Knitted Afghan Patterns

Yarn 'knits' a group together for a cause

“When I joined the group I instantly enjoyed the camaraderie, the fun and the learning. My mother was a phenomenal knitter. Dad would draw a pattern and mother would knit the sweaters. I always wanted to be able to create things like my mother did,” Koutsoutis said. “It is a challenge. It makes you want to do bigger and better things and I am now doing things I never thought I could.” “Susan often brings English teas and munchies to the meeting to help keep it open and informal. Her vision to create a community, to have a group that engages not only in personal work, but also in projects to help others,” said K2tog member Lynn Sarda. “Our group has knitted hats for people in the Samaritan Shelter in Connecticut, created baby hats for newborns at Cape Coral Hospital, wee blankets and burial buntings for the Special Care Center at the hospital and 8-hour afghans for Lifeline Family.” “I’ve been knitting for over 60 years and find it relaxing and promoting a sense of well being,” Clement said in a message to the group. “The group provides time to socialize with each other and to knit items for deserving people. The two meetings are two of my favorite days of each winter month. I miss you all, but I am still knitting.” When asked about what a knitting group can do for a person, Johnson said, “It has a purpose, it is an identifier. It is an extension of who you are, It’s existential, in the present. Knitting is solitary, but this group makes it community and there is no better feeling than creating something and then giving it to someone else. Each piece we make, we put in a small piece of ourselves that hopefully provides comfort to those who receive it.

My Knitted “Feather & Fan” Afghans

My Knitted “Feather & Fan” Afghans

My mother taught me to knit when I was around six years old. My first project was a narrow strip sewn at the ends to make a simple headband. My second project was a wider strip folded and rolled to make a pin cushion. Next I made what was called a “fairy scarf”… more straight knitting with stitches dropped and unraveled to create a lacy effect. These first projects were done in simple garter stitch, but soon I had learned how to purl and how to read and understand knitting directions, and I remember making a lot of two-needle mittens. After a while I moved on to four needles and socks and the intriguing process of “turning the heels.”

More recently I have been knitting afghans for gifts. I like to knit in the evenings, usually while we watch a movie or something on television. And I like simple patterns that I can remember after a few rows and mostly knit without having to constantly look at what I am knitting… like this “feather and fan,” which has only four rows that are repeated over and over again.

I don’t have an actual pattern for this afghan… I just use a multiple of the feather and fan pattern stitches to make the size afghan I want. I start with six rows of garter stitch for the top border and end with six rows of garter stitch for the bottom border.

Row 1: Knit (this will be the right side of the afghan). Row 2: Purl all the way across row. Row 3: * (Knit 2 together) 3 times, (yarn over, knit 1) 6 times, (knit 2 together) 3 times, repeat from * across row. Row 4: Knit all the way across row.

Repeat rows 1 through 4 until the afghan measures desired length, ending with row 2 of the pattern stitch.

This pattern is often made in three or more panels that are sewn together, but I prefer to make this afghan as a solid piece, repeating the pattern sequence to make the afghan as wide as I want it to be. Using circular needles and worsted weight yarn, the “feather and fan” pattern makes up quickly, even in the out-sized afghans I like to make. This pattern automatically makes a rippled edge on both ends of the afghan.

Comment by Pam:

I just wanted to ask do you sell any of your work? it looked amazing here I can only imagine in person and just thought what a perfect marriage so to speak of doing what you love and then getting financial gain from it.No intent to offend I just know I would be interested in purchasing and thought I would ask.Thank you for the beautiful pictures, enjoyed reading also how your knitting came about.

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