Category: Ode to Quilting

The 4th block in the Ode to Quilting afghan:

This block was a lot of fun to knit. So without further ado, following is the complete knitting pattern.

Pattern for Nesting Squares Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion’s Wool by Lion Brand or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.

1. Color A = Pumpkin

2. Color B = Autumn Sunset, divided into 2 balls

3. Color C = Sage, divided into 2 balls

4. Color D = Flower Garden, divided into 2 balls

5. Color E = Pearl Grey, divided into 2 balls

6. Color F = Ocean Blues, divided into 2 balls

Needles: Lion’s Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5)

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Stocking Stitch

Stocking Stitch Pattern:Knit all stitches on the RS; Purl all stitches on the WS

Knitting Instructions:

In Color A, cast on 10 sts. Row 1(RS): K5, P4, K1. Repeat this row 5 more times. Row 7(RS): K1, P4, K5. Repeat this row 5 more times. Bind off in pattern.

In Color B, cast on 18 sts. Work in stocking stitch for 6 rows. Row 7: K5. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 6 sts. K6. Working both sides at once, continue in stocking stitch until 12 rows have been completed since bind off row (18 rows since beginning). Row 19 (RS): K6. Cast on 6 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Work in stocking stitch for 5 more rows (24 rows since beginning). Bind off all sts.

In Color C, cast on 26 sts. Row 1(RS): K1, (K4, P4) repeat to last st, K1. Repeat this row 5 more times. Row 7(RS): K1, P4. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 14 sts. K6. Row 8(WS): K1, P4, K1. Switch to other side. K6. Repeat row 8 four more times. Row 13: K6. Switch to other side. K1, P4, K1. Repeat row 13 five more times. Rows 19-24: Repeat row 7. Rows 25-30: Repeat row 12. Row 31: K1, P4, K1. Cast on 14 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Rows 32-36: K1, (P4, K4) repeat to last st, K1. Bind off all sts in pattern.

In Color D, cast on 34 sts. Work in Stocking stitch for 6 rows. Row 7: K5. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 22 sts. K6. Working both sides at once, continue in stocking stitch until 36 rows have been completed since bind off row (42 rows since beginning). Row 43(RS): K6. Cast on 22 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Work in stocking stitch for 5 more rows (48 rows since beginning). Bind off all sts.

In Color E, cast on 42 sts. Row 1(RS): K1, (K4, P4) repeat to last st, K1. Repeat this row 5 more times. Row 7(RS): K1, P4. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 30 sts. K6. Row 8(WS): K1, P4, K1. Switch to other side. K6. Repeat row 8 four more times. Row 13: K6. Switch to other side. K1, P4, K1. Repeat row 13 five more times. Rows 19-24: Repeat row 8. Rows 25-30: Repeat row 12. Rows 31-36: Repeat row 8. Rows 37-42: Repeat row 12. Rows 43-48: Repeat row 8. Rows 49-54: Repeat row 12. Row 55: K1, P4, K1. Cast on 30 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Rows 56-60: K1, (P4, K4) repeat to last st, K1. Bind off all sts in pattern.

In Color F, cast on 50 sts. Work in Stocking stitch for 6 rows. Row 7: K5. Join new ball of yarn. Holding both strands of yarn (from the new and old balls), K1. With the strand from the new ball of yarn, bind off 38 sts. K6. Working both sides at once, continue in stocking stitch until 60 rows have been completed since bind off row (66 rows since beginning). Row 67(RS): K6. Cast on 38 sts at beginning of left-hand side of block. Holding both strands of yarn together, K the 1st of the cast-on sts. Switch to only one strand of yarn, K the remaining cast-on stitches. K6. Work in stocking stitch for 5 more rows (72 rows since beginning). Bind off all sts.

Finishing Instructions:

Place the Color A square inside the Color B square. Using safety pins, match the corners of the Color A square with the inside corners of the Color B square. Starting on the right side and using the mattress stitch, weave the two sides together. Next, weave the top of the A square to the cast-on row of the B square. Continue around in this fashion until the entire A square is weaved together with the B square.

Next, place the A-B square inside of the Color C square. Using safety pins, match the corner of the Color B square with the inside corner of the Color C square. Using more safety pins, ensure the checker pattern of the C square lines up with the checker pattern of the A square. Then, starting on the right side and using mattress stitch, weave the two sides together.

Next, turn the corner and start weaving the top of the B square with the cast on row of the C square.

Continue on in this fashion, weaving the left side and the bottom of the B square to the side and bind-off row of the C square.

Continue to place the ever-growing block inside of the next larger square. Use the mattress stitch exclusively when weaving all the sides together.

When it is all said and done, you’ll be the proud owner of a Nesting Squares Block.

