, k2tog) 10 times, k6

Row 14: K6, p20, k6

Row 15: K7, (yo, k2 tog) 9 times, k7

Row 16: K7, p18, k7

Repeat rows 13-16, 9 more times (40 rows)

Repeat rows 1 and 2, 6 times (12 rows)

Bind off. Block if needed and weave in yarn tails.

 

October “challenge” pattern:  Spiral Staircase, submitted by Shelley Monitor

 Source: Omas Strickgeheimnisse by Eichenseer, Grill and Kron

Materials: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice – color Dusty Green, size 8 (5.0 mm) needles

Gauge: 16 sts over 4 in/10 cm over stockinette stitch

Cast on 46 sts.

Row 1: (RS): K1, *k3tbl, yo, k2togtbl, p6; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 2: (WS): K1, *k5, p2togtbl, yo, k1, p3tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 3: K1, *k3tbl, p2, yo, k2togtbl, p4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 4: K1, *k3, p2togtbl, yo, k3, p3tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 5: K1, *k3tbl, p4, yo, k2togtbl, p2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 6: K1, *k1, p2togtbl, yo, k5, p3tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 7: K1, *k3tbl, p6, yo, k2togtbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

 

Row 8: K1, *p1tbl, k6, p2togtbl, yo, p2tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 9: K1, *k2tbl, p1, yo, k2togtbl, p5, k1tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 10: K1, *p1tbl, k4, p2togtbl, yo, k2, p2tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 11: K1 *k2tbl, p3, yo, k2togtbl, p3, k1tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 12: K1 *p1tbl, k2, p2togtbl, yo, k4, p2tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 13: K1 *k2tbl, p5, yo, k2togtbl, p1, k1tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 14: K1 *p1tbl, p2togtbl, yo, k6, p2tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

 

Row 15: K1, *k1tbl, yo, k2togtbl, p6, k2tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 16: K1, *p2tbl, k5, p2togtbl, yo, k1, p1tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 17: K1, *k1tbl, p2, yo, k2togtbl, p4, k2tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 18: K1 *p2tbl, k3, p2togtbl, yo, k3, p1tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 19: K1, *k1tbl, p4, yo, k2togtbl, p2, k2tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 20: K1 *p2tbl, k1, p2togtbl, yo, k5, p1tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 21: K1, *k1tbl, p6, yo, k2togtbl, k2tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

 

Row 22: K1, *k4, p3tbl, k6, p2togtbl, yo; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 23: K1, *p1, yo, k2togtbl, p5, k3tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 24: K1, *p3tbl, k4, p2togtbl, yo, k2; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 25: K1, *p3, yo, k2togtbl, p3, k3tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 26: K1, *p3tbl, k2, p2togtbl, yo, k4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 27: K1, *p5, yo, k2togtbl, p1, k3tbl; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 28: K1, *k1, p3tbl, p2togtbl, yo, k6; repeat from * to last st ending k1

 

Row 29: K2, p6, k3tbl, *yo, k2togtbl, p6; repeat from * to last two sts ending yo, k2

Row 30: K1, *p3tbl, k5, p2togtbl, yo; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 31: K1, *p1, yo, k2togtbl, p4, k3tbl, p1; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 32: K1, *k1, p3tbl, k3, p2togtbl, yo, k2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 33: K1, *p3, yo, k2togtbl, p2, k3tbl, p1; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 34: K1, *k1, p3tbl, k1, p2togtbl, yo, k4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 35: K1, *p5, yo, k2togtbl, k3tbl, p1; repeat from * to last st ending k1

 

Row 36: K1, *p2togtbl, yo, p2tbl, k6; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 37: K1, *k2togtbl, p5, k3tbl, p1, yo; repeat from * to last 2 sts ending k2togtbl

Row 38: K1, *k2, p3tbl, k4, p2togtbl, yo; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 39: K1, *p1, yo, k2togtbl, p3, k3tbl, p2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 40: K1, *k2, p3tbl, k2, p2togtbl, yo, k2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 41: K1, *p3, yo, k2togtbl, p1, k3tbl, p2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 42: K1, *k2, p3tbl, p2togtbl, yo, k4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

 

Row 43: K1, *p5, k3tbl, yo, k2togtbl, p1; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 44: K1, *p2togtbl, yo, k1, p3tbl, k5; ; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 45: K1, k1tbl, *p4, k3tbl, p2, yo, k2togtbl; repeat from * across row

Row 46: K1, *k3, p3tbl, k3, p2togtbl, yo; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 47: K1, *p1, yo, k2togtbl, p2, k3tbl, p3; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 48: K1, *k3, p3tbl, k1, p2togtbl, yo, k2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 49: K1, *p3, yo, k2togtbl, k3tbl, p3; repeat from * to last st ending k1

 

Row 50: K1, *k2, p2togtbl, yo, p3tbl, k4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 51: K1, *p4, k3tbl, p1, yo, k2togtbl, p1; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 52: K1, *p2togtbl, yo, p3tbl, k6; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 53: K1, k1tbl, *p3, k3tbl, p3, yo, k2togtbl; repeat from * across row

Row 54: K1, *k4, p3tbl, k2, p2togtbl, yo; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 55: K1, *p1, yo, k2togtbl, p1, k3tbl, p4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 56: K1, *k4, p3tbl, p2togtbl, yo, k2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

 

Bind off, block if needed and weave in yarn tails.

