Congratulations Knitters!! With Block #6 complete, we are approaching the halfway point in the Cascade Knitterati KAL, and what a great feeling of accomplishment that brings! Block #7 was released on Wednesday and knitters on Ravelry squealed with delight at the delicate beauty of the latest pattern installment.
Block #6 was an interesting exercise in stitch recognition. What was especially interesting was reading the different methods knitters used to facilitate picking up the stitches to create the welts. One of the best parts of this KAL is not only learning new techniques, but then learning different ways to work the new techniques. And what better way to try new technique than on a small project? It’s much less daunting, if you make a mistake that you simply can’t live with, to frog one block rather than a whole afghan! Or maybe you don’t frog your mistakes — we love it when people intentionally leave those “design features” in as their signature.
Block #6 used a series of short rows to create three dimensional welts on the right side of the fabric. Lifelines were used as a visual aid to help identify the stitches that were to be picked up. We are all well versed in row counting and stitch recognition now! Block #6 was best described by one Ravelry user as “industrial chic with great texture” and we couldn’t agree more. We find it truly incredible how designers can create such amazing and well thought out patterns.
Block #7 combines 1960’s inspired chevrons with dainty eyelets, mock cables and nupps. Designed by renowned lace knitting designer Brooke Nico, there is something for every level of knitter in this pattern.
Like many of you, Marsha found Block #7 quite intriguing and wasted no time in getting started. “A delightfully addictive square to knit. I’d never knit a mock cable or a nupp before and I was quite pleased with the results.” As you can see by her progress below, she should be pleased! Great job Marsha!
Block #7 brings us into a shade of tranquil blue, perfect for this rhythmic, soothing pattern. The depth of colour in Cascade 220 Superwash Merino never ceases to amaze us, and we honestly can’t say enough about how buttery soft it is.
Maybe you’ve never knit a nupp or a mock cable before either, have no fear, Cascade has thought of everything in this KAL! There are excellent video links on the Ravelry thread for all the different techniques so you need never feel stuck. They truly couldn’t have made it easier to have fun and learn something new at the same time!
If you still haven’t registered for the Cascade Knitterati KAL it’s not too late! You’ll be surprised at how fast you can catch up. All you need to do is head over to the Cascade website and sign up to receive the patterns via email, and then take a trip to your favourite LYS and ask them to show you their great selection of Cascade 220 Superwash Merino.
Keep sending us pictures of your WIP’s to cascadegradeintlapghan@estelledesigns.ca, we love seeing your progress!