The Striped Pillows

I made these pillows for Sam and Carley for Christmas.  I made them because I thought they'd like them, but possibly even more, because I wanted to make them.

Mason-Dixon Knitting's newest Field Guide No. 13 is called Master Class.  It's a master class in color with Kaffe Fassett.  If you don't recognize the name, you really ought to click that link.  It's a revelation.  What you'll find is COLOR and more color.  This field guide is a little different than some knitting magazines.  It's full of ideas and recipes, more than detailed patterns.  There's instructions for making pillows, but they include using one of the many striped patterns in the book.  Colors are specified but they're obviously suggestions.

Over 10 years ago, I made this afghan for Sam's high school graduation.

It's made using 11 colors of Rowan Felted Tweed.  And that Field Guide No. 13?  Everything is in Rowan Felted Tweed.  I still had a bag of some of the leftover.  I loved knitting this afghan with it.  I love that it STILL looks good all these years later (I gave it a wash the last time I was at Sam's house.) And the folks at Mason-Dixon Knitting were glad to sell me some more.

So I spent part of November and most of December knitting a couple of pillows and playing with color.  It was really fun.  I'll probably make some more for myself some day.

Striped Pillows

• The rectangular pillow (12x18 inches) is Ombre stripe #2
• The square pillow (16x16 inches) is the wonderful Coins stripe
• I backed the pillows with the same gray cotton flannel I backed his afghan with.  Sometimes it DOES pay to save your scraps.  
• Pillow inserts from Crate and Barrel - I used feather and down ones, but they have other kinds.
• Rowan Felted Tweed 50% Wool/25% Alpaca/25% Viscose, possibly in colors Amethyst, Avocado, Delft, Ginger, Granite, Lotus Leaf, Peony, Seafarer, Seasalter, Tawny, Gilt, Carbon, Rage, Midnight, Treacle, Sigh, Cocoa, Melody, Whisper
• Size 5 needles, but next time, I'd use 4's
• Striped Cushion pattern from Mason-Dixon Knitting Field Guide #13:  Master Class

Sam and Carley love that Cinda the cat loves these pillows.  I'll admit I'm less excited, but I'm glad they're loved.