Inspiration
Summertime: The Pack & Play
Dear Ann,
Somebody said the words “pack & play” the other day, and it brought back a rush of memories of that nylon sack of pinchy bits and pieces that somehow, magically and also with a bit of stage-whispered cussing, turned into a playpen in which a little one could hunker down for a nap at grandma’s, or wherever.
While I feel a sense of relief that I no longer have to match wits with a pack & play, I have enough distance from those days that I’m slightly curious about the improvements that the last 20 years surely have brought to this essential bit of baby kit. Anyhoo, the themes for the day are: portability and babies.
Which brings me to my latest, barely cast on new project, which I’m going to call the Pack & Play Blanket, at least until I hear from a trademark lawyer. (There is no danger of product confusion, ok? That is my defense.)
If you attended MDK Summer Camp last Friday, you’ll know exactly how I came to cast on this stripey, cottony goodness.
When Lorilee Beltman was teaching us the intarsia version of the Sinkmates Suite pattern, she showed us this improvised variation, with its dashing, clashing stripes:
At that moment, I saw it in a flash: a fab striped baby blanket that’s the perfect portable knitting project for these lazy, hazy days. Want to join me? Here are my notes-in-progress.
How to Turn a Dishcloth into a Blanket
You’ll need:
- Lorilee Beltman’s Sinkmates Suite dishcloth pattern; and
- Rowan Handknit Cotton in a bunch of jolly colors, a mix of full skeins and remnants that add up to a total yardage that I do not know yet.
Lucky me, I have both of these things. Nobody has been collecting Handknit Cotton for as long, or with as much devotion, as your girl here.
My preciousssss. Some very old labels in these boxes.
It’s time to open up those storage boxes, kick my Precious Materials Syndrome* to the curb, and get knitting.
First cut.
How does a dishcloth become a blanket? Short answer: just keep knitting. It’s a dishcloth, only bigger.
Longer answer, which is subject to further modification as I go:
I’m starting my i-cord with a crochet provisional cast-on.
I’m working 192 rounds of i-cord (of which the center 12 are for the hanging loop), and I’m putting the live stitches at the end of the i-cord on a holder instead of binding off. (I’ll leave you to wonder, in an excited way, about why I’m doing that.)
I’m NOT working the incorporated 2-stitch i-cord edges at the beginning and end of each row. I’m working plain garter stitch all the way across.
Apart from these modifications, I’m following the color block intarsia version of the Sinkmates Suite pattern as written. Instead of working in the same 2 colors for the whole “cloth,” I’m changing colors on both sides of the center line according to whim and caprice, guided by the jaunty spirit of Lorilee’s dishcloth version. My goal: crashing, clashing color joy.
How it’s going:
Here’s a hint as to why I’m not working the i-cord edges as I go: I will need to seam together 4 of these giant dishcloths to get to a blanket that is approximately 36 inches square. With hanging loops on all 4 corners! Can you stand the cuteness, Ann Shayne?
Love,
Kay
*Precious Materials Syndrome is a self-diagnosed condition. The hallmark symptom is having a hoard of beloved yarns, fabrics, or other materials that one feels must be saved for a project that is worthy of them, with the result that one’s most favorite supplies never get used and instead get given away after one’s demise to someone who may or may not save them for another 30 years because they are just that good! The only known cure for Precious Materials Syndrome is to make something with them.
Update
The many smart thoughts in the comments to this post inspired me to start a Pack & Play Blanket topic in the MDK Lounge. Please join me over there as I figure out this blanket in real time. And, real talk: I may have made a stand against Precious Materials Syndrome, but it looks like the Sunk Cost Fallacy is winning this round, because I’m not starting over to change the edges!
That’s too cute! And might be genius.
I like the PMS acronym, that is what I have, stash of fabric yarn. I realize I am not alone. Idea of using a dishcloth pattern makes sense.
I am also prone to Precious Materials Syndrome! Until recently I was the proud owner of an enormous stash of beautiful woolen suiting fabrics (80’s curse: she who dies with the most fabric wins!). I still held on to these after moving to a very hot southern climate and retiring, effectively removing all possible reasons for even considering sewing garments from these. It finally occurred to me that I could do more with the space occupied by this monolith of stacked tubs, so I took a deep breath and gave them all away, tubs and all. What a relief – it almost felt like successfully passing the runes. They found a good home with someone who still sews and could make good use of classic natural fabrics, and I no longer worry about the thoughts someone who empties out my house will think about me. (well, they might wonder about the shoes and the yarn but hey, nobody’s perfect).
