Crafty Diversions: Rio Dances...

Rio Dances in the Sand

by Anne Kuo Lukito

Duran Duran’s “Rio” is one of those songs that lovers of 80’s music practically know by heart thanks to its catchy words and distinctive melody. This blanket was inspired by a member of my local stitch group who just had a beautiful baby girl lucky enough to share a name with this classic song.

Rio Dances in the Sand was originally knit as a group project that my local knitting group made to welcome baby Rio into the world, but it is such a versatile project that it can easily be undertaken by an individual. The blanket is made up of square and triangle pieces that are each knit separately and then sewn together. The individual pieces knit up quickly — each piece is knit in garter stitch, but the mitered style of the square pieces and the multiple colors keep the construction interesting. Once the pieces are done, they are stitched together (it’s great practice for anybody with a seaming phobia!).

Purchase Pattern (PDF Download) $4.50

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PATTERN DETAILS:

Sizes / Finished Measurements (2 sizes offered)

Chart A (Rectangle): Height 49”/107cm, Width 42”/107cm

Chart B (Square): Height 42”/107cm, Width 42”/107cm

Materials

Worsted weight yarn , Chart A: 2800-3200; Chart B: 3000-3500 yards. Actual amounts will vary, depending colors chosen and used. (Sample shown used Chart A and 15 skeins of Cascade 220 Superwash, 100% superwash wool, 13 different colors.)

1 set US 7/4.5mm straight needles, or needles needed to obtain gauge.
Darning needle
Stitch markers
1.7 yds/1.6m of 45”/1.2m wide backing fabric, optional. (Sample show used 100% cotton fleece.)
Sewing needle and thread, optional

Gauge

20 sts x 36 rows = 4” (10cm) in garter stitch

Other Pattern Details

2 Sizes and 2 different designs offered
Detailed knitting instructions in a professionally designed layout
Instructions include US standard and Metric measurements
File size: 957 kb
4 pages, full color
Easy-to-read 11 point font

Skills and Techniques Used in Pattern

Simple increasing and decreasing;
Seaming
Light sewing (optional)

Purchase Pattern (PDF Download) $4.50

from Crafty Diversions:

through Ravelry:

(You will be directed to PayPal checkout. Enter your PayPal or credit card information and follow the instructions. After payment is confirmed, you will receive a link to access and download the electronic file. Pattern is also available for purchase through Patternfish. If you would like a high-resolution hardcopy instead of an electronic pattern, please contact me directly, or visit my etsy store.)

Purchase Pattern (PDF Download) $4.50

from Crafty Diversions:

through Ravelry:

(You will be directed to PayPal checkout. Enter your PayPal or credit card information and follow the instructions.

After payment is confirmed, you will receive a link to access and download the electronic file. Pattern is also available for purchase through Patternfish.

If you would like a high-resolution hardcopy instead of an electronic pattern, please contact me directly, or visit my etsy store.)

Buy yarn for Rio Dances in the Sand at www.handicraftcafe.com