Block-of-the-Month: September

Here are the 2nd place winners from our design contest! We still need a few squares to finish up the year, so if you have a square design and didn’t get it turned in for the contest, we’d still love to have it for our project.

September “Easy” pattern – Tile Stitch Square, submitted by Carrie Bartz

Source: Harmony Guide: Knit and Purl

Materials: Caron Worsted Yarn, US 8 (5.0 mm) needles

Gauge:  20 sts by 24 rows in stockinette = 4 inches

Pattern:

CO 40 stitches.

Row 1 (RS): K5, *p2, K5; rep from * to end.

Row 2 (WS): P5, *K2, P5; rep from * to end.

Repeat rows 1 and 2, 2 more times (6 rows)

Row 7: P5, *K2, P5; rep from * to end.

Row 8: K5, *P2, K5; rep from * end.

Repeat 8 rows, 6 more times (56 rows)

Bind off. Block if needed and weave in yarn tails.

 

September “Challenge” pattern – Lace and Triangles, submitted by Shelley Monitor

Source: Omas Strickgeheimnisse by Eichenseer, Grill and Kron

Materials: Caron Simply Soft Shadows - Color 0007 Mardi Gray, size US 7 (4.5 mm) needles

Gauge: 20 sts over 4 in/10 cm over stockinette stitch

Cast on 44 sts.

Row 1 (RS): K1, *yo, ssk, k5; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 2 & 14 (WS): purl across

Row 3: K1, *p1, yo, ssk, k4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 4: P1, *p6, k1; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 5: K1, *p2, yo, ssk, k3; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 6: P1, *p5, k2; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 7: K1, *p3, yo, ssk, k2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 8: P1, *p4, k3; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 9: K1, *p4, yo, ssk, k1; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 10: P1, *p3, k4; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 11: K1, *p5, yo, ssk; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 12: P1, *p2, k5; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 13: K1, *k5, k2tog, yo; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 15: K1, *k4, k2tog, yo, p1; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 16: P1, *k1, p6; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 17: K1, *k3, k2tog, yo, p2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 18: P1, *k2, p5; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 19: K1, *k2, k2tog, yo, p3; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 20: P1, *k3, p4; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 21: K1, *k2tog, yo, p4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 22: P1, *k4, p3; repeat from * to last st ending p1

Row 23: K1, *k2tog, yo, p5; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Row 24: P1, *k5, p2; repeat from * to last st ending p1

 

Repeat rows 1-24 twice and then rows 1-12 once more (60 rows). Bind off, block if needed and weave in yarn tails.

 

We hope you are enjoying our year-long service project! Just a few months left, so keep those squares coming!

Block-of-the-Month: August

Thank you for your continued participation in the Block-of-the-Month afghan program! We hope you are having fun while you are knitting for those in need.

August “easy” pattern:  Roll Out the Barrel, submitted by Shelley Monitor

 

Source: Omas Strickgeheimnisse by Eichenseer, Grill and Kron

Materials: Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice – color Dusty Green

Needles: Size US 8 (5.0 mm)

Gauge:  16 sts over 4 in/10cm over stockinette stitch

Cast on 38 sts.

Rows 1, 3 & 5 (RS): K1, *p4, k2tog, yo twice, k2tog; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Rows 2, 4 & 6(WS): K1, *p1, k1, p2, k4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Rows 7, 9 & 11 (RS): K1, *k2tog, yo twice, k2tog, p4; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Rows 8, 10 & 12 (WS): K1, *k4, p1, k1, p2; repeat from * to last st ending k1

Repeat rows 1-12 four times (48 rows). Bind off, block if needed and weave in yarn tails.

 

August “challenge” pattern: Outside-In, submitted by Bonnie Swierzbin

 

Source: Knitter’s No. 52, Fall 1998

Materials: Worsted weight yarn – yellow, blue, green, purple, turquoise, pink

Needles: Four US size 5 double-point needles or 2 circular needles

Gauge: 20 sts over 4 in/10 cm over stockinette stitch

Pattern Note(s): The colors given here are what I used. It could be knit all in one color or in any combination of colors, but it looks good when the slip-stitch rows (marked with ~ below, please note the symbol is different here than on the pdf, due to font limitations) contrast with the preceding and following rows.

This square is knit from the outside perimeter in towards the center.

Abbreviations: S2KP2 = Slip 2 stitches as if to knit, K1, pass the slipped stitches over the knitted stitch (centered double decrease).

Pattern Section:

With yellow, cast of 160 stitches and join in a circle, being careful not to twist. As you knit the next row, arrange the stitches on your needles so that the K stitches are NOT at the end of the needles; these stitches show the places you will decrease and it’s easier to decrease if all 3 stitches are on the same needle instead of on 2 different needles.

