BLOCKED 18

THE SOCK PROJECT • COLD HEARTED KNITTING • FESTIVUS

18

LET THEM LIVE • CANCELING CHRISTMAS • THE TERRIBLE MUSEUM OF DENT

TEAM BLOCKED

Editor in Chief

Neil James

For all enquiries:

blockedmagazine@gmail.com

Layouts, Graphics, and Ads

BS Designs

Copy Editor

Cézanne Black

Editorial Assistants

Denise Pettus

Karen Juliano

Laura Neubauer

Tech Editors

Cézanne Black (Knitting)

Annie Robinson (Crochet)

Cover Photography

Shauna Stitches

Content Writers

Amy D

Cézanne Black

Jo-Bob

Katie Gerwein

Tabitha of CabotCoveKnits

Neil James

Pattern Designers

Azelie Fiber Arts

LizClothier

Shauna Stitches

Mockingbirdsrealm

Michele Follbaum

Neil James/Uknitted Kingdom

This issue is packed full

of great patterns!

We have provided a

cumulative list of abreviations

to make it easier for you to

make all the things!

* * – Repeat instructions between * as directed.

2/1 LPC – Sl2 sts to CN and hold in front, P1, then K2 from CN.

2/1 RPC – Sl1 st to CN and hold in back, K2, then P1 from CN.

2/2 LC – Sl2 sts to CN and hold in front, K2, then K2 from CN.

2/2 LPC – Sl2 sts to CN and hold in front, P2, then K2 from CN.

2/2 RC – Sl2 sts to CN and hold in back, K2, then K2 from CN.

2/2 RPC – Sl2 sts to CN and hold in back, K2, then P2 from CN.

BO – Bind Off.

BOR – Beginning of Round.

CC – Contrasting Color.

CN – Cable Needle.

CO – Cast On.

DS – Double Stitch.

GSR – German Short Row.

Inc/inc’d – Increase/Increased.

K – Knit.

K2tog – Knit 2 sts together.

K4tog – Knit 4 sts together.

KFB – Knit front and back.

KW – Knit Wise.

MC – Main Color.

P – Purl.

P3SSO – Pass 3 slipped stitches over knit st.

PM – Place Marker.

PSSO – Pass slipped stitch over.

PU – Pick Up.

Rem – Remain/Remaining.

RM – Remove Marker.

RS – Right Side.

S3KP – Sl3, K1, pass 3 slipped stitches over knit st.

SK2P – Sl1, K2tog, PSSO.

Sl – Slip.

SM – Slip Marker.

St/sts – Stitch/Stitches.

TBL – Through Back Loop.

WS – Wrong Side.

YO – Yarn Over.

Dear Readers,

In this issue we welcome the return of some regular contributors and introduce some

new ones. One of the aspects of Blocked that I’m most proud of is giving first-time designers

and writers a platform that they might not have otherwise. I’m looking forward to seeing

more designs in the future.

This issue, “Cold-Hearted,” is the last issue of 2024 and draws our third year to a close.

Three years! It’s an incredible achievement. Thank you everyone who has contributed and

supported Blocked. And to the cold-hearted haters, I say thank you too. Without you, I would

never have been so determined to succeed. Cheers!

To mark our first three years, the women of Blocked, and I, have created a 2025 calendar.

View the promo video here:

https://www.youtube.com/live/3710eCVVDjg?si=22aDleR4HbC8ifE1

You can purchase a hard copy calendar (USA postage

only), or a pdf version to print yourself, here:

https://form.jotform.com/243216423339049

The Cowl competition (see issues 16 and 17 for

more details) is still ongoing and the deadline is Jan. 15,

2025. So, for a chance to win $50 get designing!

We also have a “Caption This” competition: come

up with a caption for the image on page 15. The best

one will receive a small prize. Winner announced in

the next issue!

All that is left to say is have a very Merry Christmas (or Festivus for the Rest of Us)

and we’ll see you with issue 19 in February 2025!

Neil and the team.

PS. Something else happened since issue 17 and I can’t quite remember what it was…

let me think… Oh yes! You elected a new president! [Dances to YMCA.]

3

by by Cézanne Katie Gerwien Pellett

Book Review:

THE SOCK PROJECT

4

If you are suffering from a cold heart or cold feet, handknit

socks from wool are the answer for warming your feet

and likely for warming your heart because they are so

comfortable. If you knit them with a fun colorway or interesting

pattern, as they warm your feet, they will warm your

soul and likely that cold heart.

Are you interested in knitting socks? Maybe you have

never knitted a pair of socks and want encouragement to

cross the Rubicon into sock knitting. Maybe you have

knitted a few socks and want to explore additional sock

knitting techniques or have questions about sock knitting.

Maybe you are an experienced sock

knitter looking to add 25 new patterns

to your sock knitting options. If you

answer “yes” to any of the above, a

new book, The Sock Project: Colorful,

Cool Socks to Knit and Show Off, by

Summer Lee, will help you along the

way and will be a fun and encouraging

read.

The book was published in 2024 by

Abrams. I downloaded it through my

local library. If you want to purchase it,

it is available from Amazon at this link:

https://www.amazon.com/Sock-Pro-

ject-Colorful-Cool-

Socks/dp/1419768115 . As of 31

October 2024, Amazon is selling the paperback version

for $21.34 (Prime price) and the Kindle version for $10.99.

Summer Lee’s website, which I will link below, has a link to

buy the book. The link took me to Amazon but did not

bring up the book.

The first chapter, “Materials,” is a great introduction to

sock knitting. Lee has a down-to-earth and friendly writing

style. I felt as though I was enjoying a conversation with

her and not reading yet another knitting technique book.

She goes through sock yarn options, needle and notions

options for sock knitters and gives you the positives and

negatives of the options.

In chapter 2, “Sizing and Fit,” she addresses a critical

part of sock knitting: obtaining a custom fit as a custom fit

greatly enhances the pleasure of wearing hand knit socks

for the end user. She gives you tips on how to measure

your foot, or the sock recipient’s foot, as well as resources

for average foot sizes. She also addresses gauge, as

gauge is critical in arriving at a well-fitting sock. She gives

tips for adjusting the sock pattern to your gauge to end

up with a well fitting sock.

