Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Speed Demon

Okay. I understand the appeal of crochet. I've been knitting so long, I had completely forgotten how incredibly fast it is, especially with bulky weight yarn. Fast, I'll admit, is not normally a criterion for knitting pleasure for me. In fact, I often choose projects in smaller gauges to prolong the enjoyment (and stretch my yarn budget). But when you're making a blanket for a twin-sized bed, and using stash yarn, speed has certain advantages.

This is the result of less than two evenings of work. Each square is ten inches. I figure I need 35 of them, plus a border, to make a decent blanket. Even at my most intrepid and unrealistic, I would quail at the thought of knitting 35 ten-inch squares for a single project. But as you can see, I have seven squares after only two days, which, if my math skills are up to the task, means I am one fifth of the way done already. I'll let you in on a little secret if you promise not to tell. Each square is only 20 stitches by 20 rows. That's exactly the size I make my knitting swatches--which is generally less than a four-inch square. These are like knitting swatches on steroids. I almost feel guilty calling this project "handmade."

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

If you were knitting it, you would likely loose interest several times and have to so small projects in between. It would take 14 years and by then your son will be in a double bed!!
So crochet on!

knitwitmama said...

such persistence! And just think your son will have a blanket the color of his grandmother's eyes. I wish I could stand crocheting, it really is better for some things.

Anonymous said...

"knitting on steroids"...LOL! It's going to be a great blanket, warm and soft, and isn't that what really matters? Generally I prefer to knit too, but crochet has its time and place. Looking good! Oh, and I love your handspun sweater too.

Olga said...

hmmm, I think you'll be allowed,just this once! to stray from the true path of fiber enlightenment. We'll look the other way......

...Sarah said...

Stop feeling guilty. The end totally justifies the means!

sheep#100 said...

Swatch steroids? What a great way to knit a blanket!

Melissa Morgan-Oakes said...

I remember crocheting an afghan for DS when he was 3. He still has it. I did not know how to knit then, thank God, or it never would have been finished.

Angelika said...

For some reason my last crochet project just seemed to crawl along, while yours is just zooming. Great job and hopefully you can cuddle under the blanket soon, before it starts getting really cold.

Anonymous said...

Guess that explains why people like to crochet, eh? Blankie is pretty, too.

Khalila said...

I like the look of Crocheted blankets better anyway. I think knitting goes better for garments. I've always crocheted my blankets that I've made.