1.04.2009

Chunky Merino Throw

As I said before, it's kinda like the perfect project for people who love swatching, since that's basically what it is. Introducing my Lace Swatch on Steroids.

Merino Chunky Throw

Pattern: Lacy Chunky Throw by Wenlan Chia
Source: Classic Elite WebLetter #63
Materials: Twinkle "Soft Chunky"; 7 skeins in "Mink"
Needles: 42" Circulars in size US 17 (Broomsticks!)
Dimensions: appox. 54" x 40"

Started: November 2008
Finished: December 2008

Merino Chunky Throw

I just realized that, with the exception of a few last minute Christmas hats, this beast rounds out my finished work for 2008. And let me take this opportunity to wish you all a happy new year - I think 2009 is going to be a good one.

Merino Chunky Throw

This was intended to be a quick knit to beef up the winter home lineup, since it's been a cold one this year (which I love!) - and it was relatively quick, although not as quick as I had planned because knitting with broomsticks is a bit hard on the hands after a while. Speaking of broomsticks, the pattern calls for size 19 circulars, which I don't have, so I just used my 17's. I figured I'd knit a bit looser anyway, given the circumstances with this gigantic yarn.

Merino Chunky Throw

I had one extra skein of yarn than the pattern required (I had 7, the pattern requests 6), so I cast on 80 stitchess rather than the 76 called for. With a few added stitches, an extra skein and slightly smaller needles, my finished blanket came out just slightly bigger than the projected dimensions. Big enough to get under comfortably, but not huge - which is a good thing, cause it's on the heavier side, despite the very open lacework (yarn overs every other stitch, every row).

Merino Chunky Throw

I really love the color - it's almost silvery in the way it catches light. The yarn is super bulky, short stapled, and has a low-twist which means it fuzzes a lot.... but it's so soft that I just didn't even care. Yarn this thick becomes truly sculptural, which I enjoy profusely, so all in all, I'm very happy with how it turned out.

Merino Chunky Throw

The pattern is free, so if you happen to have a bunch of this yarn lying around, it could be just the thing. I think blankets and throws rather than garments are better suited to super-bulky yarns personally, but I'm easily suffocated in excessively heavy sweaters.

Merino Chunky Throw

I hope you're all recovering well from the holiday period. I'm taking a much needed respite in chilly Portland, OR this week and reorganizing my life after a crazy couple of months. Enjoy the new year we've been given and as always, keep knitting!

PS Just cause I know some of you will be wondering - the sweater in the photos isn't handknit. It's just a reeeaally good thrift store find! Huzzah!
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56 comments:

  1. Anonymous04 January, 2009 16:04

    Oh, so cosy !

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  2. Anonymous04 January, 2009 16:29

    Enjoy our Rose City -- it is indeed chilly today. Your chunky blanket looks cozy.

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  3. Queenie Francie04 January, 2009 16:32

    oh my gosh! that blankie is scrumptious! i just want to put my face into it and fall asleep. you do beautiful work. i wish i could knit :~/

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  4. pdxknitterati/MicheleLB04 January, 2009 16:45

    Beautiful pictures, as always. Looking forward to seeing you here in PDX!

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  5. Anonymous04 January, 2009 17:08

    After your last post featuring this blanket, I had to make one for myself! I bought the yarn, and size 19 Addi broomsticks (32"). The yarn is Twinkle, color is Ash. It is admittedly harder to knit with 32 inch circulars, but moving right along. Your pictures really do it justice! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  6. TricotChico04 January, 2009 17:40

    Mmmmm...that color fits right in w/my color pallette, and super-chunk merino you say? I think there may be summat like this in my future.

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  7. NJ04 January, 2009 17:55

    Love the blanket and it looks cozy indeed. Wish my photography skill was as good as yours!

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  8. Rose04 January, 2009 18:15

    gorgeous yarn!

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  9. Karin aka Guin04 January, 2009 18:21

    Oh my! That blanket looks awesome!

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  10. Knittripps04 January, 2009 18:40

    Love the new blanket!

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  11. Renee04 January, 2009 18:43

    What a fabulous blanket! The colour is amazing.

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  12. nicole04 January, 2009 18:50

    Pure comfort! It's beautiful.

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  13. Lindsay04 January, 2009 19:24

    Very pretty blanket! And I was, indeed, wondering about the sweater: the cuff bind-off looks manufactured, but garter stitch button bands seemed just so *you*

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  14. Anonymous04 January, 2009 19:25

    Oh, wow. Love the blanket and coveting the luck at the thrift store! You're amazing

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  15. Nadia04 January, 2009 19:49

    Looks great! :) Like a fresh sheet of snow on the lap (but warmer, obviously).

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  16. Anonymous04 January, 2009 20:32

    Gorgeous knit. Gorgeous pictures. Have a wonderful break, Jared. I'm looking forward to your beautiful work in 2009.

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  17. Anonymous04 January, 2009 21:44

    Great blanket! I just finished a scarf in soft chunky and this makes me want to move on to a larger project

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  18. Meg04 January, 2009 21:46

    gorgeous and wonderful color too!

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  19. Anonymous04 January, 2009 22:16

    That's beautiful! It looks so warm and smooshy.

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  20. karyn04 January, 2009 23:10

    Welcome to Portland! The throw is beautiful... if it keeps snowing, I'm definitely jumping on the soft chunky train...

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  21. rosehippo04 January, 2009 23:46

    That looks delicious!

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  22. Miss Ripley05 January, 2009 00:03

    This looks like snuggly deliciousness. Thanks for sharing.

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  23. Anonymous05 January, 2009 01:20

    This looks so comfortable...

