Projects
Let’s Go: Our Summer Knitalong Is Here
Well, we’ve made it to June, so you know what that means:
It’s a whole new knitalong.
Socks and Blocks. The knitalong where you can knit up a batch of socks and/or a batch of blanket squares. Choose your pleasure. Choose both.
Yes, this will run concurrently with Refreshalong, the Carol Feller Field Guide No. 14: Refresh knitalong already in full swing. Yes, we think that two knitalongs is a good number of knitalongs at the moment. Knitting is getting us through this crazy year, so we’re going to keep the momentum going.
What Are We Knitting?
Two of the most portable, addicting projects: socks and blanket squares.
Socks!
There is so much to love about knitting socks. We’ll be working with MDK Field Guide No. 11: Wanderlust, our one-stop guide to knitting socks, featuring Wendy Bernard’s two elemental sock patterns along with a baker’s dozen of stitch patterns.
Last summer, new sock knitters as well as seasoned veterans embraced the stitch patterns of this Field Guide. We still have some stitch patterns we haven’t tried yet, so our goal will be to hit all 13 before we stop. (Remember: Gleeful optimism is the name of the game when beginning a knitalong.)
Blanket Squares!
A square here, a square there, and before you know it: you’ve made a blanket.
We’ve zeroed in on a pattern in MDK Field Guide No. 7: Ease that is cool and graphic.
The Picket Fence Afghan, the work of designer Julia Farwell-Clay.
The blanket is made of exactly one block design, repeated 20 times. (Or 16 if you want to finish early.) Two colors of cotton yarn plus accents. Assembled in a way that creates a strong graphic pattern.
Remember, blankets are a form of immortality—this will be a comforting project to make this summer, and a cozy treasure for many years to come.
How to Get in on the Socks and Blocks Knitalong?
It’s easy. Grab Field Guide No. 11: Wanderlust for socks and/or Field Guide No. 7: Ease for the Picket Fence Blanket. We’re going to knit both. It’s a long summer ahead of us.
We have a brand-new topic set up in the MDK Lounge, “Socks and Blocks Knitalong 2020,” where we can all share and care and generally encourage each other to great heights of sock and block glory. Intrepid knitters are already talking about what they’re up to with their socks and blocks.
And share your progress on Instagram with the hashtag #socksnblocksmdk.
Yarn Ideas?
As with all our knitalongs, feel free to use your own yarns. Or come poke around the MDK Shop, where we have stockpiled a strategic yarn reserve for you.
Socks
We have an unprecedented bounty of sock yarns these days—we have been planning this knitalong for months, knowing that a great sock yarn is a big part of what makes sock knitting so great. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see them all.
Picket Fence Afghan
The original pattern called for Rowan Denim, a yarn no longer available unless you have stashed it as many Denim hounds have done. If so, you’re good to go. If not, then we’re going to be using Rowan Handknit Cotton, which knits to the same gauge as Rowan Denim.
There is no end of color play possible with this design. The trick, we think, is to stick with two colors so that the graphic design pops. But we’re never going to tell you how to imagine your blanket—if you’re feeling multicolor, go for it.
Game On!
We’ll be Socking and Blocking through Labor Day.
This is where I “come along side you”. My squares are Mitered Cross Squares. Both are Christmas gifts.
Is there a special place to add a tip.?
I came up with a genius one just a minute ago.
If you drop a stitch and are having trouble ‘seeing’. light up your cell phone and pop it behind your work. Would be very good on socks.
Good choice! Mitered cross, log cabin, and ballband dishcloth for the win!!
I am going for 100 square blanket. Hoping to have a least 40 done by end of June. Objective is to get a head start on donations to winter blanket charity projects.
I too am going with a mitred square. Less stitching to do as you join as you go. But less portable!
I’ll be making blocks alright, cotton of course, but they will never make it to a blanket. They will serve as dish and wash cloths
This is an opportunity to get started on a blanket for a grand daughter’s graduation in 2 years. I’m generally a procrastinator, so this really helps inspire me.
I would love to see the pattern
Could you correct the quantity needed of Handknit Cotton on the Ravelry page? I am guessing the afghan takes more than one skein each of 3 colors . . .and people will want to order all at once to make sure the dyelots match. thank you!
The original design has three “pickets” of color, hence the three single skeins of Handknit Cotton.
I have a C-19 blanket of mitered squares in stashed worsted already started. In March, in the thick of the need for mindless knitting, it was my best option and saved my sanity on many days of worry and isolation.
My first knit along…is this a race? Or just a community working on similar projects?
The latter 🙂 Though I am sure you could race against others in a friendly way if you wanted!
First time making socks! Advice welome
My first sock was shaped like a horse hoof. My advice is don’t give up. It’s a small project so, even if you have to rip it back to the cast on (or worse!), it’s not the end of the world. Socks are now my favorite thing to knit.
And you’ll find your tribe – I’m a member of the “Top-Down, Two at a Time (TAAT) on Two Circular Needles” tribe, myself.
Prepare to become addicted. . . 🙂
I’m sure the folks in the lounge will be very helpful! It’s easy to crowdsourcing answers to a fun and knowledgeable group there, as well as enjoy camaraderie!
me too!!
Before this KAL started, I had an urge to just do simple mindless crafting. I have been crocheting granny squares, thinking one day they may be a full blanket. Can I join if I am not doing the chosen patterns and not even knitting? 😉
Well, if course! It is an inclusive group.
I want to join the KAL, but I don’t understand how to join. Is there a sign up? Or do I just start posting in the lounge? The “Socks and Blocks Knitalong 2020” link in this post points to “Page Not Found”
Please advise.
Thank you,
Beth
I figured. 🙂 But not only am I straying off pattern, I’m even straying off craft!
I’m in and along side, with a stack of Hand Knit Cotton, and many dishcloth patterns!
I bought some cotton yarn to make facecloths and dishcloths . …are u knitting them plain?
I’ve never made socks before…which sock pattern is best for a beginner?
Thanks so much! Mary
Try these: http://tincanknits.com/thesimplecollection.html
If you can’t find a simple pattern in the sock field guide, this is the first sock I ever made and I loved it. I still use this pattern – https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/basic-ribbed-socks.
I want to join the knit-along, knitting socks- although I have been knitting for years- never finish a project- I once made ONE sock! I need a really easy pattern to follow. Thanks
The pattern in the field guide is really simple and walks you through each step (pun intended lol). It will be great for you to learn with.
I’m so excited to finally find a way to use my stashed denim. I’ve got both colors.
I’ve never had enough of one color to make something but perfect for this project. I’m supposing it’s fine to use the Rowan cotton to fill in the color gaps, with the denim.
I’m doing an unofficial “Tour de Sock” with a total of 12 different sock patterns over the course of two months. Am I allowed in the knit-along even if I’m not doing the sock you’re doing?
OK, I bought WANDERLUST and am excited about trying toe up, but can’t part with my 1941 pattern that I’ve used for 50+ years
I’m going with “Summer Cowl squares” in miscellaneous leftover cotton yarns, in shades of blue. The following are the “rules.” Cast on 24 stitches. Knit 8 border rows (4 garter ridges.) Place a stitch marker 4 stitches in from either end. Knit the first and last 4 stitches. The middle 16 stitches can be…whatever fits in there, until it’s time to knit the last 8 border rows. I cast on provisionally and have the final row of stitches on waste yarn in order to give myself joining options. At 5 inches square, I’m thinking 10 squares for a cowl worn doubled. (“Summer cowl” may seem like an oxymoron, but some neck protection is often welcome here on the Oregon coast, especially when it’s windy.)
Did I see a special code when placing an order for this knit along…or was I dreaming? I can’t seem to get back to it if there was one. Thanks for your help.
Wonderful suggestions
I just received my Wanderlust!! Can’t wait to get started. Love making toe-up TAAT socks.