UFO: Four Seasons Throw

Back when I was a newbie knitter, I started a few projects I wish I hadn’t.  I think this is pretty common.  At the time, I had no interest in knitting sweaters or socks or shawls…. I – insanely – thought I’d only knit scarves and blankets.  Wool was itchy, therefore who wants to wear it.  Wow, how I’ve grown!  One such project was the Four Seasons Throw (by Judith Shangold), a UFO that I’m going to share with you today.

How It Started

As I said, I never dreamed of knitting socks or sweaters when I started knitting.  I got into it for the scarves and blankets.  I obviously didn’t realize how boring and tedious these two things are to actually knit up.  

But there actually was some thought behind selecting this project; I wanted to learn new knitting skills and stitches and this seemed a good choice.  

The Pattern + Yarn

This pattern is made up of individual squares that each have a different cable or stitch.  Then, you piece all of the squares together to make a blanket, much like a quilt.  In many ways, this is a great pattern because it breaks up the blanket into different themed squares so you don’t get bored.  

For the yarn, I chose a line of Manos del Uruguay – Wool Clasica – though I have no idea why.  I’m sure my knitting friends at the time helped me out with that.  I chose blues because – I have no idea.  Frankly, I have none.  Perhaps I was going to knit this for my parents since they have a blue bedroom….  Again, no idea!!  

Knitting

As you can see from the pictures, I didn’t get very far on this project. I’m 1.5 squares into it and I have no idea how many squares are needed for a good-sized throw, but probably 12 at least.  I’m afraid to look for mistakes because I’m sure there are tons.  

Unlike the other throw I started, I’m not at all attached to this one.  This is a project that I have no regrets frogging.  (For non-knitters, frogging is taking apart your knitting.)  Perhaps I can use the yarn for something else, but blues generally do not appeal to me.  And the finished product, from looking on Ravelry, is not something I like.  These piecemeal blankets – unlike quilting – are never perfectly aligned.  One square may be a bit smaller than the other, depending on the tension used to knit a particular stitch or pattern, or may bend or bow in different way, depending on the pattern.  

I wish I could go back in time and instruct my newbie-knitter-self to make other things.  Practice with dishcloths!!  Dive into hats!  Do something other than scarves and blankets!!