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  24. petoskystone05 January, 2009 09:15

    soft & comfy indeed. but the low-twist is out for me. any yarn with 'fuzzies' (whethor they be acrylic baby yarn, bling-y, or natural fibers) give my skin a horrendous break-out--looking like a really serious hickey lasting for a week. my grandpa's girlfriend used to broomstick crochet. which involved an actual broomstick & a large crochet hook. she did it so often that if she fell asleep while crocheting, she would keep crocheting--without dropping a stitch!!

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  25. Anonymous05 January, 2009 10:17

    This is a perfect knit for a cold day. I need one of these in my apartment, but not sure about knitting with broomstick-size needles!

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  26. Rocky Moreno05 January, 2009 11:25

    I really love your projects. All are classic and clean, and just plain gorgeous. I don't have any bulky yarn left over but this will make me wanna go get some. Happy New Year too.
    Rocky

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  27. cautiondriverknitting05 January, 2009 13:05

    Enjoy my hometown of Portland! I really love the blanket and I think I may use up some of my ultra bulky stash this way! Your pictures and your productivity are absolutely amazing!!

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  28. Stephanie05 January, 2009 14:05

    Gorgeous blanket. You always inspire me with your fabulous projects.

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  29. Karen05 January, 2009 14:50

    The blanket is fabulous as is the thrift store find! Hope you have a great 2009.

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  30. Anonymous05 January, 2009 15:25

    yummy!

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  31. Vera05 January, 2009 18:55

    Very nice. Looks like a quick project. I've never used size 19 needles b4...

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  32. Helen Knits06 January, 2009 00:55

    Very nice squishy looking blanket. Your PS did put a smile on my face the thought did cross my mind. I have a son called Jared but he is only 12 I have shown him your blog. Hopefully it may inspire him to become a knitter also. Silly isn't it?!

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  33. Jasmine06 January, 2009 13:17

    What is that grey sweater you are wearing in the photo? Pattern, info, etc. Thanks!

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  34. Seanna Lea06 January, 2009 14:07

    That looks really comfortable. I'm not sure I could knit with something quite that robust (I haven't knitted on anything bigger than a size 8 in a really long time). Maybe if I downsize it to a more hand friendly yarn.

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  35. Anonymous06 January, 2009 15:13

    My resolution for 2009 is: less lurking, more commenting. hmmm, a resolution I may actually stick with?! Anyway, I love your site, I love your knitting, I love your photographs. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  36. lemmie06 January, 2009 18:38

    beautiful! how were the size 17's? seems like it would be really difficult to maneuver??

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  37. Stephanie06 January, 2009 23:23

    Beautiful work as always.

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  38. Anonymous07 January, 2009 16:15

    nice - I like this pattern - printed it out - it might free me of some of the bulky yarn I bought a long time ago... thank you!

    hey - are you going to the men's spring knitting retreat at Easton Mountain in NY May? you should! :)

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  39. JustApril07 January, 2009 19:25

    Makes me want to curl up and take a nap, after a long satisfying knit.

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  40. Anonymous08 January, 2009 10:19

    This is gorgeous! If I didn't live in Houston, I'd be tempted to make one for myself! I just finished seaming the karate sweater from Wenlan's first book. I wear it with a black shirt underneath and it fuzzes all over the place. I wish there were a way to stop that! Regardless, the yarn feels like butter doesn't it? So who cares!

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  41. Kwana08 January, 2009 15:15

    Happy New Year! I think I'm in love with this. It's dangerous.

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  42. Turtle08 January, 2009 22:37

    enjoy your rest! im a few hours north of you and this is definately get the generator ready and sit in and knit weather for sure....keep the yarn high and dry with these floodwaters!

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  43. Needful Friends09 January, 2009 03:44

    the blanket is adorable. the pattern looks great and it´s matching to the cold outside...

    so lovely

    ;O)

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  44. Lorraine09 January, 2009 10:11

    Jared- I'm a cold weather lover as well, and that blanket is wonderful.

    Here's to 2009- another great year of projects.

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  45. Philigry09 January, 2009 13:16

    stunning.
    love it.

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  46. Anonymous09 January, 2009 15:18

    Dude, this blanket is simple and cozy. I love it. I am probably one of the last people to be working on your scarf of the year....but it is so interesting to see how the color patterns will work out! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  47. Krishell09 January, 2009 21:48

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  48. maepress10 January, 2009 10:22

    Your photography makes even the simplest of knits look absolutely delicious!

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  49. Unknown11 January, 2009 10:53

    Yummy!

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  50. Kate13 January, 2009 23:33

    I like your blog! Please check mine out, it's a funny look at the life of a teacher who is also a first time, stressed out mom to a growing boy. A unique look into friends, family, and parenting.

    http://hankehouse.blogspot.com/

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  51. didi14 January, 2009 05:50

    do you have any doggie sweater designs or previous projects? would love to see it!

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  52. Anonymous14 January, 2009 11:40

    I finished my blanket, and mentioned your website on my blog. I made a change because I did an extra row by accident, and it turned out real nice.

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  53. Anonymous15 January, 2009 22:06

    I love the new gloves in VK! Congratulations once again.

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  54. pve design27 January, 2009 10:59

    oh, this is wonderful.

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  55. Sohbet31 January, 2009 06:28

    Sohbet Ekle
    Sohbet
    sohbet chat
    Sohbet

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  56. Anonymous05 March, 2009 09:18

    I am making this for my duaghter - she loves it and so does her grandmother. Thank you so much for sharing and for the beautiful pictures which certainly encourage one to do the project.
    Colleen

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