The third chapter, “Basics,” walks you through knitting

socks on a step-by-step basis. She gives you sock recipes

and encourages you to try the various sock knitting

methods: from cuff to toe, also known as top-down, and

from toe to cuff, also known as toe-up. She gives step-bystep

instructions for knitting a top-down and a toe-up

sock. She also gives you various heel options:

heel flap and gusset, afterthought heel, forethought

heel, German short-row heel, and

Fleegle heel. She reviews the positives and

negatives of each heel type. She includes a

folded cuff as well as the traditional ribbed

cuff. Overall, I found her instructions on all

these options to be encouraging and detailed

for the new sock knitter. She includes

photographs of the various steps along the

way. If you have never knitted a sock, as long

as you have basic knitting skills and understand

the concept of circular knitting, this

book will get you through knitting a sock.

In chapter four, “Finishing and Caring for

Your Socks,” Lee reviews how to weave in

ends, block your finished socks, and care for your socks. I

agree with Lee’s suggestion to hand-wash and line dry

hand-knit socks, even those knit in superwash wool.

Chapter five gives the recipes for the 25 sock ideas, including

socks with stripes, fades, ribbing, thicker yarn for

house socks, textured stitches using knits, purls, and

slipped stitches, lace, color work and cables. All the sock

patterns in the book are enticing. Lee’s designs are fun

and make great use of color. If I had time, I likely would

knit all of them!

In addition to Lee’s casual and friendly writing voice, the

book is visually appealing with great selections for the

photography and layout. The color and pattern choices

for all the socks are exciting and fun to view.

Continued on next page...

The Sock Project Review Continued...

If you still are on the fence on why you would ever knit a

pair of socks, I was with you when I returned to knitting in

2006. I was aware of the sock knitting craze, but I put it off

exploring sock knitting because I could not see knitting a

project on such tiny needles, i.e. with such tiny stitches,

particularly when I could buy cute pairs of socks from TJ

Maxx for a minimal amount of money. Finally, about three

years later, I took a sock knitting class at a local yarn store,

knitted a pair of socks on tiny needles with tiny stitches,

using a self-striping sock yarn in colors I adore, wore the

socks and found a whole new knitting hobby subset: sock

knitting! From there, I have enjoyed knitting socks for myself

because I can select beautiful color ways, fun patterns

and end up with the most comfortable socks to wear. I

have never worn a pair of factory-made socks that are as

comfortable as a pair of hand-knit socks that fit your feet

made from quality sock yarn. From there, I started knitting

socks for my husband. He typically wears hiking boots and

other heavy shoes; thus, the hand-knit socks are comfortable

for him and keep him going strong. The only drawbacks

for me are that he does not want fanciful colorways

and because he rolls the socks over, there is no need to

knit a fancy stitch pattern for his socks. I typically knit him

2x2 ribbed socks from sturdy beige yarn… where is the

excitement in that? The excitement is in the joy he receives

from a new pair of hand knit, custom-fit socks. I

know he is wearing socks knit from sustainable wool or

cotton. I know he enjoys wearing them, and he is known

to advise friends and strangers he is wearing socks custom-knit

to fit his feet!

Another reason I like to knit socks is they are a very

portable project. Socks are easy to handle during the heat

of the summer as they are small, and you are not covered

in heavy wool. In addition, knitting a project on small

needles helps me to avoid aggravating the tendonitis in

both of my wrists. I find moving back and forth from knitting

dk and worsted weight projects with appropriately

sized needles to knitting socks with fingering weight yarn

and size 1 and 2 needles very helpful to avoid further injury

to my hands and wrists. Also, when I am knitting relatively

plain socks, it is a great palate cleanser from

working on more complicated patterns and projects. Typically,

if we are taking any sort of car trip, I am carrying my

current sock project and knit away while my husband

whips us through traffic and attempts to break all known

speed records.

There are great tips in Lee’s The Sock Project applicable

to sock knitters, new and experienced. One tip I did not

see was on sizing, which I picked up from Wendy D.

Johnson. It was reinforced during a sock knitting class I

took from Kate Atherley. Socks fit best with negative ease.

Both recommend knitting a circumference 10 percent less

than the actual circumference of the foot and leg and

knitting the foot 10% less than the actual length of the

foot. Once I made this switch in my sock knitting, I produced

socks that fit my feet and my husband’s feet that

much better. They just feel right and work well within my

shoes.

Now that I mention shoes, I found I need to wear clogs,

sandals styled like Birkenstocks or shoes that have

stretched when I am wearing my hand knit socks. If I try to

wear hand knit socks with new shoes, I find it tight, and I

find my new shoe stretching more than I want them to at

the new-shoe stage. Usually, I buy a new pair of clogs for

each sock-wearing season. I find I look forward to sock

season and the first wearing of my favorite socks. I love

the feel of the socks, I love the way the wool wicks the

moisture away from my feet, and I smile when I see the

fun colorways and striped socks I have.

I hope you have a chance to try sock knitting. If you try

toe-up and don’t enjoy it, try top-down and vice versa.

Before long, you, too, may cross the Rubicon into sock

knitting. I recommend Summer Lee’s new book as a great

start. In addition to her book, Lee has a website with tutorials,

additional sock patterns, her podcast, newsletter,

and biographical information at this link:

https://www.summerleedesignco.com/ . Also, she is selling

a color work sock bundle now where you receive one

or more colorwork sock patterns per month for a subscription

fee. Several podcasters I watch have joined the

club and are knitting socks with great color work patterns

from this subscription.

If my records are correct, I have knitted at least 34 pairs

of socks since the first pair I knit during the LYS sock knitting

class. I wish you a warm heart during the holiday season,

lots of fun, and time to explore your fiber hobbies. If

you have not tried it before, I encourage you to try sock

knitting.

5

ENCHANTED LACEWOOD

FOREST (E.L.F.) SOCKS

YARN

MC: West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply (75% Wool/25% Nylon

[Contains 35% Bluefaced Leicester]3.5oz/100g 437y/400m)

in Spruce 1006 (Uses approx. 100g).

CC: West Yorkshire Spinners Signature 4-ply (75% Wool/25% Nylon

[Contains 35% Bluefaced Leicester]3.5oz/100g 437y/400m)

in Rouge 1000 (Uses approx. 25g).

NEEDLES

US Size 1 (2.25mm), or size to obtain gauge, DPNs, magic loop,

9” circulars of your favorite method of knitting in the round.