OMG I have a very serious case of PMS!!! Drawers and drawers of PMs that I open, touch and hold, then carefully put away!!!
Thank you for this Good Morning Laugh, Kay! I enjoyed the class last week and I LOVE this idea of a blanket. Happy Thursday!
Perfect! The very second I saw her strippey dishcloth I thought “beach blanket”. Washable cool comfortable and last forever. I love your idea of loops on each corner.
Precious Materials Syndrome-the struggle is real!! Love this baby blanket idea. It’s adorable and practical
Kay, I thought I saw those wheels turning at camp when Lorilee showed the two-color striped version. I love your colors and the wonderful randomness of the stripes. Can’t wait to see all four and the outcome! Perfect use of precious materials.
I suffer from Percious Material Syndrome. Maybe this idea will help me LOL
I saw that flash in your eyes when Lorilee showed us that dishcloth at camp. You wasted No Time At All. Can’t wait to see it all come together.
So happy to have a diagnosis! PMS (the other kind) is so much a thing! I’m gonna need a project that works for various twists and colors since my PM collection has lists of one skein souvenir yarns!
KAY! I can feel your glee. What a splendid idea for another beautiful baby blanket…
PMS? Been there , I guess I still am!
Brilliant!
The blanket will be so cute. Love your perfect description of the syndrome. I suffer from it too!
What a GREAT idea!!!!
I love this in every way – seeing your yarn stash, (and this is just your Rowan Handknit Cotton??); your diagnosis (giving PMS a new, potentially joy-sparking meaning); the oh-too-familiar but fabulous impulse to Stop! Find materials! Cast on! (can you make an acronym for that one?) and in short, the scrappy goodness of it all – that alone might make it an heirloom.
Okay, so now there’s a “but,” coming… but what about all the ends that must be managed while working and of course, artfully woven in. I’ve tackled it before, but admittedly, I’m best when ends can be eliminated, i.e., by choosing a self-striping yarn rather than multiple separate colors, or by spit-felting when possible, or by modifying a pattern so there are fewer ends, and when none of these are an option, I’m very good at stopping and weaving in every so often, rather than waiting until the end to do them all.
But, what about with cotton yarn? Do you (or does anyone) have a favorite method that works best for you, that helps you forge ahead confidently in spite of many ends on an otherwise wonderful project? Because one of the cool things about your blanket is the way you did the i-cord starting edge – 3 separate colors! (that’s 6 ends right there!! on the edging!!)
Help!! I want to do this!!
Great post – I (and lots of others) love you guys and all your wonderful staff and contributors!
Tamara in Cincinnati
Tamara, I have to be sassy and say what I always say when people are worried about weaving in ends: it’s a good thing nobody asked Matisse “how are you going to deal with all those dirty paintbrushes?!” The beauty of stripes is worth it to me. And the truth is, I don’t mind weaving in ends as much as others seem to do. BUT I think Lorilee’s idea below (leaving the incorporated i-cord edges as written, and then joining the columns of i-cord, thus leaving yourself a quick tube to hide the ends in) is genius and will be a great boon to the end-averse.
Hi Tamara, I like to weave my ends between two garter ridges on the wrong side, duplicating the bumps. Invisible, and nothing shows on the right side.
I sent you a picture of the four mini squares that I joined to make a larger dish cloth! Great idea to make it even bigger!
I did not see this Mary Claire [runs off to search the Hello inbox]!
While I am not planning to knit a blanket I appreciate your naming of the Precious Materials Syndrome, and have been working for some time to kick it. It’s hard!
Maybe start a Precious Materials Syndrome Anonymous, Kay. If you charged a $10 annual membership fee imagine the wealth! In my part of the country “tag sales” are popular when an elderly person dies. I have picked up amazing embroidered pillowcases over the years that HAVE NEVER BEEN USED! Now as an aging person myself, I joke with friends that people will be jumping up and down with delight at my “deceased sale”……the yarn, the fabric, the thought she was gonna do fabric block printing supplies, and the list goes on.
Love the blanket idea. Those bold colors in that graphic design are fantastic!
I’m imagining the corners being used for an improvised baby hammock.
Right? I’m already planning to borrow a stroller and explore the possibilities for a nap tent, etc.
For some babies, the tag/loop is the best part of the blanket! And this whole project is thrilling: modular, garter stitch stripes, quilterly. Thanks for the morning inspiration!
brilliant!
