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Feb 27, 2014

FO | Twegen Afghan (Harvest)

The Twegen afghan has the features I crave most.

The fluted rib stitch is reversible. The front and back textures are completely different, which I like. The two-tone stitch adds interest, transforming a pile of one-skein yarns into something useful and pretty with eight different colors blended into a modified gradient ranging from lemon squash to heritage pumpkin.

It was a fast and easy knit (exactly 3 weeks from the day the first strip was cast on to the day the last end was woven). It relies on strip construction, my favorite approach to afghans. And it was made with yarn solely from stash.

Here it is, not yet blocked:



Twegen has some additional features I find equally appealing.

The strip strategy makes it highly portable, and because the strips are narrow, it was easy to pick up and work a couple rows in spare moments. Overall, strip construction means I can knit afghans year round without the warmth and weight of a blanket in my lap during the peak of summer heat and humidity. Plus, strips are more manageable and put less stress on my wrists and hands.

Joining is also fast and easy because of the modified three-needle bind off, and it provides stability that helps control the natural tendency of any knitted afghan to stretch (and keep on stretching) with use. The edging on the end pieces serves the same purpose and adds a nice finishing touch.



Twegen Afghan (Harvest)
Yarn: Four Seasons (Classic Elite, discontinued)
Weight: Worsted
Yardage: 1000 yards +/- 
Needles: US 9 (5.5 mm)
Dimensions: 30 x 40 ins +/- (unblocked)
Ravelry Notes: Here
Related Posts:  Herehere and here

It's deliberately compact, because in this household, smaller afghans tend to get near-constant use. This size works beautifully as a lap robe or lapghan, but the stitch and strip strategy make it infinitely scalable from baby blanket to full-sized throw. (Update: Done! The Twegen pattern includes three sizes.)

This concept is a keeper. It came together quickly (a powerful lure for a slow knitter like me), and I'm delighted with the finished result.

I predict you'll be seeing more of these. In fact, I've scoured the stash and selected eight more singleton skeins. Why? Because I hope to cast on for another one this weekend. (Yes, clearly I'm addicted.)

UPDATE
The pattern for Twegen has been released: To view the description and purchase the pattern, click here. To read more about this design, go to Pattern | Twegen Reversible Afghan.

PS

During the WIP stage, this afghan was called the fluted rib afghan. Yep, boring! I think the name Twegen suits it much better, don't you?

8 comments:

  1. Boring name or not, this afghan is perfect!

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  2. I love the colors you used!! Very pretty for a baby girl blanket. Will you be releasing the pattern dets?

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    Replies
    1. You're right, Chris, perfect for a baby girl.

      I'm working on pulling the pattern details together, so yes, there should be a pattern available soon.

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  3. Love the colors and looks of your afghan!!

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  4. This is lovely. Very interesting texture and beautiful colours :)

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  5. You're right - strips or blocks are definitely the way to go. And strips do come together faster than blocks with fewer ends, so that's also a good thing. Your colour combo is lovely!

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  6. I think I'm in love - the colours in this afghan are beautiful and it looks so soft and snuggly!

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Thanks for stopping by! I read and enjoy each and every comment. If you have questions, share those too, and I'll do my best to respond.
-b