August 14, 2008
Planning out an afghan...
*this photo was taken last week, so there are some squares on the grid that haven't been marked off yet. The red squares are the ones that I have received already*
Okay, so I know that I said I'd have an update "tomorrow" in my last post...but it came and went and I just didn't slow down to write anything. Plus, there was the little book that I was trying to finish. Breaking Dawn. All I can say about it is that I want to start reading it all over again today...and I just finished it yesterday. I am officially a fan. I have been "bitten" as they say. I highly recommend the Twilight series of Young Adult books if you haven't heard of them and you have any interest in Vampire books. They are really great stories. I'm thrilled that they are being made into movies. (the first one comes out 12/12/08...you can see the trailer here.)
So, back to knitting, the number of squares that have been knitted and collected is up to 36. Many of you have been in touch with me about when you need to have the squares done. Good question. I'm going to collect them all month long, with the thought that by the end of August, I'd have them all in my possession so that I can start the blocking and seaming process. My goal is to give the finished afghan to him in September. I need to get together with my friend Kim, who is knitting 2 of these afghans for her family, and talk to her about size. I can't get my mind around how big I want this thing to be. I know it needs to be bigger than the 42 1/2" wide and 49 1/2" long that the pattern calls for. Any suggestions? (He's 6'1")
I want to say a HUGE thank you to all these lovely ladies who have knit squares and sent them: Kelly, Jennifer C., Jeni, Michelle, Genia, Mom, Marisol, Sue, Kim Z., Jodee, Becky, Sam, Terrie, Caryn, Rebecca, Cristi, Kim C., Amanda B., Deb, Jess, and Judy P.
On the Olympic knitting front, I haven't finished anything yet, but it's getting close on a couple of things! I just need to keep knitting away on them each night. Now that I am not totally distracted with reading I think I can get some stuff done.
Dream in Color shrug: 2 more repeats of lace, ribbing on the sleeve, and ribbing around the whole shrug
Little Snugs: One boot complete, halfway finished with the outer sole of the second shoe. Still have the inner liner to complete.
Super-Girly Striped Sweater: Back and two fronts complete. I'm knitting the 2 sleeves at the same time. Once those are done I can start to seam it up and knit the ribbing around the neck and insert the zipper.
Alice's afghan: I have one strip to knit...and it's about 1/4 of the way done. This project is the farthest from completion.
Hopefully I'll have lots of time to knit this weekend. Can someone please let me have a few more hours in a day? I need more knitting time. Oh, and it would also help if I had a better attention span too!
Posted by Stacey at August 14, 2008 07:25 AMI really want to start reading the Twilight series! Glad to hear it's so good :)
I think you're doing great on your Olympic knitting! You're really close to finishing some. Keep up the knitting!!
Posted by: Terrie at August 14, 2008 04:29 PMi wish i'd known sooner about the blanket. it is going to be wonderful, what an incredible present. i bet your dad tears up with happiness. xo
Posted by: yvette / overanalyzer at August 14, 2008 05:25 PMAck! I see my name up there in the picture and I need to get mine DONE!!!
And, my next series of books will be those. Have you read them all??? Can I borrow them next?
Can't wait for tomorrow night!
Posted by: Mary-Kay at August 14, 2008 06:08 PMI'm knitting as fast as I can!! My square is about 3/4 done and I loved making it! I was just in 2 swaps on Ravelry and that's where my knitting time went!
Posted by: Sharon at August 14, 2008 06:57 PMAbout the size of the afghan, it depends on how you think he'll use it. I made a snuggle quilt for my dad for when he reads in the winter (and sometimes naps under it). If he'll really mostly use it to cover his lower body, then figure about 12"-18" longer than the length from his belt to the floor. This will help it not slide off his lap and keep him covered. If he might nap under it, figure his height plus 12"-15". This leaves some 'tuck' in it to keep the neck cozy and his toes covered. For width, you want it to drape down the sides so there aren't any cold gaps. For most people, 42"-48" is enough, if he's a big guy, estimate his girth and subtract about 12". These are a little rough, but you can see what the pertinent things are to consider. Feel free to email me if you think I can help. Your dad is gonna be very happy.
Posted by: Robby at August 14, 2008 07:05 PMI am further along than ever! The square is coming into your possession very soon! I know I should not be proud, but I am.
Posted by: julie at August 14, 2008 07:12 PMI can't wait to see the blanket laid out with all the different squares. It's going to be awesome!
Posted by: Kelly at August 15, 2008 07:35 AMThe afghan is going to be fabulous! I love how you have it all planned out :)
Posted by: sam at August 16, 2008 05:20 AMThat afghan will be really great! I can't wait to see the finished photos and read about how much your Dad loves it. :) I read the Twilight books, and for some reason I kept picturing Edward as Dawson from Dawson's Creek. And that annoyed me. :*( I really liked the first book, but as soon as he morphed into Dawson... it was over for me. How terrible is that?!
Posted by: Lelah at August 16, 2008 12:14 PManyway to fit my name on those little squares?
Posted by: cristina - string*THEORY at August 17, 2008 12:08 PMHi Stacey...
I had told you that I wanted to help with this...I unfortunately have not been able to learn how to do this as of yet. I did get the book, but have not been able to get the right size needles and yarn. I have been going through some testing stuff recently...things that have to do with my heart. They don't know that is wrong yet...I have had all kinds of appointmenst and tests...I am waiting for a test date on a CT scan, so hopefully that will shed some light on some things. I am sooo sorry and I hope that you have enough squares to be able to get the blanket completed...I really wanted to learn how to do this and help out. Your dad is still in my prayers, though!
Take care...and I will still try to learn...maybe on larger needles and different yarn.
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie at August 18, 2008 09:56 AMIf you ever figure out how to get more knitting time into a day, let me know!
Happy Birthday to Alice. :-)
Posted by: Joanne at August 19, 2008 02:58 PMOkay....I am knitting mine tonight!
Posted by: Lynne at August 21, 2008 01:16 PM