Shadow of BROOKLYN BRIDGE

This terrific shadow-knit blanket is both a challenge and fun to knit. If you choose to use it as a baby gift for that special NYC or Brooklyn baby, it will definitely become a treasured family heirloom. Shadow/Illusion knits, viewed from above, look like striped garter stitches. The true magic comes when viewed at an angle. For this blanket, optimal viewing is at a sharp angle from the bottom. When viewed in this manner, the BROOKLYN BRIDGE and an abstract outline of some of the NYC skyline comes into focus. The illusion is created by strategic use of knit and purl rows. Two contrasting colors of yarn are alternated. Every odd row is knit. The pattern is created in the even rows when contrasting color ridges are "exposed" by corresponding knit and purl stitches in the even rows. Hard to explain, but it works. Trust me! I show samples in two weights of yarn, but you may use any weight, as long as you have contrasting colors, and use a fairly tight gauge. If you obtain the gauge suggested on the label with their suggested needles, I recommend using one size smaller. The info above (Ravelry info) is a bit confusing). If you use a DK weight yarn similar to the Loops & Threads Luxe Merino and a gauge of about 22 sts/4" or 10 cm, your blanket will be about 28" x 34"/71 x 86 cm. I give instructions on how to add stitches to each side, and add rows if you would like to use the same yarn, but add width or length. I recommend having an extra skein/ball of yarn in each color on hand, as your tension and width/length may vary from mine-or you might decide to follow my suggestions to add to width or length. You will need equal amounts of your main color and contrasting color. Of course, a heavier yarn with a bigger gauge will yield a larger blanket. Our sample (shown in Berroco Vintage, Cerulean & Dove) had a gauge of about 19 sts and 24 rows per 4"/10 cm and a finished size of about 32" x 52"/83 x 152 cm. Skills required: Attention to detail and ability to keep track of number of stitches and place in row. I recommend either a Row Counter App, or use of a reliable technique to track rows (there are 156 sts and 392 rows in the pattern. This pattern was tech edited and knit by test knitters.