Block #9 in the Cascade Knitterati KAL was released on Wednesday and if you’ve been keeping up with the knitting this means you are now halfway done! What a great feeling, knowing that you are halfway to completing your masterpiece, knowing that your hands have created this amazing stack of blocks that will soon become something you will treasure forever. Congratulations knitters! Give yourselves a pat on the back, you deserve it!
Block #8, what can we say? We love you, but we’re happy to be done with you. This one required a lot of concentration, not for Netflix and knitting that’s for sure! Fortunately, our star knitter Marsha loves a challenge, and lace and cables, so the combination of all three was irresistible.
Marsha said that once she got a rhythm going with Block #8 it was smooth sailing. Isn’t that just the best part about knitting? That initial apprehension, the “can I do this”? And then that amazing realization that yes, I can do this! Knitting is so much more than just making something, it promotes confidence and motivates us to push ourselves out of our comfort zones. It really is no wonder that we see so many articles today on the benefits of knitting.
Block #9 features slip stitch ribs that span the horizontal knit and purl ridges in an alternating basketweave pattern. The slipped stitches and horizontal welts create a pillowy texture that will pleasantly compliment the more intricate blocks.
Marsha wanted to get caught up on her shawl knitting so Team Estelle member, Trish, stepped in for Block #9. Mari Lynn Patrick cleverly designed this intuitive pattern with a simple repeat that is easy to see and a breeze to knit. Upon reading the pattern in full, the best part was that little line at the end under finishing that read “Do not block”! You won’t have to tell us that twice! While we all understand the importance of blocking, we sure love not having to do it from time to time!
We are into our ninth ball of Cascade 220 Superwash Merino and we simply can’t say enough about it. The stitch definition is second to none and the colour selection is out of this world. Not just for afghans, Cascade 220 Superwash Merino is a fantastic choice for sweaters, hats and mittens too. Let’s not forget baby knits either, this buttery soft machine washable merino is number one for all things baby.
It’s never too late to join in on the Cascade Knitterati KAL. There is no pressure to keep up or to knit each and every block. It’s all about having fun and learning new techniques along the way. Sign up here to receive the patterns via email every three weeks.
We love seeing all the pictures you’ve shared with us so please keep sending them to cascadegradientlapghan@estelledesigns.ca.