The next issue of Knit Now came out this week, which means it's part 2 of the #EnchantedCottagKAL! I told you all about the beginning of the knit along last month, which will result in a lovely finished blanket (I am sure - technically a mystery KAL after all). There are 3 options of blanket to choose from, and I am knitting the Hyacinth Blanket - which of the three is the more advanced of the blankets. I am knitting it in West Yorkshire Spinners Illustrious which is luuuuush! Last month we launched with the galaxy spiral square, which was so, so much fun to knit - I could only hope this month would be just as good. Oh yes, yes it was! You see above that I have knit the knots & berries square. This month is all about cables, and let me tell you these cables were pleasantly challenging! If you look at one of the cables and count the 3 strands, in order to have the middle strand visually snaking up and down in between the other two, 2 cable needles were required, and after bringing one to the front and the other to the back, you have to knit, then swap them round, and then knit the cable needles in an order that I can't even remember it was that interestingly complex. Don't let that put you off though, it was well worth it and I've never done cabling where more than one cable needle was needed.

I think you will also agree that the finished effect is lovely. The berries are made by increasing 5 stitches into one, turning, and reducing them again before carrying on. My only issue is with the finish - it is very difficult to block this square into, well, a square. I had this difficulty with the galaxy spiral as well, so I am curious how my finished blanket will turn out if all of my squares are just not quite squares ... but it will be consistent! And if I can nail my seaming technique I am certain that they will gently shape each other into squares. So, two months in, 4 squares done - so far I am enjoying this :) I have seen the next 2 squares to look forward to (the perks of the job, eh?) and they look just as fab so I am very much looking for to continuing this! In the meantime, I fancy starting my own take on Lucy's Attic24 granny stripe blanket, so that will be today's job, and tonight's while Ben and his friend watch Wrestlemania (anyone else into that? No? Ah well!)

If you are taking part, make sure to say hi and let me know which blanket you are knitting! If you fancy joining in, you can buy issue 71 and 72 (parts 1 and 2) from www.moremags.com

Oh, and before I go, HOW is it April already?! The year is gushing past But the sun is out right now so I am very pleased with this :)
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