Thursday, October 08, 2015

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



13 comments:

  1. Hi Wendy, thank you so much for joining in with my link party! I'm so glad to have you. I love these projects you have planned. The blanket for your dad is so nice, I really like that you're adapting it for him. I know he will appreciate it. I have only seen baby-size blankets that are knitted, never a large one, so I'm looking forward to watching your progress. Thanks again for joining and I hope you're having a good week!

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  2. They sound like good project to work on. I need to finish too many half started things before I start with anything new!

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  3. Your projects sound great Wendy I think it's always fun to plan what to make and get everything organised ready for lift off. I'm sure your Dad is going to appreciate the blanket and you will enjoy making it too I'm sure, you may even get addicted to blanket making like me. :) xx

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  4. I do like cables very much, they keep knits interesting. The colours shown in the book would just be perfect for an elderly gentleman I think. I hope that my daughter is as nice as you are, when I am your dad's age. I am joining in, too with both my sewing and knitting projects Happy knitting. x

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  5. Those are some lovely projects to be getting on with over winter. I crocheted a lap blanket for my mum and she uses it all the time. She finds she's often cold as she's got older, whereas my dad doesn't feel the cold at all so rather than turn the heating up she'll bring out her blanket. I'm joining in with Jennifer's link party too, I think it will keep us all motivated with our projects.

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  6. I really like the cable covered pillows and know the one you make for your daughter will turn out just as nice. A lap blanket for your Dad is a great idea and I hope it doesn't get ruined when washed. When my mother was in a nursing home they had to wash everything in hot water for obvious reasons and the new clothes I'd buy her were ruined in no time.
    Have fun with your new projects Wendy.

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  7. Your projects look great. The cabled pillows are so pretty and the lap blanket will be a nice gift for your Dad. The link party sounds like a wonderful idea for keeping you on track and inspired.

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  8. I love those colours you've chosen in that basket...it will look great. Now, must sew up the lap blanket I made last year, you've just reminded me!!! ;) xxx

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  9. I am looking forward what you will make. I am interested with cushion as I want to make one too.
    And I am making a blanket for the winter project party!
    So nice to follow you in the adventure!
    Have a great day.
    Miss

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  10. You have planned interesting projects to work on during winter; you make pretty cushions. I too want start a crochet throw :)

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  11. I will look forward to seeing what you make! You always craft such lovely things! xx

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  12. Love your knitted cable cushions, Wendy! The winter project party is a great way to motivate yourself to complete a project in a timely manner.

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  13. Such lovely warm colours in the photos! They look very inviting :)

    -Soma

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Thanks so much for leaving a comment, it's nice to know when you've stopped by! :)

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