Made by My Friend: A one-of-a-kind baby blanket knitting project with a beautiful variegated yarn
Recently, it's been a joy to spend time with one of my oldest friends. We've known each other almost our entire lives and when we're together it's just like we're kids again. Knitting is one of our many common bonds! A few months ago, she started knitting a baby blanket using my On the Porch blanket knitting pattern and some beautiful yarn she purchased when on vacation.
Last week, she finished the last few inches of knitting (some while doing an online class!) and then I showed her all my tips for blocking the finished blanket to make it look its best.
This gorgeous, one-of-a-kind gift has been carefully wrapped and shipped to the new parents in her extended family. I'm sure they will treasure this lovely blanket for their sweet baby girl!
The ‘On the Porch’ blanket works great with a gently variegated yarn. It’s shown here in Juniper Moon Farm Cumulus Dappled in the 'Lily by the Sea' colorway (#109). This 'Lily of the Sea' colorway is available online from Maker + Stitch in Colorado where they say "we have machine-washed and dried this yarn with great results"... though the label does say to hand wash and lay flat to dry.
My friend used approximately 2.5 skeins (about 630 - 660 yards) of Juniper Moon Farm Cumulus Dappled in the 'Lily by the Sea' colorway (#109) for this project. This appropriately named yarn color makes me think of one of Monet's iconic water lily paintings.
Get more details and buy the On the Porch blanket pattern on my website.
This blanket was made using the directions for the "Baby" size and US 7 knitting needles. Since this yarn is a bit lighter weight than the yarn I used for the original design... the blanket turned out a bit smaller than noted in the pattern. The finished dimensions are approximately 23" wide x 28" long.
Look for Juniper Moon Farm Cumulus (94% cotton / 6% nylon) in both solid color and 'Dappled' multi-color options at local yarn shops. This 'Lily of the Sea' colorway is available online from Maker + Stitch in Colorado where they say "we have machine-washed and dried this yarn with great results"... though the label does say to hand wash and lay flat to dry. I also found this colorway available from Island Yarn Company and Yarnia.
This yarn paired beautifully with the simple design of the On the Porch blanket and perfect stitches by my friend. Seeing this finished blanket project means so much to me since it was knit with love by my dear friend!
A simple pattern allows the yarn to be the ‘star of the show’! To purchase the On the Porch blanket pattern - click here.
On the Porch blanket is very easy to knit with worsted or heavy worsted yarn. It's the perfect choice for a beginning knitter or for an experienced knitter who would like a relaxing, easy project. The pattern looks great with either a solid color or multi-color yarn.
SIX BLANKET SIZES:
You'll find instructions for six blanket sizes in the PDF pattern.
Baby: 28” wide x 30.5” long
Small: 30” wide x 35” long
Medium: 33.5” wide x 38” long
Large: 38” wide x 41” long
XL: 42” wide x 47” long
XXL: 46” wide x 50” long
Finished size may vary depending on yarn weight and gauge used.
WORSTED #4 WEIGHT YARN:
Baby: 600 - 620 yards
Small: 730 - 750 yards
Medium: 880 - 900 yards
Large: 1100 - 1150 yards
XL: 1400 - 1450 yards
XXL: 1600 - 1700 yards
Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your blanket.
WHERE TO PURCHASE THE PATTERN:
FiftyFourTenStudio.com: Click here to purchase.
Ravelry: Click here to purchase on Ravelry.
Etsy: Click here to purchase on Etsy.
As of January 2021, this pattern has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Ravelry for overall results and 5 out of 5 stars for clarity of instructions.
On the Porch blanket is very easy to knit. The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes. Click here to purchase the pattern on Ravelry.
“I really like this pattern. It is super simple but knits up beautifully.”
This pattern also looks great with a solid color yarn! I used Blue Sky Fiber’s Organic Cotton Worsted in the ‘Drift’ colorway for the blanket shown below. Shop: Jimmy Beans Wool | Local Yarn Shops
Get more details on the blanket project below by clicking here.
Pin the image below to save it on your Pinterest knitting board! Click here to see my Pinterest page.
On the Porch blanket knitting pattern for worsted or heavy worsted weight yarn. Click to purchase the pattern.
SKILLS NEEDED:
The On the Porch pattern is very easy to knit! This is a great pattern for beginners who know how to knit and purl confidently. Experienced knitters also enjoy using this pattern because it’s relaxing and easy to knit.
You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends.
The On the Porch blanket knitting pattern was named for childhood memories of summer evenings on my grandparents’ screened porch. The simple textured stripe design reminds me of the old, painted wood floor of their porch.
Here in my part of the world it is officially summer with long days and time outside with family and friends. I'm currently reading… and enjoying… Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Bookshop.org | Amazon). And, I’m keeping a bag by the door with a couple of small, easy projects so I can add a few rows when I'm out and about.
There are a couple of new designs in the works behind the scenes! Thanks for your patience as these new designs won't be ready to reveal until the fall.
If you are looking for an easy summer knitting project check out my knitting patterns for worsted weight yarn.
Happy knitting!
My Zazzle shop has cute knitting themed tote bags and coffee mugs, as well as other gifts for knitters and makers. My favorite is the “In My Knitting Era” tote bag! Thanks for taking a minute to check out my Fifty Four Ten Studio Zazzle Shop!
