Four more rounds worked! Orange, pale blue, brown and yellow. The yellow round I hooked this morning.

It’s measuring 23 inches wide x 36 inches in length. Measurements will vary for everyone, so don’t be concerned if your measurements are different . . . lots of factors to be taken into consideration, yarn, hook size, tension etc.

The schedule for this week is:

• January 25th – February 1st . . . . . work 3 rounds.

Today I thought I’d try and answer some questions that have come in so here goes!

Karen asked: Will this be registered as a CAL on Ravelry?

Absolutely! Why not . . . rise your hand if you’d like the task.

PJ asked: Where are the directions?

You’ll find the directions here!

Tina asked: Would it be too late to join later on?

Please feel free to join in any time you like, the more the merrier!

Jenny asked: Do you block each piece before you take your photo? Is it ok to steam block (on the ironing board) as you go (because you want nice pictures) or is it best to just block at the finish considering it is such a big project? Do you have any advice about photos of works in progress? 

No, I rarely block any of my work. Luck of the draw maybe . . . I find that if you are using the correct hook size taking into account the yarn you are using and are hooking with a nice even tension then blocking is not required. An exception to this would be if you were hooking an intricate lace pattern for example, then I would probably block. Basically when taking photos of my work I clear off my dining table, switch off the lights, lay out my work and give it a smooth over with my hands if required, and begin shooting. I spend less than 5 minutes taking photos, that’s the beauty of digital cameras, you can take multiple shots quickly. No special lighting, no flash. I love my macro lens, I rarely switch over to my other lenses, I do like to skim across the surface of my work, to capture this I get down low to the table and click away!

Carol asked: Do you reach in with your eyes open or closed?

It’s a lucky dip!

Dinah asked: I am allergic to wool. Possibility of other yarns?

100% acrylic, 100% wool, cotton . . . the choice is yours!

Helena asked: Do you have to use wool or could you use any other yarn? What type of yarn do you use?

100% acrylic, 100% wool, cotton . . . the choice is yours! I’m mostly using 100% acrylic along with a hint of 100% wool . . . it’s all about the colours. If I have a fab colour which is 100% wool I’ll mix it in.

Anne asked: Are you going to have anything on Ravelry as well?

Absolutely! Why not . . . rise your hand if you’d like the task.

Sarah asked: Is this pattern in UK terms?

The instructions are written in Australian/UK terms.

Maggie asked: Is it too late to join?

It’s never too late!

Patricia asked: How do we download the pattern??

You’ll find the directions here!  Simply click on the link.

Christina asked: Approximately how many skeins of yarn does it take to do a nice size throw?

Good question! I’ve never calculated that as I’ve often used up oddments from my stash, maybe someone who is hooking a structured colour theme may like to keep a record . . . any takers?

Marilee asked: What happens if you run out of yarn half way through a round?

I simply just join a new skein/ball of yarn with a knot and continue working and weave the loose ends in later.

Caro asked: Your instructions say to use a 4 mm hook, but your photos in the tutorial show that you are using a 3.5 mm hook. Can you please clarify.

Yes, when I took the shots for the tutorial I was hooking with a 3.50 mm hook, I chop and change, sometimes I’ll use a 3.50 mm hook and sometimes a 4.00 mm even a 5 mm. It all depends how I wish the finished article to look basically. It is best to check the hook size recommended for the yarn you are using. If your work is to tight then go up a hook size, if it seems to be to loose go down a hook size. Generally a 4.00 mm hook is recommended when working with 8 ply/DK yarn. I’m currently hooking my Oblong blanket with a 4.00 mm hook!

Tracy asked: Could I ask is the above pattern written in US terms?

The instructions are written in Australian/UK terms.

Ok, I don’t think I missed any, if you have a question then fire away in the comment section below or you can email me privately if you prefer, I’ll update this post as we go.

Happy Hooking!

Your Chinese Horoscope: What the Year of the Dragon Holds in Store for You: 2012

Today I paused and read in anticipation of the year ahead!

If you’re not certain which Chinese zodiac sign you are then the reference chart below will tell you.

Looking forward to a fabulous 2012!

The Water Dragon will rule from January 23, 2012 – February 9, 2013.

Today the year of the Dragon begins, it is considered to be the luckiest of the Chinese lunar years.

The year of the Dragon brings the promise of change, traditionally associated with new beginnings and good fortune.

A perfect year to get engaged, get married, have children, start a new business.

Plenty of opportunities will be presented, it will be wise to act quickly.

2012 will be a fast flowing, dynamic year.

Sudden changes will arise, be ready, be alert.

Dream, take a chance and act on that impossible dream!

Wishing you a year sparkling with Success, Happiness and Prosperity!

I managed to add a few extra rounds over the course of the week, making a total of ’8 rounds’ worked. Yay, I’m ahead of schedule by 2 whole rows! I’ve loved popping over to our Flickr group and seeing all the fabulous colour combinations, I think we’re all off to a fabulous start!

The schedule for this week is:

• January 18th – 25th . . . . . . . . work 4 rounds.

I’ve been enjoying working this pattern in the oblong, basically I’ve just been reaching into the stash basket and adding which ever coloured yarn I pull out first. This is my favourite method when working scrap blankets!

x0x Sarah