I’m totally digging this. I saw a high-wattage light bulb go on above your head during class, and now I know. And I have a thought. On a couple of your dishcloths, try seaming two edges that do have the incorporated I-cord. Instead of recreating the bumps while seaming garter stitch, you’ll mattress stitch between the two columns. You might be amazed at how it looks, because 1) the seaming yarn’s hidden, and 2) the RS and WS of blankie will each have a neat column of stitches visible (reversible). I love your blanket idea. Can’t wait to see!
Lorilee! I’m now regretting my life choices. I should have tried out edging and seaming options with the minis before making my decision to eliminate the i-cord at the edges! Too late now! But I am thinking of doing a 3-needle bindoff of those edges, in i-cord, so that I’ll have a handy place to hide all the ends on that edge. Stay tuned. Research and development is ongoing lol.
Love this!
That is a very impressive bit of yarn engineering, Kay! I’m still thinking of ways to use my mini-Sinkmates and thinking about making a few more – not as much ambition here this summer. 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing more about your blanket as it grows!
So funny! and beautiful! and so true! Can’t wait to see more of it!
Brilliant! Can’t wait to see it!
Genius! Perfect answer to my current baby blanket dilemma. I also deal with extreme PMS. I doubt I will ever recover.
Wow! Super fun idea!!! You are amazingly talented! And Lorilee was also amazing and a wonderful teacher!
I recently told my husband who is always worried about money —not to worry…when retirement funds runout I can start a yarn shop or have an “early tag sale” with my PMS collection and we can live forever. I’m a slow knitter and a great shopper!
Such a great idea, and I LOVE your color choices!
OMG! You have a roasting pan large enough to warrant a dishcloth this big?? (Seriously, why not scale the pattern up? I recently saw some doormats that started life as doily patterns!)
I love your (very apt and very true) definition of ‘ Precious Materials Syndrome.’
Guilty as well.
Bravo! Here’s to PMS!
I LOVE!!!!! What a great idea.
Reminds me that I still need to conquer the intarsia mini!
This is a FABULOUS idea!
That PMS is really, really hard to shake. But I’m trying…
Lordy. This is gonna be FUN!!
Right? It’s our time Vickiiiiiiiiii!
A contemporary crazy quilt. A 3-color graphic version. Just one large square would be a fabulous pillow cover. I am thinking table runners too… This idea clearly goes well beyond baby blankets…
Noticing the dusty rose and minty green yarns. Kohler just released a new edition of bathroom fixtures in those colors.
Proof of Precious Materials Syndrome: Last night my rising senior, who is working on his Eagle Scout badge which MUST BE FINISHED by his 18th birthday so big push now at the END of the summer, had to hold a family meeting to finish a merit badge. One of the required questions we had to discuss was the importance of managing personal finances. He stated, “Well, Dad, you are very frugal. And my brother is frugal. And I don’t spend much money.” Then he turned to me and said, very slowly and kindly, because he is a nice young man, “Mom, you are mostly frugal but you just have So. Much. Yarn.” I guess they’ve noticed. And of course, that’s just what they can see!!
OMG… I just snorted reading your story. Your son was kindly diplomatic in his description. My daughter wouldn’t be quite as nice!
Oh my goodness! PMS! I’ve had it for many many years. I always knew that growing my stash was a condition beyond my control. Thanks for the laughs–and the excuse.
Oh, yes, I, too, have Precious Materials Syndrome. I have a cabinet full of precious balls of yarn that MUST NOT BE USED because they are too loved and savored. Does that even make a lick of sense?? Geesh…
You’re the bomb!
PMS? Let me tell you…
I have a 10×12 shed with lovely built-in shelves full of yarn bins. And now the bins are nearly reaching the door!! Add in the bins in the garage and it’s pretty astounding. I keep telling my daughter-in-law that she’ll inherit an amazing yarn stash. Has that stopped me from buying yarn? Oh, heck no!!
I’m loving the blanket idea!! Have to go look into the shed. Thanks for the inspiration. What a great idea!! Keep ‘em coming!
This is an amazing idea. I just finished a regular sized dishcloth and it took me a couple of times ripping it apart because of dropped or missed or wrongly knitted stitches. A blanket seems like fun but maybe a few more practice dishcloths first!!
I’m not real good at this, but if a body did I cord all around each block, could they be joined so that one I cord went top side and one went bottom side to give a bit of texture and, if the edges all went into the icords, essentially a blanket with two good sides?
and down the rabbithole I go 🙂
Where can I find instructions