Holiday Blankets-of-Love KAL

We're busy brainstorming a big community knit/crochet along. Our Goal: Make as many beautiful handmade blankets for families who lost so much in the devastating Butte Fire by Dec 21. Patterns are queued up, discounts for yarns purchased and prizes to be had for fastest fingers who whips up the most blankets.

 

It's holiday deadline since families will need some extra-special comfort and joy. We know at least 21 families just at Calaveras High. Figured this is a good goal to start with: Enough blankets to wrap them up with handmade hugs for the holidays. But by no means do we have to stop at 20+! Let's see just how many we can create.

Feel free to come in and we'll help you pick out yarns. We'll give 15% discount on yarn purchases for this KAL to boot . Prefer to go stash-busting? See guides on yardage and yarn sizes below. If you plan to join in the KAL let us know so we can keep you in the loop: call, email or stop by the shop. Don't forget to drop in on Sun or Mon 2-4pm to knit-along with us.

Suggested Pattern

  
I've highlighted a perfect basic pattern below. But by all means it's not limited to this one pattern. Scroll down for other pattern ideas, guides on yardage and stash-busting tips.

Purl Soho has several easy garter stripe blankets that are perfect. Because it's now mid-Oct and holidays looming.... I suggest using the Super Easy Lap Blanket patterns:

It's takes about 1000-1200 yards of aran/chunky yarn (4 st = 1" gauge) on a #10 or #11 needle. Makes up apx. 35" x 44" which is nice lap blanket size. Garter stitch is very stretchy so it will grow bigger than you think. Aim for a fluid drape so not too tight a gauge-go up a needle size if it feels too dense. Pattern calls for 7 colors-but easy to use more/less colors.

It's super easy-peasy: cast on, knit until time to join next color, bind off when you're out of colors. Perfect mindless knitting that yields spectacular results.There are several versions of this easy stripe blanket: dk, bulky. And a crochet version too.

 

Other free blanket pattern ideas

KNIT

Squishy Log Cabin

Thick & Think Stripes: Hudson Bay

Bias Square Blanket

Half-Log Cabin Ombre

CROCHET

Vicki Howell's Chevy Ripple

Bear's Rainbow Blanket

Crochet Super Easy Blanket

Here's quick yardage-at-glance guide

 

This gives you ballpark idea of how much you'll need. If worried about running out add a 10%  cushion. Beauty of using the Purl Soho pattern: Just knit up whole skein/hank/ball. Then switch to next color.

Stash busting Tips

Want to go through your stash? Pick same weight yarns. Want to really use up the stash? Consider holding multiple strands together. It yields a super squishy blanket and gets rid of yarn like crazy! Here's rough guide:

Pick needle size  to match your size yarn. Don't make it too tight. Garter stitch is best on loose side for a cushy, cuddly style blanket.