GAUGE

36 sts x 52 rnds = 4” x 4”/10cm x 10cm in stockinette.

by Shauna Stitches

Notes:

Pattern is written for 56 (64, 72) stitch size.

Chart is worked from left to right, bottom to top. The chart is worked on the top of the foot only.

Once you get to the leg you can choose to repeat the chart on the front and back of the leg

(repeat chart twice around) or just on the front.

Directions are written for a toe up heel flap, but any heel can be substituted. A short row heel,

Fleegle heel, afterthought heel, or another alternative can be used but will require the

knitter to determine when to start.

For an easy way to knit multiple stitches together:

https://youtu.be/ji3ffpMmGcU?si=RualI7LmRSe3Z_zq

6

PATTERN

With CC, CO 10 (12, 14) for a total of 20(24, 28)

stitches, using the toe-up Turkish cast-on.

Round 1: Knit

Round 2: K1, YO, knit to 1 st before end of first needle,

YO, K1. (inc’d by 4)

Round 3: Knit all knit stitches and knit YO stitches

TBL to get rid of holes.

Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until you have 56 (64, 72) sts.

Join MC and knit one round. Start chart, working chart

pattern over first 28 (32, 36) sts and remaining sts in

stockinette.

Continue until you are 3”(3.5”, 4”) [7.5(9, 10)cm] from

desired foot length, then start gusset increases on

bottom of foot only.

GUSSET INCREASES

Round 1: Knit chart round to bottom of foot stitches,

K1, PM, YO, knit across until 1 st rem, YO, PM,

K1. (inc’d 2)

Round 2: Knit chart, K across bottom of foot but knit

YO stitches tbl to get rid of holes.

Round 3: Knit next round of chart across instep, K1,

YO, K to marker, SM, K to marker, SM, K to

1 st before end, YO, k1. (inc’d 2)

Round 4: Knit chart, knit across bottom of foot but

knit YO stitches TBL to get rid of holes.

Repeat Rounds 3 and 4 until you have doubled the

bottom foot sts. Sole should have 56 (64, 72) sts with

14 (16, 18) sts on each side of the markers.

Next round: Knit chart across instep, K to marker, SM, K

to marker, SM, K1(3, 3), *KFB, K1* 6(6, 7) times, K1.

(inc’d 6[6, 7] sts)

Next round: Knit chart across instep, switch to CC, K1,

*K1, KFB* 6 (6, 7) times, K1(3, 3), SM. Stop between

markers before continuing to sole sts. (inc’d 6[6, 7] sts)

You should have 20 (22, 25) gusset sts on each side of

the center markers 68 (76, 86) sts total.

HEEL TURN

Work only on the 28(32, 36) center sole sts between

the markers.

Row 1 (RS): K to 1 st before marker, turn, GSR.

Row 2 (WS): P to 1 st before marker, turn, GSR.

Row 3: K to 2 sts before marker, turn GSR.

Row 4: P to 2 sts before marker, turn, GSR.

Row 5: K to 3 sts before marker, turn, GSR.

Row 6: P to 3 sts before marker, turn, GSR.

Repeat Rows 3-6, continuing to increase the number

before marker until 7(9, 10) GSR DS on each side of the

heel with 12(12, 14) center stitches ending on even

row. Don’t forget final GSR.

Next row (RS): K to last GSR (knitting each GSR DS as

one stitch). For last GSR, SSK it with next st, turn.

Next row (WS): Sl1, P to last GSR (purling each GSR DS

as one stitch). For last GSR, P2tog with next st, turn.

HEEL FLAP

Row 1 (RS): Sl1, (K1, Sl1) to 1 st before marker, RM, SSK,

turn.

Row 2 (WS): Sl1, P to 1 st before marker, RM, P2tog,

turn.

Row 3: Sl1, (K1, Sl1) to 1 st before gap, SSK, turn.

Row 4: Sl1, P to 1 st before gap, P2tog, turn.

Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until there are 2 sts beyond each

gap. The last row worked will be Row 4 and you’ll have

30(34, 38) sts on the sole.


7

E.L.F. Socks Continued...

Resume working in the round. Drop and cut CC and

pick up MC to knit.

Next round: Sl1, K1 across flap to 1 st before gap,

SSK, K1.

Next round: Continue chart across instep, K1, K2tog,

K across back leg stitches.

LEG

Continue working in pattern until leg is desired length.

Back of leg stitches can be worked in pattern by

repeating the chart twice, or in stockinette.

It is recommended to end the leg after either chart

Round 16 or 26. Knit one final round in MC.

Chart Row 20: P5(7, 9), K3, P7, K13, P0(2, 4).

Chart Row 21: P5 (7, 9), YO, SK2P, YO, P7, K13, P0 (2, 4).

Chart Row 22: P6 (8, 10), K1, P8, K13, P0(2, 4).

Chart Row 23: P15 (17, 19), K4tog, *YO, K1* 5X, YO,

S3KP, P0(2, 4).

Chart Row 24: P15 (17, 19), K13, P0(2, 4).

Chart Row 25: P15 (17, 19), K13, P0(2, 4).

Chart Row 26: P15 (17, 19), K13, P0(2, 4).

CUFF

Switch to CC and knit one round. Complete cuff by

knitting 20 rounds of K2, P2 ribbing. Cuff length can

be changed based on knitter’s preference.

Bind off loosely and weave in ends.

WRITTEN CHART DIRECTIONS

Chart Row 1: P0(2, 4), K13, P2, K4tog, *YO, K1* 5X,

YO, S3KP, P0(2, 4).

Note: Knit second half of stitches throughout foot.

Chart Row 2: P0(2, 4), K13, P2, K13, P0(2, 4).

Chart Row 3: P0(2, 4), K4tog, *YO, K1* 5X, YO, S3KP,

P6, K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK, P4(6, 8).

Chart Row 4: P0(2, 4), K13, P6, K5, P4(6, 8).

Chart Row 5: P0(2, 4), K13, P5, K2tog, *K1, YO* 2X,

K1, SSK, P3(5, 7).

Chart Row 6: P0(2, 4), K13, P5, K7, P3(5, 7).

Chart Row 7: P0(2, 4), K4tog, *YO, K1* 5X, YO, S3KP,

P5, YO, SSK, K3, K2tog, YO, P3(5, 7).

Chart Row 8: P0(2, 4), K13, P6, K5, P4(6, 8).