1: *P39, K1; rep from *

2: K1, *K37, S2KP2; rep from *

3: *P37, K1; rep from *

4: K1, *K35, S2KP2; rep from *

5: K

~6: Change to blue yarn, *[K3, SL1] x 8, K4; rep from *         ~ = slip stitch row

~7: K1, *K2, SL1 [K3, SL1] x 7, K1, S2KP2; rep from *

~8: K1, *K1, SL1 [K3, SL1] x 7, K1, S2KP2; rep from *

9: Change to yellow. K.

10: K1, *K29, S2KP2; rep from *

11: Change to green. K1, *K27, S2KP2; rep from *

12: K

~13: Change to purple. K1, *SL1 [K3, SL1] x 6, S2KP2; rep from *

~14: SL1, *[K3, SL1] x 5, K3, S2KP2; rep from *

~15: *[K3, SL1] x 5, K4; rep from *

16: Change to green. K1, *K21, S2KP2; rep from *

17: K1, *K19, S2KP2; rep from *

18: Change to blue. K

19: K1, *K17, S2KP2; rep from *

~20: Change to turquoise. K1, *[K1, SL1, K2] x 3, K1, SL1, K1, S2KP2; rep from *

~21: *K1, [SL1, K3] x 3, SL1, K2; rep from *

~22: K1, *[SL1, K3] x 3, SL1, S2KP2; rep from *

23: Change to blue. K1, *K11, S2KP2; rep from *

24: K

25: Change to pink. K1, *K9, S2KP2; rep from *

26: K1, *K7, S2KP2; rep from *

~27: Change to yellow. *K3, SL1, K4; rep from *

~28: K1, *K2, SL1, K2, S2KP2; rep from *

~29: K1, *K1, SL1, K1, S2KP2; rep from *

30: Change to pink. K

31: K1, *K1, S2KP2; rep from *

Cut yarn and pull through remaining 8 stitches. Block if needed and weave in yarn tails.

Enjoy these new patterns for August! We will post contest winners when we have all the information. Thanks to those who participated!

Block-of-the-Month Contest and August Patterns

We are working to get the August patterns up and the results of the Block-of-the-Month contest held at the July meeting.

Patterns for August should be up within a day or two – thank you for your patience!

Block-of-the-Month: July

Wow – we are half-way through the year already! I hope you’re enjoying the patterns and the community knitting project.

Looking for information on the design contest? See the post below. I’m looking forward to seeing all your designs!

July “easy” pattern: Openwork Rib

Source – 900 Stitches Patterns

No 71 110, 2nd trimester 1971

Mon Tricot

Materials – Lion Brand Sayelle 4-ply Worsted Acrylic Yarn

Size US 8 (5.0 mm) needles

Gauge – 20 sts over 4 in/10 cm

Cast on 40 sts.

Row 1 (RS): *K3, P1*

Row 2 (WS): *K1, P3*

Row 3: *YO, sl 1, K2tog, psso, YO, P1*

Row 4: *K1, P3*

Repeat rows 1-4 eleven more times for a total of 12 repeats. Weave in yarn tails and block if needed.

July “challenging” pattern: Twining Trees by Sarah Bradberry

We have received permission from the designer, Sarah Bradberry, to use this pattern for our community knitting afghan project. However, Ms. Bradberry has asked us not to re-post the instructions but rather give a link to her pattern.

http://knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/afghans/twiningtrees.htm

Her pattern is for a square of about 9″, and our project calls for 8″ squares. I altered her pattern to create the 8″ square pictured above. I used size 7 needles and Wool-Ease Worsted Weight yarn, and removed 3 sts from each side of the design, and 2 rows from the grass/trunk area. These changes created an 8″ square for me. You may alter the pattern as needed for your knitting style, so long as you create an 8″ square.

Block of the Month Design Contest!

Get your thinking caps on for the afghan square design contest to be held during the July meeting of the Minnesota Knitters’ Guild!

Design a square or squares for our service project and bring the knitted square and written pattern to the July meeting. We will display the squares and our members will vote for their favorites. The top 2 squares in each category (easy or challenge) will be awarded prizes and those squares will be our August & September squares to be shown during the meetings and displayed here on our service project blog.

The squares for the remaining months (October – December) will be chosen from the contest squares by the MKG board and presented during the remaining months of the year. We need a minimum of 10 new square designs to complete the year, so please think about participating in this contest!

The instructions for writing up the pattern can be found here on the blog in the sidebar with the patterns. Look for “Sample Pattern Guide.” Please follow these instructions so that all the patterns have the same format and abbreviations for people to follow.

If you have any questions on the design contest or the block-of-the-month service project, please contact Michele Germanson at michminn AT yahoo DOT com.

May Squares Collected

The squares continue to arrive monthly – do you see your square? Join the fun in knitting up these fast and easy afghan squares for very worthy causes! Patterns are available on the sidebar on the right. Or check out the design contest!