Dead of Winter – Teagan’s Challenge

On By ResaIn Challenge

Teagan from Teagan’s Books has been publishing a serial, “Dead of Winter”. It’s a series of journeys (12 so far). She issued a challenge.

THE CHALLENGE

“Create something using Emlyn’s world as portrayed in Dead of Winter: Journey 1, Forlorn Peak, as your inspiration.  Not a story with my characters, but anything else you please.”

I came up with:

HOW TO KNIT A PONCHO

To take the chill off the fall mornings, when picking apples.

1 – GATHER YOUR YARN AND NEEDLES.

I suggest using a mid weight, natural, unbleached and not dyed yarn so as to not tick off the Brethren of Un’Naf.

2 – LET’S DO A GARTER STITCH. It is the most basic of all, doesn’t curl so won’t need a finish and its boring repetitive nature will please the Brethren of Un’Naf.

(It’s so easy! There are many tutorials online)

3 – MAKE A GAUGE SWATCH.

Cast on 40 stitches and knit 40 rows, then cast off.
Again, many tutorials online.

Block! Use gentle steam, and pat the sample dry.
Make a 1” by 1” square window in the centre of a 4″ by 4″ piece of
cardboard.
Place the window in the centre of the swatch.
Count stitches across. Count rows down.

4 – MAKE A PATTERN.

Using a measuring tape over your shoulder, let it hang from where the
point will be in the back, to where it ends in the front.

Drape the tape from below left elbow, across the back of the neck to
below the right elbow.

For discussion sake – Let’s say you want your poncho to be 60 inches
long (30″ down the front and 30″ down the back.) You need  50 inches at its widest point, 25 ” down each arm from your 7th cervical. (The bone in the centre back of your neck)

Draw a shape! It does not have to be to scale. Here, we have a diamond shape. For a more complicated shape, a full size pattern would be necessary.

For discussion sake, let’s pretend there are 6 stitches & 10 rows in the 1″
window.

Let’s start with rows. If you need to knit 60 inches – and there are 10 rows in an inch – you need to knit 60 x 10 = 600 rows.

However, you will need a neck hole at the halfway point – Row 300.

Okay, so at the 1/2 way point (which is at row 300) you will be at the widest point. In this case – 50 inches.

If 1 inch = 6 stitches, then 50 inches – 50 x 6 = 300 stitches.

I suggest casting on 3 stitches (1/2 inch). Knit 1 row. Consider this your 0 point.

Now you need to increase from 0 to 300 in 300 rows. This is adding 1 stitch per row. It will be wise, so as not to knit a lopsided diamond shape, to increase 2 stitches every other row. Add one stitch on each side, every other row.

At row 300, you will make a neck hole.

Measure around your head and add 2 inches. I have 24 inches.
Divide this by 2 = 12.

Centre the 12 inches at stitch 150, which is the centre of 300 stitches – 6 inches on each side of centre. 6 inches x 6 stitches = 36 stitches.

We now minus 36 stitches from 150. 150- 36 = 114.
So, at row 300 knit 114 stitches. Then cast off 72 stitches (36 for each side of centre.) Continue to finish knitting that row.

Next row is still 300 stitches. You will knit 114 stitches, then CAST ON 72 stitches. Finish knitting the row.

Knit 1 more row of 300 stitches.

Okay, now we need to get back to to a 1/2″ point.

Do the exact opposite! Decrease 2 stitches every other row, at the sides.
When you get to 3 stitches, knit 1 more row and cast off.
Your poncho is done!

You will need to block the knit into shape by steaming and patting dry, or spritzing with water and patting dry. Use a measuring tape to make sure you are creating a proper shape. (T-pins are used for fancier blocking, but this is a simple shape, so not needed)

In order to please the Brethren of Un’Naf, do not add fringe, tassels, or create a striped colourful pattern by changing colours of yarn every few rows.

Let’s just hope they aren’t annoyed by the fancy point!

✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑✒︎✑

I’ve read the first 3 Journeys. They are excellent. Teagan is a wonderful, entertaining writer. She gifted me, and anyone answering the challenge a book. I got book 4. Unfortunately, I live in Canada, and the Kindle offer is only good in the U.S.A. Thank you, Teagan! I appreciate the thought.

On Saturdays, you can follow the adventure “The Armadillo Files” on her blog.

Click on the cover of Journey 1, above, and go to Teagan’s Amazon page with all of the Journeys. When there, click on her author’s name, and you will find all of her other books.

You can buy Journeys 1, 2 & 3 0n KOBO. (That’s where I bought mine)

Hullaba Lulu & Thistledown Midsummer Bedlam are also available on KOBO.

 

111 thoughts on “Dead of Winter – Teagan’s Challenge”

    1. Thank you, John!
      Well, I have an honours degree in Knit Design and Technology. I know…. everyone is clamouring for this remote degree. I think they don’t teach it anymore.

  2. Timothy Price

    And there you have it a “Poncho Villa!” You are very clever. I had never thought about how to knit a poncho. It’s quite a task. I love the drawing.

    1. LOL! Poncho Villa!
      Yes, it’s quite a difficult task…LOL… second only to a square.
      Thanks about the drawing! I was somewhat worried. I mean, you know how glamorous the AGMs are. However, there is NO place for glamour in Emlyn’s world.

      I had to listen to “No Hands on Youtube. I’m just about to listen to “No Pants” for a second time. Too funny! Love it!
      Will write back, soon!

        1. I wanted to have a unique response. The thing is I find myself out here in blog world with MANY wonderful writers, artists and photographers.
          I’m a designer, by trade. What could I do that is sort of equal to all the fab writers (you included, Teagan) and artists?
          Design was my answer.
          It’s a joy having you in my blogosphere!

