When my nephew Kyle and his wife Amanda had their son, I wanted to make something unique and unusual, with a "bright and dark" motif.
This pattern - Op Art, available on Ravelry for free, hit the right note. The pattern is visually stimulating as well as soft and warm. It is worked in the round from the center out. It got a little tedious near the end with finding longer needle cords. I loved it's "off-center" design and slightly not perfectly squared shape. The blanket was a big hit with the new parents and grandparents.
The next pattern in Cookie A's Sock Innovation - "Sam" was made with Knit Picks "Gloss." This is a merino/silk blend and I loved the colorway.
I have really been partial to the monochromatic colorways which make the patterns in this book really pop. The pattern is easy to follow, but you get a false sense of security with such a simple pattern. I did have to frog and start over several times. Again, with all others you have to pay attention. I'm closer to using up my stash and haven't had to buy any yarn for long project yet. I am happy with the results.
