Knitting

Traveling Knit Afghan – Square Two by Nomad Stitches

February 4, 2020
Traveling Knit Afghan - Square Two designed by Nomad Stitches, made by Fluffy Stitches

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Traveling Knit Afghan – Square Two by Nomad Stitches

It’s here! I’m happy to tell you that Square Two of the Traveling Knit Afghan is out, and this time it is designed by Nomad Stitches!

Inspiration

The Traveling Afghans are on the road and the Traveling Knit Afghan has got its second square! If you missed the beginning of this project, don’t worry. Just head over to my previous blog post and read about the Traveling Afghans and the first square.

As for the second square of the knit afghan, it is designed by Sandra Gutierrez of Nomad Stitches. She is a maker from Mexico that now lives in the Bulgarian countryside with her family. 🙂

I won’t spoil too much about what inspired her design. I recommend that you head over to her page and read it in her own words. However, I will tell you that this square is a representation of her family and it is just amazing how she integrated a common stitch, like the stockinette stitch, with beautiful lace making this square both delicate and unique.

The second square of the Traveling Knit Afghan by Nomad Stitches
Photo from Nomad Stitches

Project

As with my previous square, I used Norway 10 ply yarn from Morris & Sons. However, I changed colors and for this second square, I’ve used Cream. I thought the brighter color would highlight the delicacy of Sandra’s design. Besides, I think the different colors will enhance the different designs.

Two skeins of Morris & Sons Norway 10 ply yarn, one in cream the other in beige on a white surface

To my surprise, I did feel this yarn a bit more… stiff than the Beige one. I’m not sure why, but the square’s drape worked out beautifully just the same.

Even though the gauge is just a tiny bit different (1 more stitch per 4”/10 cm) I maintained the needle size. I’ll get the 10”/25.5 cm square when I block it. (Nope, I still haven’t done it…)

Pattern

All the materials and other information needed for the pattern are listed in Nomad Stitches blog post.

Traveling Knit Afghan – Square Two by Nomad Stitches

Here is the pattern for Square Two of the Traveling Knit Afghan.

Now, this square can be a bit of a challenge. I consider myself a bit more experienced than a complete beginner, but I had to be patient with myself to be able to make it.

Looking at the pattern, there are a lot of abbreviations that, at least for me, made me feel like I got a little bit carried away with this project. That it was not going to be as easy as I thought. But then you keep reading the post and Sandra is quite reassuring saying that you have the video to help out in case you have any doubts. And she does raise a good point, saying that this project is supposed to teach you new things! So with a more positive mindset, I started working on the square and it did feel quite doable. Maybe all those fears were just that, fears.

Square Two as a WIP with a skein of Morris & Sons Norway 10 ply on a white surface

But then I reached Row 15… I read the abbreviations “skpo”, “M1L”, “M1R”, “ssp” and I was immediately flooded with doubts. So I ran to the video for help. And helpful it was! Sandra says that this was her first video, but she looks comfortable and is quite enthusiastic while explaining the techniques. She shows them several times and puts a lot of emphasis on her explanations so you have a good time listening to her.

Final thoughts on Square Two

All in all, this is a beautiful design that because of all its details, can be a bit tricky to make, but just like Sandra says, you can do it!

All the abbreviations are explained, the pattern is published in both written and graph form and the video shows all the techniques mentioned in the pattern so you have all the resources to make it!

Detail of the second square of the Traveling Knit Afghan

It definitely took me longer to make it than I expected. I had to watch the video several times, and go back, and watch it again, and again. I felt frustrated quite a couple of times because I just couldn’t get the techniques right and the stitches looked awful. But that’s called learning and after a while, I started getting the hang of it. It’s just a matter of practice and patience. 🙂

If you are a beginner and you’re not feeling very comfortable, practice the techniques before getting to your square. This project is a slow one (it will take a whole year!) and you want to enjoy yourself, so don’t worry if you don’t feel ready to make it just yet. Take your time. You can even wait for more squares and tackle this one later when you feel more confident. What matters is that you are happy with what you’re doing!

See you at the next square!

Square Two of the Traveling Knit Afghan is out! Designed by Nomad Stitches this square is a beauty to see. Come and read if it is just as easy to make! #travelingknitafghan #travelingafghansproject

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