      1. Timothy Price

        Me either. My grandma taught me how to knit and crochet, but I couldn’t make much more than scarf-like objects.

    1. Thanks about the drawing! Yeah, darn Amazon! I’ve been boycotting them for 6 years, now! Unfortunately, I have a growing number of writer friends in blog world. I have a KOBO account now.

  6. What a gorgeous drawing. I love how she wears her poncho and carries the fruit baskets [and the heart fruit behind her!] Beautiful!!!!! As for the Poncho instructions…. I will keep it! Maybe life will permit me to actually do it one day [days!!!] Great idea for Teagan’s challenge! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Dahling Marina,
      Heart fruit…. this is true.
      Thank you about the drawing. After all the gorgeous AGMs, RR & RB, it was difficult not to draw something glamorous.
      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  7. WOW!!! Resa – you are truly remarkable. Not only do you offer glamour, elegance and sophistication, but craft, utility and warmth of belonging. I have all of the 12 Journeys and am on an amazing adventure. Teagan has an remarkable way of bringing out the breadth of her imagination. I am there is the story and have a special connection with Osabide. A wonderful way to begin 2022. Many thanks come along with my many hugs!

    1. Thank you for this lovely comment, Rebecca!
      Agree, Teagan’s ability to express her imagination is remarkable.
      Yes…. Osabide. I can see that.
      2022 yayayayay!!!!! {{{hugs}}}

    2. Rebecca, you’ve described Resa perfectly. She’s so easy to admire.
      I’m delighted that you are part of the Journeys of “Dead of Winter.” Particularly that you can identify with Osabide. Have a blissful New Year. Hugs on the wing.

  9. I have no doubts that Teagan’s books will be successful. I think so when I see your enthusiasm, Resa, for taking up the challenge.
    And with Rene, of course!
    Love ❤
    Michel

  10. Teagan’s books are gorgeous, the covers always stunning! Thank you for the walk though on knitting dearest Resa. You are so talented and creative. Congratulations to Teagan and to you dahling. Sending love ❤️

    1. I agree, the covers are a treat.
      I was taking a bit of a chance with a knitting pattern. I was wondering who else was going to go this way?
      So far, so good!
      Love!!! ❤️🐭🐭💚

    1. Thank you, Diana!
      It seemed practical. Then I stressed about all the other apple themed responses that could come in. This is my first challenge. Nerve wracking!

        1. As long as you take care of yourself, dear Shey!
          OH… the green Art Gown is next! Dedicated to you! Will take at least 3 months to make!

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  17. Hi Resa, what a very entertaining response to Teagan’s challenge. My mother is a wonderful knitter and makes beautiful coats and jerseys. I never liked knitting myself. When I was in Grade 7 we had to knit a pink panther. I divided the pattern by 4 and produced a tiny pink panther. As there was no size requirement, the teacher was forced to accept my effort, but the next year the school introduced a size requirement. I was always very pleased with myself for that particular outwitting of a teacher. So naughty of me.

    2. That is a funny story!
      You were not naughty, you were inventive! You should have gotten extra marks!
      They always want us to fit into the box of their design. As soon as we are outside the box, trouble.
      You know, it’s just not possible for some minds to conform to the status quo of the education system. Their minds just work differently. For that they fail, are put on drugs or sent to “special” schools.
      Then we graduate, and find all new boxes.

  18. Dear Resa, this is stunning. You have made my week. A great beginning to my New Year! I can’t tell you how much I love it. You put so much thought and work into it. ❤ Emlyn and any of the women in the Flowing Lands would love your poncho. The drawing is beautiful and elegant. LOL, without the kind of glamor that would upset the Brethren of Un'Naf. I'm so happy you took the challenge. I will do something else for you, because of the Kindle issue. Hugs on the wing.

    1. Dear Teagan,
      This is the first challenge I’ve ever responded to. ❤
      It struck me as a creative opportunity, because you said we could do anything!
      Perhaps I could set up a stall selling drab ponchos somewhere in the Flowing Lands?
      LOL! I suppose the real challenge was trying not to be glamorous…my blogs being Art Gowns and GLAM.
      I had a fun and satisfying time doing this.
      No worries about the Kindle thing. Just knowing you and visiting your continuing tales every weekend on your blog is enough. You do a lot for your followers.
      {{{HUGS}}}

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  24. Thank you for this great inspiration, Resa! I apologize for the delay, and wish you a happy, blessed and prosperious New Year! Keep your ears stiff, there in the North. 🙂 xx Michael
    P.S.: Do you really think a Poncho will suit me? 😉

  26. A great take on Teagan’s challenge! Fabulous! I remember ponchos became quite popular years back, but I never got one. Thanks for the inspiration!

    1. Thank you, Olga!
      I had many a poncho. They are quite handy, even if it’s just for chilly around the house. In around 1990, I knit one full of holes and runs. The holes & runs were all cast off, so they never got any bigger. I knit it in the sickest shade of greenish/brown. It was a celebration of Grunge Rock. It made it into the newspaper fashion section. I looked ill when I wore it, but everyone loved it, and said I looked great. Go figure?

    1. Thank you, Dan! It’s my first challenge, so I wanted to do something unique. Plus, Teagan shares so much of her creativity with us every Saturday in her ongoing stories, I felt she deserved something special.

    1. Thank you, Jan!
      I used to do a lot of knitting. Actually, I have an Honours Degree in Knit Design and Technology.
      I don’t knit anymore. I might in the future, but right now all my hands’ abilities are going into creating Art Gowns, and drawing them.
      Still, it was fun to have knitting in my back pocket when this challenge came up!

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