Cozy Afghans

It's afghan season. With the long hours of darkness and chilly nights, an afghan is perfect for a knitting project that will give you warm results. Many of this season's afghans are knit square by square, so you will never become tired of the same pattern. An afghan can be one of the most appreciated gifts or keep one for yourself to snuggle under while you work on other knitting fun.

Gabriela made this afghan for a class she taught called "Entrelac and Lace". It is based on a pattern in "The Best of Interweave Knits". There is no sewing together at the end of the knitting as squares are picked up during the construction and the border is knit onto the main section. Done in a fine weight yarn, it becomes a lacy shawl. In a heavier yarn, it grows into a delicate afghan. She will be teaching this class again in the new year.

Kris completed her "Great American Afghan" in record time using Cascade 220 yarn. She admits that the squares are a little addictive - you just want to keep knitting to see how the next one will look. She is already halfway through a second afghan in heather greens (for herself this time), using squares from the Tech Square Afghan booklet by Joanne Clark. Kris is an accomplished knitter, but was thrilled at the different techniques that she mastered by working the unique squares.

Ann knit this beautiful heirloom baby afghan (above) for a friend who was expecting her first child. The pattern is from Nicky Epstein's book, "Cover Up", with the "Baby Booties" square as an added touch in Ann's own design. It was made from the incredibly soft SRK "On Your Toes Bamboo" in ivory.

Unbelievably, I have completed knitting my 25 squares for the Great American Afghan. I looked at each square as a mini project and sandwiched the knitting around my larger sweater projects. It was nice to have such a portable piece of knitting that tucked into my Go Knit pouch and followed my everywhere. There were so many new techniques that I picked up while knitting the squares. I always tell my knitting friends that one of the reasons I love knitting so much is that there is always something new to learn. Admittedly, it will likely be the new year before I have a chance to tackle the assembly and border.

We have several afghan classes scheduled for the winter session, starting in January. (Check our website at http://www.serenityknits.ca/ for class details). Challenge yourself to learn new knitting skills as your cozy afghan grows. Warm winter wishes!

Posted by Karen