Chart Row 9: P0(2, 4), K13, P6, YO, SSK, K1, K2tog,

YO, P4 (6, 8).

Chart Row 10: P0(2, 4), K13, P7, K3, P5(7, 9).

Chart Row 11: P0(2, 4), K4tog, *YO, K1* 5X, YO,

S3KP, P7, YO, SK2P, YO, P5(7, 9).

Chart Row 12: P0(2, 4), K13, P8, K1, P6(8, 10).

Chart Row 13: P4(6, 8), K2tog, YO, K1, YO, SSK,

P19(21, 23).

Chart Row 14: P4(6, 8), K5, P19(21, 23).

Chart Row 15: P3(5, 7), K2tog, *K1, YO* 2X, K1,

SSK, P18(20, 22).

Chart Row 16: P3(5, 7), K7, P18(20, 22).

Chart Row 17: P3(5, 7), YO, SSK, K3, K2tog, YO, P5,

K13, P0(2, 4).

Chart Row 18: P4(6, 8), K5, P6, K13, P0(2, 4).

Chart Row 19: P4(6, 8), YO, SSK, K1, K2tog, YO, P6,

K4tog, *YO, K1* 5X, YO, S3KP, P0(2, 4).

8


E.L.F. Socks Continued...

E.L.F.

SOCKS

CHART

9

Cold Hearted

Cocktails

Christmas on the Beach Cocktail

Impress your guests with this colorful, Christmasy cocktail with a

little beachy flair. Our southern hemisphere knitters have a sunny

Christmas holiday, so this one’s for them!

INGREDIENTS

1.5 oz Vodka

1 oz Lime Juice

1 ounce Grenadine

Lemon Lime Soda

Green sanding sugars (optional)

Ice Mold for Round Ice Ball (optional)

Cocktail shaker

Cocktail glass.

Prepare Glass: (optional)

Squeeze lime juice onto a plate and run the rim of the glass in the juice.

Then dip the glass rim in the green sanding sugars.

Insert round ice cube or other ice.

Enjoy!

In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lime juice, and grenadine with ice.

Strain and pour in prepared glass. Fill the remainder of the glass with lemon lime soda.

Check out our database full of FREE PATTERNS

contained in all of our issues!

https://www.yumpu.com/s/ul0WF3oamIZDMcP6

10

COLD AS

ICE HAT

by Liz Clothier Designs

YARN - MC: Chicken Lady Fiber Arts DK Sock

(75% SuperwashMerino/25% Nylon

245yd/224m 100g/3.5oz)

Thicket (Uses approx. 115y/105m 47g/1.7oz).

CC: Earth and Empress Cozy DK

(100% Superwash Merino 231yd/211m 100g/3.5oz)

58 yards/ 53 meters) Cold as Ice

(Uses approx. 25g/0.9oz 53m/58y).

NEEDLES

US Size 3 (3.5mm) circular needle

or preferred needles for hats.

MATERIALS

Stitch markers

GAUGE

24 stitches and 20 rows

SIZE

8.5 inches x 9.5 inches (21.6cm x 24.1cm)

INSTRUCTIONS

With MC, CO 104 stitches and join to knit in the round,

placing a marker for BOR.

Rounds 1-8: *K2, P2* around.

Rounds 9-26: Knit.

Rounds 27-50: Work Rounds 1-23 of Cold as Ice Chart.

Note: MC is background, and CC is Snowflake motif.

Rounds 51-58: Knit.

Round 59: Knit, placing markers every 13 stitches.

Use different markers than BOR marker.

Round 60: *K2tog, K9, K2tog* around. (88 sts)

Round 61: Knit.


Round 63: Knit.


Round 65: Knit.


Round 67: Knit.


Round 69: *K2tog, K1* around. (16 sts)

Cut yarn, weave in ends, block, and enjoy!

11

by Tabitha of by Cabot Cézanne Cove Pellett Knits

Cold Hearted

KNITTING

According to Webster’s Dictionary, cold-hearted is

defined by lack of sympathy, interest, or sensitivity. Some

synonyms of coldhearted are icy, bloodless, soulless, and

my personal favorite, cold-blooded.

All these words perfectly describe Father Joseph

Maskell, a man whose evil knows no bounds.

Now you may be asking yourself what, if anything, does

a knitting magazine like Blocked have to do with Maskell,

cold-hearted, and the evils surrounding the Baltimore

Archdiocese?

Well, Neil and I discussed the Netflix show The Keepers

on episode 6 of the Blocked Magazine channel on

YouTube, and the theme of this issue of Blocked is

Cold-hearted.

The Keepers goes over the scandals surrounding the

Baltimore Catholic Archdiocese. The scandals include the

sexual abuse of girls at Archbishop Keough’s High School

and the murders of Sister Cathy Cesnik and Joyce

Malecki.

The series is well told, heart-breaking, and a must-see

for any true crime fan.

I find myself rewatching on a yearly basis and, of course,

knitting the whole time.

In the series, two students of Sister Cathy band together

to solve the Sister Cathy’s murder and, in return, open the

door to other murders, cover ups, and sexual abuse committed

by men placed in authority by the archdiocese.

There are interviews with victims, suspects, former and

current investigators, family members of the victims, and

my personal favorite, Gemma Hoskins. I like to think she's

a knitter.

One question that kept popping up in my head while

watching The Keepers is, “Why are so many knitters

attracted to true crime? Why do we take needles, wool,

and our love of the craft and watch or listen to a horrific

crime done to someone else?”

I asked my grandma, Genevieve, this question on my

long drive to knit night. Genevieve is a lifelong crocheter

and avid true crime consumer. Here was her response.

“Tabitha, I have had so many crimes committed against

me growing up, the horrors would shock any true crime

watcher. Crochet helped me get through all those years

of abuse. All those blankets I made for my grandchildren

and great-grandchildren, made out of love and perhaps

to spite my abuser, show that I am still here, and my

legacy continues on, even though he tried to end my life.

True crime shows often have closure, a happy ending of

justice, and give hope to the victims and their family that

their loved one didn't die in vain. If a show doesn't give

justice, the viewer is still thinking about said victim. Often

those thoughts are prayers that are woven into whatever

the viewer is making at the time, and I hope that gives

them peace.”

Crocheting has helped Genevieve, and knitting has

certainly helped me over the years. When my world has

been turned upside down by cruel, cold-hearted people,

my knitting has been there. My quiet space where I can

meditate, say the Rosary, plot the downfall of acrylic yarn,

or simply exist.