Join me next week when I roll out the 5th block in the Ode to Quilting series. If you are knitting along with me, please send me photos of your completed blocks so I can share them with everybody else!

The Bright Hope block is the 3rd block in my Ode to Quilting afghan.

Pattern for Bright Hope Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion’s Wool by Lion Brand (see my links to the right for Lion Brand’s website) or substitute any wool yarn from your stash that meets the below gauge specifications.
1. Color A = Ebony
2. Color B = Pumpkin
3. Color C = Goldenrod
4. Color D = Scarlet
5. Color E = Purple

Needles: Lion’s Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5)

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Stocking Stitch

Stocking Stitch Pattern:
Knit all stitches on the RS; Purl all stitches on the WS

Arrow Pattern:
Row 1 (RS): K6, P2, K6.
Row 2: K1, P4, K4, P4, K1.
Row 3: K4, P6, K4.
Row 4: K1, P2, K8, P2, K1.
Row 5: K2, P4, K2, P4, K2.
Row 6: K5, P4, K5.
Row 7: K1, P3, K6, P3, K1.
Row 8: K3, P8, K3.
Row 9: K1, P1, K10, P1, K1.
Row 10: K1, P5, K2, P5, K1.
Row 11: K5, P4, K5.
Row 12: K1, P3, K6, P3, K1.
Row 13: K3, P8, K3.
Row 14: K1, P1, K4, P2, K4, P1, K1.
Row 15: K1, P4, K4, P4, K1.
Row 16: K4, P6, K4.
Row 17: K1, P2, K8, P2, K1.
Row 18: K2, P10, K2.

Knitting Instructions:
In Color A, cast on 26 stitches. Work in Stocking Stitch for 36 rows. Bind off.

In Color B, cast on 14 stitches. Work rows 1 thru 18 of the Arrow Pattern three times for a total of 54 rows. Bind off.
In Color C, cast on 14 stitches. Work rows 1 thru 18 of the Arrow Pattern three times. Bind off.
In Color D, cast on 14 stitches. Work rows 1 thru 18 of the Arrow Pattern three times. Bind off.
In Color E, cast on 14 stitches. Work rows 1 thru 18 of the Arrow Pattern three times. Bind off.

Finishing Instructions:
Lay all the knitted pieces out on a flat surface. Shift them around until you like the way it looks. Your block will look like the one below, minus a dog. (Jake wanted to be in all the pictures yesterday. How could I say no? He looked so cute!)

Pick up only the black square and the color strip to the right of the block. In this case, it is the pumpkin (orange) strip.

Line the top of the pumpkin strip up with the top of the black square. The strip should be 3 inches longer than the black square.

Using a mattress stitch and orange yarn, weave the two pieces together. Do not break the yarn. It will be used later.

Next, pick up the color strip that lay directly below the black square. In this case, it will be the purple strip. Lay the purple strip down so that the top of the strip butts up with the left side of the orange strip. The arrows of the purple strip should point toward the orange strip.

Measure the purple strip. It should measure 9 inches. Using a straight pin with a colorful head, mark the placement of 6 inches down from the top. Line the straight pin up with the bottom left corner of the black square. Using safety pins, pin the purple square in place.

Using a mattress seam and purple yarn, seam the purple strip to the black square. Do not break the yarn.

Next, pin the top of the purple strip to the remaining left side of the orange strip. Pick up the leftover yarn used when seaming the orange strip to the black square. Use it to seam the two strips together.

Next, pick up the color strip that lay to the right of the black square. In this case, it is the red strip. Line the bottom of the red strip up with the bottom right hand corner of the black square. The top of the red strip should extend 3 inches beyond the top of the black square. It should butt into the section of the purple strip extending beyond the black square. Additionally, the arrows in the red strip should point toward the purple strip.

Using the mattress stitch and red yarn, weave the red strip and the black square together.

Next, pin the top of the red strip to the remaining 3 inches of the purple strip. Using the leftover purple yarn, weave the two pieces together.

Next, pick up the final color strip. In this case, the yellow strip is the lone straggler. Pin the yellow strip in place.

The top of the yellow strip should butt into the side of the red strip. The bottom of the yellow strip should be even with the right outside edge of the orange strip. Additionally, the arrows on the yellow strip should point toward the red strip. Likewise, the arrows on the orange strip should point towards the yellow strip.

Measure the yellow strip to locate where it is 6 inches from the top. Mark it with a pin. Line the pin up with the orange and black seam (where the orange strip was weaved together with the black square).

Using the mattress stitch and yellow yarn, weave the yellow strip to the black square and to the top of the orange strip.

Finally, pin the top of the yellow strip to the remaining loose side of the red strip. Using the leftover red yarn, weave the final two pieces together.

Weave in any loose strands of yarn.

Ta Da. You have a Bright Hope Square.

