A Blank Slate ... Winter Project Link Party

I've recently been reading on Jennifer's beautiful blog Thistlebear that she is having a link party to take us through the winter months with a craft project. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to get cracking on one of a few things I've had in my mind to work on but haven't as yet got started.

I have a blank slate in this cushion form filled with feathers that I bought a while ago. I bought it with the intention of using it for a cushion I already have, but didn't like the flatness of the cushion. But I think it's actually a couple of inches too big for that cushion. But when my knitted cable cushions turned out so well (seen in the background below), and when my daughter requested a cushion cover for her bed like these, I thought I would use the form for her instead. I will have to discuss colours with her when she comes home tomorrow for Thanksgiving. She already told me she likes the pure wool.

Another project I have in mind is to knit a lap throw for my dad. He cannot walk too well anymore, so has to be pushed in a wheelchair when he goes outside his residence. Now the weather is getting a bit cooler, he could use a nice cozy lap throw to keep those knees warm on our outings. He's never really been one for getting cozy under blankets, but I don't think he would mind a handknit throw when the days get a bit chilly. He could use it in his room too when he's snoozing in his armchair. I'd have to knit it from acrylic since it would need to be washed in a machine (there is no hand washing provided at the home). I wouldn't want a wool throw ruined in the wash! A woolen lap throw may turn into a felted coaster!!

I haven't chosen the yarn for this yet, but I've been leaning towards this pattern in a book I have for baby blankets. It's one blanket that doesn't look too babyish, but rather rugged for my old pops! Increases would have to be made in the size, but I really like the stitch pattern ... cable again! ... and I think he would too.

I've not knit a blanket before, but don't imagine I would have any trouble with it once I got the pattern size adjusted. This baby blanket is knit in three different colours, but I think I might like it better in one colour. I wish they had the blanket spread out in the photo so you could see the whole thing at once which would help my decision. I do like the colour combination they chose though.

I've also been checking out I-cord edging knit on a completed project and it gives it a really sharp edge, which looks even nicer in a contrasting colour. This video has the most complicated technique, but it looks amazing, and the tutorial is very clear.

So this is my link-up post for the Winter Project with Jennifer. If you want to join up, today is the deadline to join. Just click on the button below to take you directly to the link-up. I'm always the last one in the door at these things it seems ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy