Tuesday 24 August 2010

I usually (sort of)(most of the time) get round to it...

I think I've mentioned before how odd it is that some patterns you find and you immediately cast on, and others take a while to bubble up to the top of the knitting stack.  Maia, a few weeks ago was an example of one of the 'see, pick yarn, cast on NOW' variety -- my current project is clearly an example of the other!



It's the Great American Afghan (or in my case the Great Canadian British American Afghan).  I first saw the afghan over on the Rainey Sisters' blog -- in fact it was the very first time I stumbled on the blog that remains one of my favourites.  I thought the afghan was gorgeous and decided to make one.

A mere 3 years later and I've finally started! 

The afghan is made up of squares designed by readers of Knitters magazine as part of a contest a few years ago.  Theoretically each square is 12 inch square - but as you can see from this picture a bit of blocking and coaxing will be required to get these blocks to the same size!  Some research on Ravelry confirms that this is a common issue with the pattern so I've decided not to fret about it.

I'm using Rowan Pure Wool Aran (it's superwash) in 4 colours.  Cream will be the dominant colour making up a little over half the squares and the border  - while three shades of green will make up the rest.

I still waver with every square on whether I should have gone for a single colour or not - but for now I'm perservering with the different colours.

It's an enjoyable project - there is something very satisfying about knitting cables.   Blocks that can be picked up for a few minutes when I have the time are also perfect for me at the moment as knitting time is scarce.  (Work is currently very busy and will be for at least the next few weeks.)

So anyone out there who feels like they've been waiting forever for something to get knit by me - this project says there is hope!  (yes Caked Crusader that includes you and the very long overdue Lemur puppet sweater)

10 comments:

fleegle said...

Aw, go ahead and call it the International Afghan.

As for being in love with Rambo, I'm afraid Laptop beat you to it. I'm in love with her too. Um, yes, Rambo is a girl :)

yarnlot said...

That will be a beautiful afghan! Last month I bought the three of them: the Great American Aran Afghan, the Great North American Afghan and the Great American Afghan, all lovely designs. And now I will need more knitting time...

Anonymous said...

It's been in my queue forever too! One day I'll get round to it :)

LittleBerry said...

it's going to look great Soo.... and the yarn is lovely too :o)

Jackie's Stitches said...

I've thought that I might do one of these one day. The Aran Afghan appeals to me most but I didn't know there were three of them as a previous poster commented. Off to check off the one I didn't know about...!

lv2knit said...

I continue to be amazed by the staying power of this project -- over 1,000 Ravelers are making this! It is a classic and I learned quite a lot when making mine. And thanks for the shout out! I came to your blog because of Lyra and have been visiting ever since!

Anonymous said...

I had the same experience with my squares being unequal in size, and after four squares, I put it away. That was three years ago for me as well. Now that I realize I'm not alone with this dilemma, I may go back to it.

I love your concept of using different colors and will be anxious to see the completed afghan -- whenever that might be.

The Caked Crusader said...

On behalf of my Lemur overlords, I thank you!

pattie in Geneseo said...

I started mine just as it was published in Knitter's...and you have 3 times as many blocks done as I do. I probably should take one block at a time for my car knitting instead of a car sock-it would probably get dine faster! Wish I had gone for wool: that's probably one reason I'm stalling-I have all this cream colored Encore!!

Ann McCauley said...

The GAAA is almost 10 years old now. It was the site of my first published pattern. I've seen it in all colors, even red. Last Fall at Stitches East, one of the vendors had it displayed in ivory cashmere. I tried not to drool on it. The lasting popularity of it is a testament to cables and it's about reached cult status with the number of shops using it as shop/large group projects.