Rocky Mountain Cabin Blanket

You know that adage about the best-laid plans of mice and men?  It also applies to women, as it turns out. I very carefully selected pictures and uploaded them for today’s blogging activities.  I planned to then move myself to the desk-top computer, where I am easily able to link websites.  It seems the cat had other plans, as he is firmly ensconced on the desk chair and showing no signs of moving soon.  I even rattled his food bowl …

The big mystery project upon which I knit this past summer is this lovely blanket —

This design is called the Riding Mountain Cabin Blanket, and was designed by my friend Mindy Dykman of Raven Knits Designs.  (Imagine that there is a link to the specific pattern, followed by a link to her designer page, both on Ravelry.). Mostly worked in garter stitch, this blanket features intarsia — which is not nearly as difficult as folks would have you believe — with some slipped stitches to create ribs.  I used Gathering Yarns Haynes Creek Heathers for this little beauty, all knit on a 5.0m needle.  (Again, please imagine a Ravelry link to the appropriate yarn.).  This yarn has become my favourite worsted/aran wool yarn.  It is lovely to work with and I absolutely LOVE the heathered colours. 

Speaking of Raven Knits Designs … Mindy came and hosted a trunk show at the store yesterday to help us celebrate the 15th anniversary of our opening.  It was a lot of fun, and hard work.  Barb and I stripped the store of our samples so there would be room for Mindy to display hers.  We had a tent erected in the parking lot in case of rain, so that folks would have a place to wait their turn in the store.  We are still following the Covid-19 guidelines requiring masks, hand sanitizers, and 6-foot distance between guests, so shopping in-store had to be limited to one customer or bubble at a time. 

The picture does not do justice to Mindy’s designs.  I have long admired her designs … and purchased some and even test-knit for her.  I have to say, tho, that seeing them in person was even better.  She has one design that I was a bit “meh” about … until I saw it and heard the history upon which it is based.  I may not recreate her design in its entirety, but that design will soon be landing in my library for certain. 

Another of her designs which I knit is Estel, a design drawn from the lore of J.R.R. Tolkien.  (Imagine there is yet another Ravelry link here, as the cat has still not moved.)

I knit this in Berroco Ultra Wool DK, using a 4.0mm circular needle.  (Again, another Ravelry link should be here!)  Some of the cable crosses require two cable needles, and row 20 particularly stretched my brain.  Once past that row, however, the knitting just sailed along.  There are two more rows very similar to row 20, and they were achieved without even breaking a sweat.  So, while not an easy design, I would encourage folks to give this one a try.  It was a lot of fun, and a beautiful design as well. 

And did you catch the bit about a 15th anniversary celebration?  Yes, Never Enough Wool has been open 15 years now.  I have no idea how that happened, since it seems like only yesterday I was filling the shelves for the first time.  It was a delightful day at the store, and I owe it all to my lovely customers/friends.

Happy knitting!