The 9-patch block in all its finished glory:

As promised, following are the finishing instructions for the 9-patch block.

First, lay the squares out as you would like them to be in the final block. Then, pick up the 3 squares that make up the first row. Pin the sides together (I recommend using safety pins as they allow the items to lay flat while keeping them securely in place). Once pinned, your row will look like the pic below.

Then, seam up the sides using a mattress stitch, taking the pins out as you come to them. (For a reminder on how to execute the mattress seam, go to http://www.learn2knit.co.uk/knitting/joining.php). Do not be concerned about which color of yarn you use to seam up the sides with. As Elizabeth Zimmerman would say, “Flip a coin. It’s the only way.” Once you have both sides seamed, set Row 1 aside.

Repeat these instructions for both rows 2 and 3.

Next, pick up Row 1 and 2. Pin the long sides together being careful to align the seams. Once pinned, your block will look similar to the pic below.

Then, seam the rows together, taking the pins out as you come to them. In this case, you may want to use Color A as your seaming yarn, since the majority of the blocks are in this color.

Once completed, pick up Row 3 and pin it to the bottom of the half-completed block. Do take the extra time to match up the seams. Then, seam the rows together.

Weave in any loose strands of yarn.

Block lightly to measurements. The block should measure slightly larger than a 12 inch square (due to the added selvage stitches and bind off rows).

Set block aside with the St. Louis block.

The next block in the “Ode to Quilting” afghan will be posted Monday, May 21st.

Thank you for keeping up with the series. I truly have enjoyed creating each block!

Here is the 2nd block in my “Ode to Quilting” afghan.

It is a traditional 9-patch block, consisting of 4 dark squares and 5 light squares.

Pattern for 9-patch Block:

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion’s Wool by Lion Brand (see my links to the right for Lion Brand’s website) or substitute any wool yarn from your stash
1. Color A = Winter White
2. Color B = Cadet Blue
3. Color C = Midnight Blue
4. Color D = Purple
5. Color E = Black

Needles: Lion’s Wool recommends size 8 (I used size 5, but I am a habitually loose knitter)

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Stocking Stitch
3.5 stitches and 7 rows is 1 inch in Garter Stitch

Stocking Stitch: Knit all stitches on RS (Right Side); Purl all stitches on WS (Wrong Side)

Garter Stitch: Knit all rows

Pattern: In Color B, cast on 18 stitches. Row 1: Knit all stitches. Row 2: K1, Purl 16, K1.
Repeat these two rows until 24 rows have been knit or until piece measures 4 inches.
Bind off.

Repeat the instructions above for Colors C, D and E.

When finished, you will have four dark colored blocks knit in stocking stitch.

Block lightly to measurements of 4 inches by 4 inches. Set aside.

Now for the fun part …. the knitting of the white blocks.

Block #1 (Garter square): In Color A, cast on 16 stitches. Work in Garter stitch for 28 rows or until piece measures 4 inches. Bind off.

Block #2 (Diamond square): In Color A, cast on 16 stitches. Row 1 and all future odd-numbered rows: Knit to end. Row 2: K1, P6, K2, P6, K1. Row 4: K1, P5, K4, P5, K1. Row 6: K1, P4, K6, P4, K1. Row 8: K1, P3, K8, P3, K1. Row 10: K1, P2, K10, P2, K1. Row 12: K1, P1, K12, P1, K1. Row 14: Knit to end. Row 16: Repeat Row 12. Row 18: Repeat Row 10. Row 20: Repeat Row 8. Row 22: Repeat Row 6. Row 24: Repeat Row 4. Row 26: Repeat Row 2. Bind off.

Block #3 (Fools Welt square): In Color A, cast on 16 stitches. Rows 1-3: Work in Stocking Stitch. Rows 4-8: Work in Garter stitch. Work rows 1-8 twice more for a total of 24 rows. Then, work rows 1-3 again. Bind off.

Block #4 (Ridged square): In Color A, cast on 18 stitches. Rows 1-2: Work in stocking stitch. Row 3: K1, P16, K1. Row 4: Knit to end. Rows 5-8: Work in stocking stitch. Row 9: K1, P16, K1. Rows 10-13: Work in stocking stitch. Row 14: Knit. Row 15: K1, P16, K1. Rows 16-19: Work in stocking stitch. Row 20: Knit. Rows 21-24: Work in stocking stitch. Row 25: K1, P16, K1. Row 26: Knit. Rows 27-28: Work in stocking stitch. Bind off.

Block #5 (Step pyramid square): In Color A, cast on 16 stitches. Rows 1-4: Knit to end. Row 5 and all future odd-numbered rows: Knit. Rows 6 & 8: K1, P1, K12, P1, K1. Rows 10 & 12: K1, P2, K10, P2, K1. Rows 14 & 16: K1, P3, K8, P3, K1. Rows 18 & 20: K1, P4, K6, P4, K1. Rows 22 & 24: K1, P5, K4, P5, K1. Rows 26 & 28: K1, P6, K2, P6, K1. Bind off.

