Introducing the Freedom Blanket

I am thrilled to share my new patriotic pattern for the Freedom Blanket.

Knit one up and donate it to a WOUNDED WARRIOR or a VETERAN in need.

See below for the pattern, or email me if you would like a printable (and pretty) PDF.

Thanks, and please share it with your knitting group!
-Katie
 katie@learntoknitwithkatie.com







FREEDOM BLANKET
Copyright: Katie Preston 2012

Supplies
Size US 17 circular needle in 24" length or longer
3* skeins of Lion Brand Thick n Quick in color Denim, or similar
(*Please note, I used almost every bit of the three skeins.  If your gauge is off, you may require a fourth skein.)
4 extra-large stitch makers
Tapestry needle

Gauge
8 sts and 12 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
Please check your gauge, and adjust your needle size if necessary.

Finished Size
24 x 42 inches

Abbreviations
PM = Place marker

Begin
CO 50 sts
Work 5 rows in garter stitch. (knit every stitch)

Setup row:  K4, PM, k12, PM, k18, PM, k12, PM, k4.

Row 1:  (RS) K entire row, slipping markers as you reach them.
Row 2: (WS) K4, p42, k4.

Rep Rows 1 and 2 for 7 inches, ending with a WS row.  (Tip: you just completed a WS row, a row 2.)

Refer to USA chart below, and note instructions for working RS versus WS rows.

Chart Row 1: (RS) K to second maker, work Chart Row 1 over the next 18 sts, k to end.
(Tip: the chart is worked on the 18 sts between the markers in the center.  To work Chart Row 1, you will k15, p3, reading from right to left.)

Chart Row 2: (WS) K4, p12, work Chart Row 2 over the next 18 sts, p12, k4.
(Tip: To work Chart Row 2, you will k3, p15, reading from left to the right.)

Continue in this manner, working Chart Rows 3 through 70 over the 18 sts between the center markers, ending with a WS row.

Work Rows 1 and 2 and rep until this section of the piece measures approximately 7 inches.  (Tip: you are working Rows 1 and 2,  not Chart Rows 1 and 2.)  End with a RS row.  (Tip: you just completed a RS row, a row 1.)

Work 6 rows in garter stitch, removing the markers as you reach them.

BO loosely knitwise.  Weave in ends.  Give yourself a pat on the back, and ship to Care to Knit!

Copyright: Katie Preston 2012

For a printable (and pretty) PDF
version of the pattern, please send a request by email to
katie@learntoknitwithkatie.com

Donations are gladly accepted by:
Care to Knit, Inc.
1940 Deer Park Avenue,  Suite 155
Deer Park, NY  11729
http://www.caretoknit.org/

Your Freedom Blanket will be donated to a veteran in need.  THANK YOU for your effort!

Care to Knit, Inc. is a non-profit organization based in New York.  Its mission is to provide hand-knitted and crocheted items to those in need in hospices, shelters, nursing homes and hospitals.

Pinterest members,
pin it here.

Featured by Lion Brand Yarns on
July 2,  2012

Featured by CRAFTgawker.com on
July 2, 2012

Combat Knitters: Weapons of Self-preservation

Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Almy, a Navy physician who started a group called Combat Knitters, knits during a flight from Kuwait to Kandahar, Afghanistan. ( )

A story by Dan Zak from The Washington Post - March 9 2011
Kandahar's Combat Knitters use yarn and needles as weapons of self-preservation
(Click here for the full story)

My favorite part:
"Troops joke that life on the base is like the movie "Groundhog Day." Enduring 18-hour workdays, grappling with an endless parade of patients, traveling the half-mile of unchanging terrain on the base's main thoroughfare - every day is like yesterday, which is like tomorrow.
Which makes knitting crucial. Knitting shows progress. It proves that time moves forward, loop by loop. It demonstrates that a mission, however miniature, can be completed."

(Thank you Howard for sharing this very moving story with me.)

For our troops

In October, I taught Baldwin Public Library's knitting group to knit these helmet liners for our US troops serving overseas. (Cozy neckwarmers with an attached hood)

I am pictured with my youngest brother, Sgt. Ryan O'Leary of the US Marine Corps' 6th Communications Batallion of Brooklyn, New York. He returned safely from Afghanistan in October, so I am pleased that he will NOT be needing one of the helmet liners!

(Click below if you would like to leave a comment.  Thanks!)

Knit a Helmet Liner to be donated to a US Soldier

Baldwin Public Library
2385 Grand Avenue
Baldwin NY 11510
516.223.6228

October 4th 7-9pm AND
October 18th 7-9pm


Attendees must know how to knit. Please attend both sessions if possible.


Bring supplies:

* 100% wool yarn (Paton's Classic Wool, Cascade 220, or similar) approx. 200 yards. Only 100% wool yarn acceptable; in case of an accident, synthetics may melt to the skin.
* Acceptable colors: browns, dark olives, dark tans, charcoals and blacks.
* 1 stitch marker
* 16" circular needles in sizes US 6 and US 8 or sizes to obtain gauge.


Call Baldwin Library to register 516.223.6228. FREE.

Instructor: Katie Preston, sister of Cpl. Ryan O'Leary, a US Marine who is stationed in Afghanistan.