The Octagon Blanket Project

A couple of months ago i was inspired to knit an octagon throw, blanket or afghan. I had downloaded a vintage pattern many months before and naively believed this would be a ‘quick’ project.

The original pattern was worked in 4 ply wool and was made up of about 122 octagons. I decided to use DK double knitting acrylic wools – for washability and durability.

This was a quick layout to assess sizing and how many actual octagons would be needed. The colour theme is essentially greens, blues and purples.

As you can see each octagon is bordered by four small squares and then there is a final border. I have decided to to knit all aspects of the throw in garter stitch. I still need to finalise sizing’s and numbers required. I have decided to crochet the final border so that it may actually be completed in 2009. Patience is NOT my virtue. When I began this project I estimated that i would take approximately one month, I was obviously deluded or very optimistic.
I began making at least 8-10 octagons a day but now I have to force myself to complete at least a couple a day. So many other projects and experiments beckon.
In the photographs some of the octagons appear to be black but they are in fact a forest green.
Totals to date are:
Octagons 48
Half Octagons 11
Filler Squares 23
Corner Octagons 0
In hindsight I wish I had crocheted the octagons but I’m promising myself that it will all be worth it once it’s complete.

As ever in between knitting the octagons I went off and crocheted a massive granny square. I am obviously working in the same colour schemes here but more blues I think.

I realise that I am too easily distracted but as long as my hands are busy I’m happy.

The finished square measures approx 6ft square and was very quick to work.

Good Times I Think So

The Sunroom - what is it ? A cheap version of a conservatory in reality. Stupidity aside, it’s a room largely made of glass at the back of the house and in the daytime it is full of sun.
I’m currently contemplating turning it into a studio/workspace in the vain hope of containing my various projects and stashes from every other room in the house. I am working on various pieces of work at the moment and will post photos as I go.

1. The Ultimate Stash Bag - Crocheted

I started this baby last week and it was inspired by Lucy at Attic 24. It is now complete and just needs all ends darning in.

2. Vintage Balero in Vintage wool - Knitted.

Again this was started in the past couple of days and is all but finished apart from the border and, my favourite bit, final sewing up. This was inspired by a vintage Patons and Baldwin pattern circa. 1950’s

3. The Vintage Retro Octogon throw or bedspread - Knitted.

I found this pattern on the web a few months ago - now I can’t find the source and so can’t credit it. Again the pattern was inspiration and has been heavily amended and personalised. I was hoping to complete this in June, 2009 but realise now that this was stupidly ambitious. The throw is made up of approx 100 octagons, 120 square blocks, 40 ½ octagons, 4 corner octagons and a border phew.

I can now knit octagons in my sleep and am hoping it will be well worth it once complete.

So until next time - 'good times I think so' to all truly. madly, deeply crafty people. I should credit this to Justin Lee Collins and his recent TV show. What I really mean is I'm away to knit, crochet, sew, stitch, play with stash or gather inspiration and be happy.