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Traveling Knit Afghan – Square Four by knitbrooks
Square Four of the Traveling Knit Afghan, designed by knitbrooks, has taken us in a different direction!
The afghan took its time making its way from Dublin, Ireland, but it finally made its stop in Nova Scotia, Canada! In case you missed the Dublin stop, head over to this blog post or if you want to know the story from the beginning, check this one!
Inspiration
The Designer
The fourth square of the knit afghan was designed by Kelly Brooks of knitbrooks. Kelly was another new acquaintance for me and it’s proving true that this project really brings people together!
She started as a photojournalist but has evolved into a knitter, crocheter, photographer, designer, and most recently woodcarver. Yes, you read it correctly. Not only she designs the coziest looking accessories, but she also carves some really beautiful crochet hooks.
I am really amazed and inspired by Kelly’s work and it was a pleasure to find out that she is just as relatable as she seems.
The afghan took a bit more time to get to Nova Scotia and while everyone was going crazy to get their hands (in this case, their needles) on the pattern, Kelly had to endure the general ever thining impatience. And she was just so gracious and calm, appeasing everyone! We ended up exchanging a couple of messages – I swear I wasn’t taunting her! – and (besides always responding) she was really amiable.
Here is someone whose work I will definitely follow. And I’m adding her hooks to my wishlist!!
The Pattern
Reading Kelly’s process to get to her square was interesting and quite the eye-opener. You can read it here. What I liked about it the most, aside from her honesty about how frustrating the design process can be, was how grounded she is in her reminder that whatever you decide to do, your path is your own. And there’s no way around it. YOU have to walk the road to find YOUR way! And when you find it, everything falls into place.
And here is the result of Kelly’s way!
Project
For this square, I went back to my Cream Norway 10 ply yarn from Morris & Sons. I also used it for the second square. It wasn’t planned but I like how the lacy patterns are getting the cream color. It really makes them stand out.
On my first try for this square, I started out with the 4.00 mm knitting needles. However, the square was looking really tight and when I got to the middle, it didn’t seem like the sides would reach the 10”/25.5 cm. So I restarted with 4.50 mm knitting needles. This time, after reaching the middle of the pattern, I realized my square was too big and floppy. No good. Finally, on my third try, I went back to the 4.00 mm (setting a reminder not to switch sizes again!), eased up just a little on the tension during the first half of the square, and tightened for the second half and… ta-dah! I got it just right! 😀
Pattern
All the materials and other information needed for the pattern are listed in knitbrooks blog post.
Traveling Knit Afghan – Square Four by knitbrooks
Here is the pattern for Square Four of the Traveling Knit Afghan.
This is an easy one, just made in a different direction. A simple increase, decrease and a yarn over are all you need to make this beauty.
The pattern only has written instructions, but they are very simple. Moreover, there are 12-row repeats, so after the second one, you’ll probably know the pattern by heart. Also, you have the stitch count before every major repeat to keep you on the right path.
I’ll admit that I got a bit confused in the finishing section. I think I switched the rows I should be working, but only noticed it after binding off. I looked at that corner and it wasn’t right, so I had to frog back. Fortunately, it was only a couple of rows. My advice is to look carefully at your square and make sure that the rows you’ll be working next will give it a symmetrical look (not a weird one, like I did).
When you’re finished knitting, you won’t really have a choice, but to block it. But it is so worth it! You can read more about blocking and blocking mats in this post here.
Final thoughts on Square Four
Another simple, beginner-friendly design with a twist!
The idea of making a square diagonally brings newness to this project and it just shows that there is more than one way to make things work! This square has inspired me quite a lot in the sense that it highlighted the importance of staying true to ourselves and persevere in our choices and path. Thank you for this reminder, Kelly.
I hope you too feel more confident in finding your own way after this square.
See you down the road in the next square! 😉
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