My hope is that in this cold-hearted world others will

turn to craft to get them through a rough patch, and

maybe watch justice get served on the side.

Tabitha, Blocked Magazine’s Investigative Journalist

The Keepers is available on Netflix. If you enjoy deep dives, the podcast Foul Play: Crime Series season 2

(Hoskins, Waters, & Cee, 2018-2024) covers The Keepers and more, available on iTunes at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-ep1-sister-cathy-the-silenced-truth/id1118716786?i=1000419858888.

12

By Neil James

Traditha & Knitler

This issue’s featured guest

is Tabitha of

Cabot Cove Knits

What is your favorite yarn?

Tabitha: Merino wool or Skeinz Southlander.

Neil: For the knit experience any 100% DK merino.

For colour choice Holst Garn Supersoft.

What are your favorite needles?

Tabitha: Chiaogoo with the red cable.

Neil: Chiaogoo fixed circulars.

What is your favorite hook?

Tabitha: I don’t like any hooks.

Neil: The QZLKNIT interchangeable Tunisian hooks (I use

these for standard crochet as well as Tunisian).

What is your favorite pattern?

Tabitha: Rye light sock with no garter.

Neil: The Ugly Cats Shawl of course!

What is currently on your needles/hook?

Tabitha: Reflections of the Mind cowl for a Christmas gift.

Neil: A shawl/cowl/scarf prototype. I’m currently at the

point where I have to decide which of the 3 it should

become.

How many WIPs do you currently have?

Tabitha: 32

Neil: I dare not count. At least 6 sweaters, several socks,

2 blankets, and innumerable hats. And they’re just the

ones I haven’t left in a bag in a closed cupboard and

forgotten about!

What is your unpopular knit/crochet opinion?

Tabitha: Gauge swatches don’t mean shit.

Neil: Purling is easier than knitting. There’s a perfectly

logical reason why fat knitters need more yarn for that

sweater, and it isn’t an unfair tax!

Who taught you to knit and crochet?

Tabitha: My pastor’s wife, Ann (she’s a saint & Paisley’s

godmother).

Neil: My mum and my gran taught me to knit, and Mrs.

YouTube taught me to crochet.


13

Cabot Cove Interview Continued...

Which knitted and/or crocheted item

(that you made) are you most proud of?

Tabitha: I made a 7’ by 7’ Tree of Life Blanket for Tom’s

grandpa. That was a labor of love or my Evening Mesa

Blanket for my sister-in-law. Also, my Beetlejuice Spite

shawl.

Neil: Probably my first pair of heel flap and gusset socks.

The actual pair are long lost now but I remember feeling

like I’d recreated an impossible engineering feat for the

feet!

What is your favorite knitting/crochet technique?

Tabitha: Knitting in the round.

Neil: Knitted brioche and 2-colour Tunisian crochet

in the round.

Which knitting/crochet technique do you dislike

or have no interest in learning?

Tabitha: Crocheting.

Neil: INTARSIA!

What do your family/friends say about

your knitting/crochet?

Tabitha: My husband doesn’t mind. My kids think I

have too much yarn.

Neil: My friends completely ignore it. Not one of them

has any interest in hand knitting at all. If it doesn’t come

from a sweat shop in India, it isn’t real clothing. My mum

says, “Where’s my [latest request]” and “Nobody [me]

ever knits me [her] nothing!” A double negative in two

ways!

What would be your dream pattern?

Tabitha: A rainbow fade mitered square blanket that

used up all my Holst yarn without having to math.

Neil: The elusive perfect sweater in my size that doesn’t

become boring midway or take forever to knit!

Is there a knitting/crochet book you

treasure over all others?

Tabitha: A Stash of One’s Own.

Neil: Number Knitting by Virginia Woods Bellamy and

my Elizabeth Zimmerman collection.

What is your favorite color to wear or knit with?

Tabitha: Green.

Neil: To wear, black or pale blue, to knit with, anything

multi-coloured or variegated.

What yarn have you used before but will

never use again?

Tabitha: Acrylic.

Neil: Chenille. Bouclé. Anything dyed by Lola Bean

Yarn Co.

What is your favorite thing about each other?

Tabitha: That Neil is easy to talk to and it feels like

old friends.

Neil: I like Tabitha’s humour, bluntness, and her ‘don’t

give a [bleep] attitude.’ However, I think she’s a big softy

really.

Who is the better knitter?

Tabitha: Me

Neil: Tabitha is a faster knitter, but I’m a better knitter (I

just heard a needle snap in Oregon) ?

Who is the better crocheter?

Tabitha: Neil

Neil: Me. Let me say it again. ME.

Who has the biggest yarn stash?

Tabitha: Me

Neil: Tabitha

Who is more likely to spend money online at 3 AM?

Tabitha: Neil

Neil: Me as I’m almost always awake (but rarely coherent)

at 3am.

Who is smarter?

Tabitha: Neil

Neil: Academically, me. Common sense and

practically, Tabitha.

Who is kinder?

Tabitha: Neil

Neil: Not sure… she ain’t never sent me nuthin’ and I

ain’t never sent her nuthin’. Yet.

Who is more adventurous?

Tabitha: Both of us are not adventurous. “Can’t be

bothered.” In the tone of Neil James.

Neil: Tabitha. She wrestles, kills, skins, cooks, and eats

bears for breakfast!

14


Cabot Cove Interview Continued...

Who swears more?

Tabitha: Me

Neil: Tabitha, although I think it’s probably an even match

when we’re not on a YouTube live.

Who is more likely to cause an argument?

Tabitha: Me

Neil: Tabitha.

Who is more likely to get arrested?

Tabitha: Me

Neil: Me

What murder mystery would you most want to solve?

Tabitha: Jon Benet Ramsey

Neil: Jack The Ripper.

Who is more likely to say something inappropriate

on a podcast?

Tabitha: Me

Neil: Both of us!

Who is more likely to laugh at something

inappropriate?

Tabitha: Me

Neil: Tabitha.

CAPTION THIS! Best submission will win a small prize.

Enter by email: blockedmagazine@gmail.com

Competition closes January 15th 2025. Winner will be announced in issue 19.