Finishing instructions will be provided tomorrow, Tuesday, May 15th.

Forgive me, but I am off to prune more of my “Carrot Top” bush. I recently realized this bush is actually a Fire Thorn bush. I never knew that. Guess how I found out. You betcha. I stuck my hand into the middle of the bush, trying to prune out all the dead twigs and I had the dickens of a time getting my hand back out unmarred. This time I am wearing long sleeves in the hopes it will keep me unscathed. No wonder the birds don’t bother it. =)

Other knitting news: The brown yarn from Shelridge Farms arrived on Saturday! I can Finally finish my sleeve. I’ve already wound it into a ball. It’s ready for tonight’s baseball game.

Happy Knitting, All!

I finished the St. Louis block five minutes ago. I couldn’t wait to share it!

(For the free pattern, please see yesterday’s post: http://knittedgems.blogspot.com/2007/05/st-louis-block.html)

Here it is:

I even took the time to weave in all the loose strands (35 of them!).

The back side:

My thanks to Noricum for featuring me in her blog today (http://noricum.blogspot.com/2007/05/found-on-flickr_08.html)! I am honored.

Well, the sheer fact that I haven’t started on my gauge for the Barbie shawl means that I can’t sit and chat today. Duty calls.

I’ll be back tomorrow with more knitting news.

Until Then.

My hope was to showcase the completed St. Louis block.

Can we just say that close counts in hand grenades, horseshoes and knitted afghan blocks?

Pattern for St. Louis Block (the first block in my “Ode to Quilting” afghan)

Recommended Knitting skill level: Easy

Yarn: Lion’s Wool by Lion Brand (see my links to the right for Lion Brand’s website) or substitute any wool yarn from your stash

Gauge: 4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Stocking Stitch
4 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Moss Stitch
3.5 stitches and 6 rows is 1 inch in Seed Stitch

Stocking Stitch: Knit all stitches on RS (Right Side); Purl all stitches on WS (Wrong Side)

Moss Stitch: Row 1: (K1, P1) repeat to end on RS; Row 2: Knit the K stitches and Purl the P stitches. Row 3: (P1, K1) repeat to end. Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Seed Stitch: (K1, P1) to end on all rows

Pattern: In Color A (shown in variegated yarn), cast on 10 stitches.
Row 1: Knit all stitches.
Row 2: K1, Purl to 2nd to the last stitch, K1.
Repeat these rows until 36 rows have been knit or until piece measures 6″.
Bind off.
Make 4 such knitted strips in Color A.

In Color B (shown in Pink yarn), cast on 9 stitches.
All rows: K2, (P1, K1) twice, P1, K2.
Repeat this row until 36 rows have been knit or until piece measures 6 inches.
Bind off.
Make 4 such knitted strips in Color B.

In Color C (show in Yellow yarn), cast on 10 stitches.
Row 1: K2, (P1, K1) thrice, P1, K1.
Row 2: K1, (P1, K1) 4 times, K1.
Row 3: Repeat Row 2.
Row 4: Repeat Row 1.
Repeat these 4 rows until 36 rows have been knit or until piece measures 6 inches.
Bind off.
Make 4 such knitted strips in Color C.

Arrange the pieces like so.

Or in whatever color combination you prefer.

Seam the long sides together, giving care to keep the ends even. (Remember: safety pins are your friend!)

Repeat this step 3 more times until you have four sets of 3-strip blocks.

Then, arrange your sets so that they look like the first picture.

Seam the block together, one side at a time. Below is a pic of the right side of my St. Louis block, seamed together.

Once finished, you will have the first block of the “Ode to Quilting” afghan completed. I will post a new block every Monday. I would love to have you knit along with me! Be sure to share your pics.

On other news, I have uploaded several gardening pictures on my Flickr account (see my link to the left). Mainly, I took pics of my favorite plants plus my new tomatoes that I planted this weekend. Hopefully, this year will be better than last year. I planted twice as many tomato plants just to be sure I will have enough to can. The herbs haven’t gone into the pots yet. Tonight is supposed to drop down to the 30s, so I’ll hold off until later this week.

Well, I’m off to dig a hole in my garden. (I’m transplanting yet another plant). Although, I am fortunate to have inherited such a large garden and truly, I shouldn’t complain. …. But, all the plants are crowded together and showing signs of strain from lack of space to lack of sun. I have a long list of plants that need to be moved or ripped out altogether. Hopefully, this year I will grab the biggest offenders and relocate them. Wish me luck!

Have a wonderful day!