Log Cabin knit along

I look forward to receiving Karen Templer's Fringe Association blog posts each week and save them to read when I have time to really read them. From her slow fashion citizen interviews to musings on new patterns and items to thoughtfully design, make and add to her wardrobe, her blog is so inspiring. I am lucky enough to work in the design industry and can be creative everyday but I do long for a bit more free time (like 9-5 would give me such loong evenings compared to now) so that I could knuckle down to some of these projects that she's put in my head.

Being a bit time poor recently (working and having 2 kiddies does that to you) I had not read each of her posts as diligently as previously so I missed her announcement back in October on the Log Cabin knit along. I just saw it today 2nd Jan, and it started yesterday 1st Jan. All is not lost though, I may not have cast on yesterday but I have been yearning to knit a log cabin something for a long time so already had a few ideas.

On my handknit Pinterest board I have this lovely green image, and this, but what I have settled on is this stunning black and white idea the Ravelry pattern from Mustaavillaa (shown in the photo below) is here.

The way log cabin is constructed, as individual squares that you then add to and add to means that while it may be wise to plan it beautifully, it's not actually necessary. I'm sure many knitters will be cringing at that but on this occasion when I'm thinking to knit a blanket really just for the joy of learning the technique, I don't think it matters. I found this wonderful blog post explaining pick up lines, on Yarn Harlot, a fantastic blog altogether and this post is really clear on the technique. I also love her reason for casting off and 'finishing' each square, I quote Yarn harlot " First, I like that each square is accomplished and bound off. It makes me feel like I'm "finishing" the squares, and perhaps like I could stop any time I wanted, since every time I bind off I have a blanket of a different size."

Perfect, that's exactly what I like to hear!

Also while I love this black and white blanket image from Mustaavillaa, I generally stay away from black and white because it makes my eyes feel funny, I get migraine from time to time and that black and white pattern usually jars on me really badly. There are some really beautiful yarns available that are more natural ecru and dark charcoal like this magnificent undyed alpaca for example. Although I don't think I'll be spending that kind of cash on this project, I'm planning a trip to my local yarn shop this Saturday and find something lovely, and cast on! #fringeandfriendslogalong