15

TRADITHA

& KNITLER

CROSS STITCH

By Neil James

DESIGN SIZE

72 stitches wide x 35 stitches high (approx. 5.1” x 2.5”)

Figure 1

Figure 2

MATERIALS

14 Count Cross Stitch Fabric / Aida 94 x 55 stitches

(approx. 6.7” x 3.9”)

Cross Stitch needle

Embroidery Hoop (optional)

Scissors

Figure 3

Figure 4

NOTES

Fig. 1. Shows a typical full stitch on the left and a ½ stitch

on the right (not actual colors in this pattern).

Fig. 2. Shows a typical full stitch on the left and ¼ stitches on

the right (not actual colors in this pattern).

Back-stitch sections:

Fig. 3. Traditha:

For the nose and mouth use 2 strands of DMC 310 “Black”.

Fig. 4. Knitler:

For the glasses use 2 strands of DMC 310 “Black”.

For the forehead creases use 2 strands of DMC 761

“Light Salmon”.

16


Cross Stitch Continued...

17

By Jo Bob

CANCELING

–CHRISTMAS –

Are you stressing about Christmas? It's all good, Boo.

I've got you covered.

Welcome to my Fifth Annual Christmas Cancellation. So

simple. No gifting. No mad dash to the stores for supplies.

No hovering over a hot stove for hours. No Sunday dress

and best behavior. No. My cold heart says “no.”

This decision does hamper those

greedy gift grappling, decorating

diva, carol crooning Karens (sorry if

your name is Karen), however, from

experience, I can promise you –

it's totally temporary!

New Years Eve will bring a few

drinks and calorie laden nibbles.

Ridiculous resolutions will be

made. Hot Cross Buns will adorn

supermarket shelves the first week

of 2025, (and I'm not sure why

people still pretend to be surprised

and offended about it). St.

Valentine’s Day, an Easter Hat

Parade, Mother’s Day. The year will

be halfway through, and my Christmas

humbugging long forgotten.

For my family living in New

South Wales, Australia (out of town in the "Crikey, it's a

giant goanna" bush) Christmas means a few days off work.

We will be filling the fridge with cans of soda and alcohol,

the freezer with Zooper Doopers, snacking on deli cold

cuts, and queuing the premade salad containers. Ice cream

will be the King's currency. Our eyes will be scouring the

big blue skies for bush fires, and the crispy ground for

deadly red belly black and aggressive brown snakes trying

to slither into the shade of our front porch or under a car.

We will be sweating buckets, swatting giant horse flies,

and coveting personal insect repellent to battle the Montana

sized mosquitoes.

(Drea Renee Knits) The Traveler Cowl; a bouncy neck

warmer style cowl published this year. The cowl is knit flat

on the bias then seamed at the back. It is knit in super simple

stockinette stitch and purl rows to make garter welts

with some make one increases and knit or purl 2 together

decreases to shape the cowl. I used a skein of handspun

mixed fibers and glitz that I purchased this year.

This pattern lends itself beautifully to

handspun yarn or any soft bouncy

woolly fiber, or perhaps to multiple

thinner strands of fingering or lace for

a luscious airy wear. The design is beginner

friendly and whips up quickly.

This unisex cowl could easily be a successful

last-minute gift (if you really

have to) or a soothing indulgence of

self-love for something warm and cozy

to snuggle under your coat.

This design is a return knit for sure. I

just bound this one off and already

have a new yarn selected to cast on

again for an entirely different winter

look. For those of you who do celebrate

Christ's birthday, and all the Holy

regiments, I wish you and your family a

Blessed Christmas. Stay warm and

enjoy your time together. For those of

you who are joining me in relaxing and cancelling a sweltering

Christmas, could you please pass me a cold chilled

Moscato, a juicy Tiger Prawn, slip slop slap, and keep knitting.

Merry Christmas Grinches xxx,

Jo Bob, Commentator Knit Nite Podcast

This might be a stretch for your imagination as I sunburn

in hell here during our scorching summer, but I'll also be

knitting. Yes, knitting! I've just bound off Andrea Mowry's

18

RIBBON

CANDY HAT

by Liz Clothier Designs

YARN -

MC: Chicken Lady Fiber Arts DK Sock

(75% Superwash Merino/25% Nylon 100g/3.5oz 224m/245yd)

Ribbon Candy (Uses approx. 49g/1.7oz 109.7m/120y).

CC: Cascade 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool 100g/3.5oz

220yd/200 m) White (Uses approx. 12g/0.42oz 26.4yd/24m).

NEEDLES

US Size 5 (3.75mm) 16”/40cm circular needles or

preferred needle type for hats.

MATERIALS

Stitch markers

GAUGE

24 stitches and 20 rows = 4”x4”/10cm x 10cm.

SIZE

8.5” x 9” (21.6cm x 22.9cm).

INSTRUCTIONS

With CC, CO 99 sts and join to knit in the round, placing

stitch marker for BOR.

Round 1: *K2, P1* around.

Rounds 2-11: *K2 in CC, P1 in MC* around.

Round 12: Knit in CC. Cut CC, leaving a long enough tail to weave in.

Rounds 13-14: Knit in MC. If you want to use additional stitch markers,

place a marker every 11 stitches. Use different markers from the BOR

marker.

Rounds 15-48: Work Rounds 1-33 of Ribbon Candy Chart.

Rounds 49-50: Knit.

Round 51: *K2tog, P7, SSK* around. (81 sts)

Rounds 52-53: Knit.


Rounds 55-56: Knit.


Rounds 58-59: Knit


Round 61: Knit.


Round 63: Knit.

Cut yarn, weave in ends, block, and enjoy!

19

Festivus

for the rest of us...

Alright you hooligans,

I’VE GOT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH YOU PEOPLE!

It’s that time of year! Festivus is almost upon us! It is almost time for the

airing of grievances and the feats of strength! If you have no idea what I’m

talking about, and think I’ve been hitting the sauce again, please let me

educate you on one of the greatest fake holidays ever to exist.

Festivus became part of the social lexicon in the late 1990s as a result of

the TV show Seinfeld. In an episode titled “The Strike,” we learn that the

ever-in-bad-luck-he-made-himself George Costanza has a dark family secret

revealed - his father, Frank, had created a strange winter holiday called Festivus

as a result of the consumerism and stress of the Christmas holiday.

