Tag: knitalong

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Afghan Knitalong – Color Selection Part Two

I don’t know about you, but I continue to dither over my Afghan Knitalong colors!  So since we at Universal Yarn have a warehouse full of gorgeous Uptown Worsted at our fingertips, our staff put together Amy Gunderson’s other three color selections to see how they struck our fancy.

Afghan Knitalong - Be GreenI am torn between Rocky Shore (from the last afghan color post) and Be Green.  They’re both muted and adult, and both would look great draped over my couch.

Afghan Knitalong Cupcake Parade

Cupcake Parade is the colorway that Amy is using in her afghan.  Swatches and video demos will mostly feature this group of colors.

Afghan Knigalong Proud Colors

Bright primaries reminiscent of a rainbow or the colors in a crayon box.  Gorgeous.

I’m  considering doing Be Green, but in blue, substituting 318 Navy for the Hunter Green and  a couple of lighter blues for the other two tones.  Uptown Worsted has plenty of color options to choose from, so I think I can find something that will work well.  We knitters are creative folks; we’re not obligated to follow the pack or color within the lines.

The first square goes live on Monday.  We’ll have the pattern, as well as a video tutorial on the technique used in our first square – intarsia!

 

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Afghan Knitalong – Color Selection Part One

First things first – we originally thought of starting the Don’t Be A Square Afghan Knitalong on the 15th.  Then we looked at a calendar and realized that was a Saturday.  We’d like to be here in the office to answer any questions, just in case, so we’re moving the start date to March 17th.  What are we doing with the extra time?  Picking colors!

Several of us here at the office are knitting along, and we’re mulling over the color selections in Uptown Worsted that Amy Gunderson has suggested.

First:  Moderno!

Afghan Knitalong - Moderno colors

As the name suggests, this is a very modern selection.  The burst of color from the magenta provides a focal point for the afghan.  The lime plays very well with the hot color, tying the neutrals together with the almost neon intensity for a very vibrant finished piece.

Next: Little One! Afghan Knitalong - Little One Colors

Obviously, an ideal pick for a baby or toddler’s room.  Uptown Worsted is very soft, making it a suitable choice for something baby would be playing on or under.  Pastel and sweet, this would look great draped over the arm of a rocking chair – or as part of a blanket fort down the line.

Finally: Rocky Shore!

Afghan Knitalong - Rocky Shore colors

This has been a popular choice in the office.  We’ve had more than one person select this for themselves.  Earth tones with a pop of color, but less showy than Moderno.  Can’t you imagine curling up on the couch under this?

Of course, as Amy herself points out, there are endless color possibilities.  You should make your afghan your own – choose and change whatever colors you wish until you have a selection that speaks to you.

We’ll be back with a look at Amy’s other choices.  Personally, I’m torn between Rocky Shore and Be Green, which we’ll show next time.  Maybe I can do both…

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Afghan Knitalong – Don’t Be A Square!

It’s knitalong time!

Cupcake colors_med

Designer Amy Gunderson is guiding us through a new project: the Don’t Be A Square Afghan.  This will be a geometry-themed project with a different square every other week.

What to expect: The squares will highlight different techniques and color combinations.  Look forward to intarsia, cables, applied elements, and unique textures.  We’ll be posting video tutorials – this will be a great opportunity to learn something new.

Skill level: There will be enough to interest an experienced knitter, but if you’re a newer knitter, don’t be afraid to jump in.  We’ll guide you along the path.  Instructions will be both written and charted.

As for timing, we’ll be done with the whole thing just in time for Mother’s Day next year.  You’ll have a ready-made gift.

Want to get ready?  Amy has highlighted some suggested color combinations in our Uptown Worsted 100% anti-pilling acrylic below.  We strongly recommend at least four colors.

coloroptions_circles with logo med

How much yarn?  Amy: “Each block, barring heavily cabled blocks, will require about 30g of yarn. So the finished 20 blocks will require, at minimum, about 600g or 6 balls. I’d like to recommend preparing for 2 balls of each color if a person is using 5 or 6 colors because the 600g doesn’t take into consideration edging.”

Gauge: 17 sts x 21 rows = 4″ in St st.

Finished Size? Amy: “Made in Uptown Worsted, each square will be about 8½” square.  The finished afghan will be 4 x 5 squares, or 34” x 42½ ”.  Made in Uptown Baby Sport, the finished size would be about 75% of the size of the worsted afghan. Made in Uptown Bulky, it would be about 30% bigger.”

Pick your colors, grab your needles, and start swatching.  We’ll be back in March with the first block and some handy tips!