High Hopes

High Hopes Knitted Blanket by Stacked Woolens

Design Overview

High Hopes is an intermediate-level knitting pattern for a blanket or throw designed by Meridith Shepherd for Stacked Woolens. This project was conceived as a meditative knitting experience, allowing crafters to keep their hands productively engaged while contemplating hopes and dreams for the future. The finished blanket measures 24 inches (60 centimeters) or longer, making it an ideal size for a cozy throw or baby blanket.

What Is Being Made

This pattern creates a knitted blanket or throw using a combination of coordinated yarn colors. The design incorporates a primary color (MC) paired with two contrasting colors (CC1 and CC2), allowing for visual interest and depth in the finished piece. The blanket is worked to a minimum finished length of 24 inches, providing a versatile size suitable for various uses.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

High Hopes employs several intermediate-level knitting techniques that make it suitable for crafters with some experience:

• Stockinette Stitch forms the primary fabric structure, creating a smooth, classic knit surface when blocked
• Increasing and decreasing techniques are used throughout the pattern to shape the blanket and create design elements
• Knitting in the round is incorporated into the construction method, allowing for seamless sections and efficient stitch management
• Picking up stitches is employed to add new sections or borders, a technique that requires precision and understanding of stitch placement

Yarn and Materials

The pattern calls for Blue Sky Alpaca's Alpaca Silk yarn in sport weight, a luxurious blend combining the softness of alpaca with the sheen and drape of silk. Three colorways are used:

• Main Color (MC): 3 skeins (400 yards/360 meters) or 4 skeins (525 yards/475 meters) depending on size
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 1 skein (140 yards/130 meters) or 2 skeins (270 yards/240 meters)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): 2 skeins (275 yards/250 meters) or 3 skeins (400 yards/360 meters)

Total yardage ranges from approximately 815 to 1,275 yards depending on the finished size selected. A US 7 (4.5mm) needle is used to achieve the specified gauge.

Gauge and Specifications

The pattern is worked to a gauge of 17 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch when blocked. Achieving proper gauge is essential for obtaining the intended finished dimensions and fabric drape. The sport weight yarn combined with the US 7 needle size creates a fabric with excellent definition and a balanced hand suitable for blanket applications.

Skill Level

Rated as intermediate, this pattern is designed for knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to tackle more complex shaping techniques. Familiarity with increasing, decreasing, circular needle techniques, and picking up stitches is expected. The combination of these techniques makes High Hopes an engaging project that builds confidence in intermediate-level skills.