The inspiration for this storyline actually came from the childhood of one

of the writers. Dan O’Keefe’s father actually started the tradition, and

O’Keefe actually outlines this crazy story in a book, The Real Festivus. While

the Festivus of his childhood was not exactly the same as portrayed in the

episode, it certainly was an odd event that he didn’t really want to share but

his fellow writers dragged it out of him and demanded it be a storyline. It

turned out to be one of the most iconic storylines from Seinfeld lore. It’s up

there with the Soup Nazi, the Contest, and the Urban Sombrero.

If you’ve not seen the episode, I consider it required holiday viewing, just

like Die Hard. Don’t fight me on this, I will die on this hill, as your non-

Christmas keeping friend, even I say Die Hard is a Christmas movie and

must be watched. It’s not Christmas until Alan Rickman falls off that tower,

or until Frank pins someone in the feats of strength.

But I digress. One aspect of Festivus is the “Airing of Grievances.” So

here, dear readers, are a few of our readers' fiber related grievances, as

well as a few tips and tricks!

May you all have the most joyous of holidays, be they real or fake!!

Amy D.

20


Tips

• When knitting with DPNs, you don't have to hold all the needles. That's what I was

doing when I first tried it. And when you start in the middle, cast on two needles first,

then knit with three needles first until you've increased a few times, then add the other

two needles. They won't slip out anymore.

• Wind your yarn twice for colorwork. If you wind a second time from a yarn cake it

will pull more smoothly and help with tension.

• For left-leaning/right-leaning increases and decreases: the direction that the tip of

your working needle (left for mirror knitters, right for standard knitters) is pointing

determines the direction of the lean. Left-leaning increases and decreases, the

working needle tip points to the left; right-leaning increases and decreases the needle

tip points to the right.

• Crochet tip: When you are first learning and watching videos, don’t worry about how

the person holds the yarn and hook, just watch the tip of the hook and the yarn.

The rest will fall into place.

• To remember how to M1L and M1R, just remember, “I LEFT through the FRONT

door, I’ll be RIGHT BACK.” For M1L, you pick up the bar between the sts from the

front, for M1R, you pick it up from the back.

Grievances

• Patterns that just specify # of skeins and not approximate yardage. Multiple sizes can

use the same # of skeins. Yardage makes it easier to use yarn you may already have.

• I have a knit grievance. The “Weavin’ Stephen” is a completely useless technique.

It doesn’t trap/secure the yarn at all. A better technique is: 1. Wrap the old yarn the

wrong way around the needle. 2. Wrap the working yarn the right way around the

needle. 3. Unwrap the old yarn from the needle. 4. Continue the knit stitch as usual

which traps the old yarn securely. 5. Knit a stitch normally. 6. Repeat 1 to 5.

• Patterns that do not list the weight and fiber content of the preferred yarn for the

pattern. This is especially annoying when the suggested yarn is discontinued or has

no information available online.

• Gauge swatches lie. Stop telling me I have to do it.

• I keep knitting and knitting and knitting on this project and it's not getting any longer.

• When the yarn that shows up doesn’t look like the yarn on the website. I.E.: on the

website the color is red when the yarn shows up its pink.

• People who insist their way is the only way to do something. Whether it is how you

hold your yarn/needles, what type of yarn/needles you use, how you weave in your

ends, or whatever else, if it works for YOU it is right for YOU, but it may not work for

everyone. Just stop insisting your way is the ONLY way!

21

COLD

HANDS/WARM

HEARTby Neil James with Michele Follbaum

YARN -

MC: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted

(100% Peruvian Highland Wool 1.75oz/50g 110y/101m)

Lake Ice Heather 23898.

(Uses approx. 1.7oz/48g 105.5y/96.5m)

CC1: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted


Red 23764. (Uses approx. 0.3oz/8.5g 18.75y/17m)

CC2: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted


Garnet Heather 25633. (Uses approx. 0.6oz/16.1g 35.5y/32.5m)

NEEDLES

US Size 4 (3.5mm) DPNs or 32” circular needle.


MATERIALS

Stitch markers

GAUGE

20 sts x 20 rnd = 4”x4”/10cm x 10cm.

INSTRUCTIONS

Using smaller needles, CO 48 and join to knit in the round.

Follow the chart from right to left, bottom to top.

Use the smaller needle for the ribbing sections and the larger for the main body colorwork.

After Round 36, put the 12 thumb stitches on waste yarn and rejoin in the round to continue the upper hand.

After loosely binding off the upper hand section, continue working on the thumb.

Thumb Instructions:

Slip the held stitches into your needle(s).

Rejoin MC leaving a long tail.

To avoid a hole, PU and knit 2 stitches at the beginning of the round and 2 stitches at the end of the round.

Continue following the Thumb Chart.

After loosely binding off, weave in ends. Use the long tail from the thumb to close any gaps left at the thumb join.

22


23

LIGHTBULBS!

YARN -

Main Color(s) and Contrast Colors in chosen yarn (sample uses

fingering weight but any yarn can be used). Great for using up

scraps of yarn! Each bulb takes less than a yard of yarn.

By Mockingbbirdsrealm

NEEDLES

US 1.5 (2.5mm) or needles appropriate to make

a tight fabric with chosen yarn.

MATERIALS

Stuffing

Darning Needle

Crochet Hook

Stitch Markers

PATTERN

CO 3 sts in MC.

Rounds 1-2: Knit 2 rounds I-cord

Round 3: K1, (M1, K1) 2X. (5 st)

Round 4: Knit.

Round 5: K1, (M1, K1) 4X. (9 st)

Round 6: Knit.

Round 7: K2, (M1, K3) 2X, M1, K1. (12 st)

Rounds 8-12: Knit.

Stuff bulb with tails and stuffing.

Round 13: K2tog 6X. (6 st)

Round 14: Knit.

Switch to contrast color

Round 15: Knit.

Round 16: Purl.

Round 17: SSK, K2, K2tog. (4 st)

Rounds 18-19: Knit 2 rounds I-cord.

Cut yarn, pull tail through sts twice.

Weave in ends as needed.

I finished my sample by making a crochet

chain and a row of US single crochet. I

joined the bulbs to the chain by picking up

2 loops from the I-cord end and adding

them to a single crochet. I picked a random

length of 16 crochet stitches between

bulbs (which for me was about 3 inches),

use whatever length feels or looks right to

you and your project. I would recommend

using a piece of yarn or measuring tape to

figure out your desired length if making a

garland or if using to wrap around a tree

and then figuring out spacing between

bulbs, so you have an idea of how many

bulbs are needed for your project.

