This blanket was created as an homage to my grandmother, Norma
Jones, who recently had to move into
a nursing home. As I live more than 12
hours away, cannot visit regularly and
phone conversations aren't possible, I wanted to design and knit
something comforting for her to use daily.
This design begins at the centre and
branches out with 4 quadrants representing
her 4 children, each quadrant grows tiny
vines and leafy columns, the branches
and leaves of our family tree. This blanket
is the perfect lap size cover, or fold
it diagonally for an extra-warm double-layer
shawl. Worked in Superwash Merino in
a worsted weight, this project is a fast knit with easy care.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
36 x 36 inches square, after blocking
MATERIALS
Yarn Schaefer
Yarns Chris [80% Superwash Merino,
20% Nylon; 215yd/196m per 4oz/113g skein]; color: Saffron; 5 skeins
Recommended needle size [always use a needle
size that gives you the gauge
listed below -- every knitter's
gauge is unique] US
#7/4.5mm double-point needles or long circular 1
24-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle 1
47-inch US #7/4.5mm circular needle 1
47-inch US #6/4.0mm circular needle
Notions yarn
needle 4 stitch markers – one of a different color or style
GAUGE
18 sts/24 rows = 4 inches in
stockinette stitch
16 sts/27 rows = 4 inches over chart
PATTERN NOTES [Knitty's list of standard abbreviations and techniques can be found here.]
M1R: Insert left needle, from back to front, under the horizontal
strand which lies between the stitch just knit, and the following
stitch; then knit into the front of this loop. 1 stitch increased.
M1L: Insert left needle, from front to back, under the horizontal
strand which lies between the stitch just knit, and the following
stitch; then knit into the back of this loop. 1 stitch increased.
Charts The charts for this pattern are very large.
Each fits on a letter-sized page.
Click below and print each resulting
page and assemble each chart.
Using DPNs or larger long circular, cast
on 6 stitches using Judy’s Magic Cast on.
Setup row: K3.
Setup round: [K1, M1R] around. 12 sts.
Arrange sts onto DPNs or long circular
for magic loop. If working on DPNs, put 3 sts on each needle;
if working on magic loop method, place markers after every third
stitch to divide up the quarters of the blanket, using a different
color marker for the start of the round.
Start charts Round 1: Work row 1 of Chart 1 4 times
around.
Continue as set until row 90 of Chart
1 is complete. As blanket gets bigger, change to larger circular
needles, using markers to divide up the quarters.
When Chart 1 is complete, (372 sts) continue as follows: Next round: [Work Chart 2 row 1 across
47 sts, work Chart 3 row 1 across 46 sts] 4 times
Continue as set until row 38 of
Charts 2 & 3 is complete. 524 sts.
Border
Change to smaller needle. Round 1: [K1, yo, k to next marker, yo,
slip marker] around. 8 sts increased,
532 sts. Round 2: P around. Round 3: [K1, yo, k to next marker, yo,
slip marker] around. 8 sts increased, 540 sts. Round 4: P around. Round 5: [K1, yo, k1, (yo, k2tog) to
1 st before marker, k1, yo] 4 times around.
8 sts increased,
548 sts. Round 6: P around. Round 7: [K1, yo, k to next marker, yo,
slip marker] around. 8 sts increased, 556 sts. Bind off as follows: P2, slip 2 sts back
to left needle, p2tog; *slip st back to left needle, p2tog; rep
from * until all sts have been bound off.
FINISHING
Weave in ends and wet block.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Originally from Canada, Meghan Jones has
a BFA in Fibres and Textiles and makes her home in Spokane, WA.
She teaches knitting classes at her local yarn shop
and spends her days designing patterns
and enjoying her 2 daughters and husband.
