Pattern Scout
Knits for the Home
I tend to be a bit of a homebody.
There are few things better than planting myself on my couch with my senior dogs and working on a knitting or sewing project while watching [insert interchangeable true crime selection].
It’s only natural that my eyes wander while switching from screen to project and back again. I can’t help but constantly brainstorm what handmade additions I could make to my mix of decor.
Let’s scout for some home projects!
First up, let’s talk about blankets. It’s a bit shocking to see how many blanket patterns exist in the world. Intricate, simple, colorwork, patchwork, garter stitch—the list goes on.
Marled Magic Blanket by Stephen West
For the sake of using up my yarn scraps, I love the Marled Magic Blanket by Stephen West. Yarn scrap knitting has become one of my favorite methods because it allows me to freestyle color combos according to how I’m feeling; no worries about following a pattern, just unwieldy application of color.
In addition, the unique way West pieces together shapes is so much fun to knit and adds the perfect partnership with the color splashing. While I do love a pristine row of perfect squares, life is short, knit trapezoids with scraps.
We have covered keeping warm, now let’s cover the windows! I live in a cozy duplex and both of my doors to the outside have large windows in them. One has nifty built-in blinds, but the other one has been covered by a $2 acetate curtain I found at a thrift store. It was meant to be a placeholder but here I am six years later with a window covering that would melt in a fire, not burn.
Bubbly Curtain by (our very own) Ann Shayne
In scouting around for a knitted curtain pattern, I wanted something that wasn’t ornate. While a lacy look is stunning, I wanted something that was more texture than pattern.At the top of my pattern list is the Bubbly Curtain by our very own Ann Shayne (I swear no one made me say this!).
It’s simple, delicate, and lovely. It gives privacy without feeling heavy. Linen, as suggested in the pattern, would no doubt be perfection, but for my home I picture it in a citron mohair—light as air and a great pop of color.
The next pattern I’ve been on the hunt for is a pillow pattern for my couch. This project is mostly hypothetical right now as my dogs are elderly and pillows tend to be a casualty of their less-than-prompt realizations that they have to go outside. But a girl can dream!
Kuno’s Cushions by Anne Ventzel
I’m currently in love with the Kuno’s Cushions pattern by Anne Ventzel. Not only is it a really simple way of adding color to the mix with its striping, but it communicates texture thanks to the slip stitch technique. Two very big pluses in my book.
Sunburst Potholder pattern by Purl Soho
Finally, I can’t not mention these potholders because they are so cute I can’t stand it. The Sunburst Potholder pattern by Purl Soho is so much fun, and I love the idea of hanging them on my black kitchen walls for contrast. I wouldn’t even change the colors. No notes, Purl Soho!
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I second the cushions. I have made them. Fun to knit. Look beautiful.
I love knitting things for my home ! I have not yet tried a curtain panel but I may need a 12 step program for my addiction to making throws and afghans.
(I lived in FL for most of my life so knitting a lot of clothing, just wasn’t on my radar.)
Love trying out new skills on a lap blanket or baby blanket. I learned intarsia with some pillows from a MDK Field Guide. The Moss Throw is languishing somewhere (I moved last year so I have a pretty good excuse for misplacing it) and I need to find it and finish it!
One year I made five or six small Christmas pillows. So much fun getting them out every year.
And little knitted toys. Love to make those too!
I think I’ll go look for that Moss Throw…
What great suggestions! I am intrigued by putting all those half skeins of treasured skeins and balls too wonderful to discard into a freewheeling history of my knitting! I’ve spent a couple of weeks looking for new throw pillows without finding my colors. But, today, I found a solution! ….and the bubble curtain had me at hello! My needles are already warmed up and at the starting gate!! Between waiting for my MDK order of ITO yarn for my first shakerag ( I know I’m a late bloomer!) and these great ideas, I think I have some great summer knitting on the horizon. Thanks, Ashley!
Knit on,Ashley!
The Bubbly Curtain in mohair would be amazing! Now I’m looking around my house to see where I could add one. Please post photos when you get yours done – I’d love to see it!
I love the stephan west scrap yarn blanket. Beautiful.
Ashley! You’ve inspired me. Your blanket colors are so good, would be a great kit. I’ve wanted to make Ann’s curtain for years and I’m going to do it!
I love the cushions. The blanket is spectacular, but I am not sure could ever finish it! I would love to tackle the curtains. That is a lovely pattern.
I’ve made the Bubble curtain. It has moved from house to house, started as a kitchen curtain in one house and is now in the bathroom. I love it! Now I need to make those potholders.
Some of my favorite knits have been for my home. I have made 2 Bubbly Curtains! And here are a couple of my favorites.
Massive Attack- a blanket by Jimenez Joseph
Moss Grid Hand Towel- I’ve made so many! Lovely gifts. Thanks MDK!
Sinkmates by Lorilee Beltman- my favorite dishcloth
Kiki Mariko Rug- another MDK, still going strong since 2012
Tailgate Rag Rug- Just reread my notes. Hilarious. Also MDK.
Big Dotty Cushion- adorns a sweet antique bench, curtesy of MDK.
As I look at my favorite ‘house knits’, I realize you ladies of the MDK are with me every day since your first book was published. Thanks from the bottom of my heart!
I have intended to make the Bubbly Curtain for my door since I first saw it in the book!
I better get started. Thank you for reminding me!
That blanket looks great on your bed! Might have to add that to the queue!
Can,t wait 2 make these adorable pot holders 4 family & friends.