Wip Wednesday: Continental blanket

I'm a "thrower", a very inefficient one for that matter. 

For the non-knitters, there are different ways to knit. You can throw the yarn or pick it.  I manage to increase, decrease, yarn over, slip stitch and make cables and bobbles. But, it takes me forever.

I only made small/quick projects so far, mainly hexipuffs and projects with big chunky yarn, it didn't bother me too much that I'm quite slow. 

Have you seen this post on Crafts from the Cwtch? It inspired me to take a critical look at my knitting skills. As you all know I am much more skilled in crochet and knitting is still a bit of a struggle. I learned the basic purl and knit stitches from my mom and from there on I found my tutors on youtube. However, now that I am making a nice long scarf with a tiny needle size...well, it got me thinking. 

So, I want to challenge myself to learn a more efficient way of knitting: continental knitting (or picking). 

I checked out Youtube for some tips and tricks but the biggest help were some of the ladies at the knitting meetings I attend here in Rotterdam. I thought I was able to knit continental, but it appeared I twisted my stitches. Thank goodness for the tips and tricks from more experienced knitters! 

So now the only thing left to do is practice, practice, practice. What better way to do that than knitting a blanket? 

 

Blanket details: Dining in the Dunes blanket

Needle: 6.5mm circular needle

Yarn: Katia Alaska, Drops Andes

Pattern: Improvised squares: Cast on 18 sts, knit 32 rows in garter stitch. Some squares are just knit the rows, others are all in purl stitch. 

I found the color inspiration for this project just around the corner at Hoek van Holland.

I just hope I have enough yarn to make a blanket that is big enough to snuggle under after dining in the dunes in summer. I can't wait for the first beach picknick! 

Take a peek at Tami's Amis for more WIP Wednesday projects. 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you soon!