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May 09, 2007
It's the Puzzle
Tonight I had an epiphany while hurriedly posting my swatch before the midnight curfew -- it's funny how these things happen when your mind has shut off and you really should be in bed. I'd been sucked in by Cara's mad, crazy, genius idea to create a knit version of the crochet Babette blanket. Because of said suck-in, I attempted to swatch a knit version of a crochet Granny Square. Now the swatch didn't quite hit the mark, but it did spark my curiosity. And then -- wham -- it hit me. I really like figuring things out. For some it's the process -- for others it's the product -- for me, it's the puzzle. And who said swatching wasn't useful?
Added 05/10/07 -- Today's swatch abandoned the mitered-square for log-cabin construction. I see lots of potential here!
May 9, 2007 in Who Is Nona | Permalink
Comments
It's the puzzle. You're right. I completely agree.
Posted by: phoenix | May 10, 2007 12:35:23 AM
this idea has been explored by Horst Schultzin his 2 books. I made a blanket for my son: its made with all kinds of miters. square, rectangle and L shape. one can also do a full sq. the beauty here is that you knit each unit from another. no sewing.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpnyknits/145562050/in/set-72157594580397622
Posted by: hpny knits | May 10, 2007 3:56:51 AM
DUDE! Kay figured it out in like five minutes over the phone - at least one version. I love the wonky granny square of it - I'll be posting later today.
Posted by: Cara | May 10, 2007 4:44:24 AM
I'm totally with you on this one. It would be soooo oawesome. Have you seen Larissa's (http://larissmix.typepad.com/stitch_marker/) square pattern that's coming out in her new book? It's done completely in the round from the center out and would work perfectly for that blanket. Check it out: http://larissmix.typepad.com/stitch_marker/2007/01/the_next_knital.html
:) I mean, why reinvent the wheel if you don't have to! She did a knit-a-long with the pattern and ended up with the most amazing blanket: http://larissmix.typepad.com/stitch_marker/2007/03/a_blanket.html Can't you see the potential in mixing up the sizes on this one?
Posted by: Suzanne | May 10, 2007 6:47:06 AM
Usually I just lurk but this is really intriguing. While I am drawn to the simplicity of Cara (and Kay's) approach, I have to say Nona, I like the looks of your initial try better. Looking forward to today's entry.
Posted by: Virginia | May 10, 2007 8:12:56 AM
I like how it has a swirl to it! You wrote that it doesn't lay flat? That's too bad, I like the way it looks!
Posted by: Jodie | May 10, 2007 9:57:44 AM
Wow, it's catching - good luck both of you. I can just sick back and watch in awe at these ambitious projects.
Posted by: Asaknitter | May 10, 2007 10:18:53 AM
I would bet that you would find that "Puzzle factor" in all the other activities you really gravitate to. I know I do, in knitting, pattern designing, painting, programming, languages... the methods and output always change, the challenge is always new!
Posted by: Linda | May 10, 2007 1:44:43 PM
DOOD. seriously.
you guys are just way to creative.
it's making my side hurt.
:o)
i LOVE the 'stitch marker's blanket and your swatch--i love even more.
ack.
i'm seriously going to have to take something for this addiction for new projects...haha! :o)
can't wait to see more on this!
Posted by: kimchi | May 10, 2007 2:51:38 PM
That's it! The puzzle. I've always heard the talk about process vs. product and still wondered which one it was for me. Now I know it's not really either -- it's the puzzle instead.
Posted by: Laura | May 11, 2007 12:02:28 AM
I love the way the colors bend and collide with each other. Can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Kathy | May 11, 2007 12:11:26 AM
Babette's been making me want to crochet. I love the busy geometry of the many sized squares. I am a huge fan of the mitered square, and while I love the results (Horst Schulz mentioned above; Maie Landry's jaw-dropping Oriental Jacket in Koigu), I sort of know what that's going to look like.
The log cabin approach with just a bit of Gee's Bend thrown in is going to be so quilty and delightful.
The question in my mind: do you plot out your squares and colors ahead of time or just knit from your designated colors as you are moved and then put the puzzle together at the end? I suppose with a map in hand, you could pick up and knit as you go -- obviating the need to hold a quilting bee at the end to sew the 3000 squares together, but, toward the end, burying you in your own project.
Posted by: kristi | May 17, 2007 6:36:28 AM
I WANT TO DO THIS PROJECT TOO...It look great.
Posted by: Edna Hart | May 25, 2007 9:29:15 AM
Thank you for your article! I have been looking through your blog for a while, and now of course I like it. In fact, I have some questions, but your article.
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