My sample has 21 bulbs and is 82 inches

long without stretching or blocking.

Suggested uses are: garland, holiday

accessories, cat toys, daily temperature

project, daily advent calendar, etc.

24

Knitting Patterns

https://www.ravelry.com/designers/liz-clothier

Knitting Patterns

https://galilee-life.com/vendor/deplorable-knitter/

Anne Pinkava

Knitting Patterns

www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/fdba7e1e-93b6-4b6f-9f82-06ef18d0ec8c

25

DISHIDENT #18

by UKnitted Kingdom

PATTERN DESCRIPTION

Each issue of Blocked will contain a “secret”

pattern. The design will only be revealed as you

knit. The instructions might uncover an image,

design, word, or message.

When using cotton, these secret squares make

excellent dishcloths. If you make 4 or 5 of each

square in wool or acrylic, they can be seamed

together at the end of the year to make a small

Afghan or lap blanket.

GAUGE & MATERIALS

Each dishident uses approximately

41 to 43g of worsted weight 100% cotton.

Follow the yarn manufacturer’s

recommended needle size.

DIRECTIONS

Cast on 45

← Row 1 [RS]: K45

→ Row 2 [WS]: K45

← Row 3 [RS]: K45

→ Row 4 [WS]: K45

← Row 5: K45.

→ Row 6: K22, P1, K22.

← Row 7: K45.

→ Row 8: K11, (K5, P1) 2X, K9, P1, K12.

← Row 9: K45.

→ Row 10: K22, P1, K22.

← Row 11: K45.

→ Row 12: K11, (K5, P1) 2X, K4, P1, K17.

← Row 13: K45.

→ Row 14: K18, (K4, P1) 2X, K17.

← Row 15: K45.

→ Row 16: K19, (K1, P1) 2X, K22.

← Row 17: K45.

→ Row 18: K13, (K3, P1) 2X, K1, P1, (P1, K3) 2X, K14.

← Row 19: K45.

26

Dishident Continued on next page...

Dishident Continued...

→ Row 20: K13, (K3, P1) 2X, K1, P2, (P1, K2) 2X, K2, P1, K12.

← Row 21: K45.

→ Row 22: K2, (K8, P1) 2X, P5, (P1, K1) 2X, K16.

← Row 23: K45.

→ Row 24: K5, (K5, P1) 2X, K1, P10, K17.

← Row 25: K45.

→ Row 26: K16, P12, (P1, K3) 2X, K9.

← Row 27: K45.

→ Row 28: K15, P14, (P1, K2) 2X, K10.

← Row 29: K45.

→ Row 30: K7, (K3, P1) 2X, P15, (P1, K1) 2X, K11.

← Row 31: K45.

→ Row 32: K8, (K2, P1) 2X, P19, K12.

← Row 33: K45.

→ Row 34: K9, (K1, P1) 2X, P21, K11.

← Row 35: K45.

→ Row 36: K6, (K4, P1) 2X, P19, K10.

← Row 37: K45.

→ Row 38: K9, P2, (P1, K2) 2X, K2, P17, K9.

← Row 39: K45.

→ Row 40: K8, P6, (P1, K2) 2X, K3, P14, K8.

← Row 41: K45.

→ Row 42: K7, P5, (P12, K2) 2X, K5.

← Row 43: K45.

→ Row 44: K6, P12, (P10, K1) 2X, K5.

← Row 45: K45.

→ Row 46: K6, P33, K6.

← Row 47: K45.

→ Row 48: K6, P33, K6.

← Row 49: K45.

→ Row 50: K7, P31, K7.

← Row 51: K45.

→ Row 52: K8, P1, (P13, K2) 2X, K6.

← Row 53: K45.

→ Row 54: K4, (K5, P11) 2X, K9.

← Row 55: K45.

→ Row 56: K2, (K10, P6) 2X, K11.

← Row 57: K45.

→ Row 58: K45.

← Row 59: K45.

→ Row 60: K45.

← Row 61: K45.

→ Row 62: K45.

BO all sts.

TIPS

If preferred, slip the first OR the last stitch of every row to create a

neater edge. When purling a stitch immediately after knitting a

stitch, pull the excess yarn out of the purl stitch before knitting or

purling on. This helps to reduce loose or baggy knit stitches.

NOTES

Occasionally, a dishident or secret square might not be

suitable for children and “polite company”. This will be made

clear when this is the case.

If you would like to receive notifications of our next issue!

Check out our Patreon!

www.patreon.com/join/BlockedMagazine

27

BALLS! MITTS

by Neil James

YARN -

MC: Kelbourne Woolens Scout (100% Wool 3.5oz/100g 274y/250m)

Navy Heather 412 (Uses approx. 0.75oz/21g 57.5y/52.5m).

CC: Kelbourne Woolens Scout (100% Wool 3.5oz/100g 274y/250m)

Sunflower Heather 709 (Uses approx. 0.2oz/5g 13.7y/12.5m).

NEEDLES


US Size 6 (4mm) DPNs or 32” circular needle for colorwork.

MATERIALS

Stitch markers

GAUGE

24 sts x 26 rounds = 4”x4”/10cm x 10cm

SIZE

6½” high x 5” wide.

INSTRUCTIONS

Using smaller needles, CO 48 sts and join to work in the round.

Follow the chart from right to left, bottom to top.

Use smaller needles for ribbing sections and switch to larger needles for main body colorwork.

After Round 36, put the 12 thumb sts on waste yarn and rejoin in the round to continue the upper hand.

After loosely binding off the upper hand section, continue working on the thumb.

Thumb:

Slip the held stitches into your needle(s).

Rejoin MC leaving a long tail.

To avoid a hole, PU and knit 2 sts at the beginning of the round and 2 sts at the end of the round.

Continue following the thumb chart.

After loosely binding off, weave in ends. Use the long tail from the thumb to close any gaps left at the thumb join.

28

TOP

BOTTOM

29

by Amy, Two Sisters & Some Yarn

LET THEM LIVE!

Hello dear readers! There is a fairly good chance many

of you know who I am already, but Neil so kindly gave me

the chance to share a little project I’ve been doing!

I’m Amy, little sis and one half of Two Sisters and Some

Yarn podcast on YouTube, but I also have an Instagram

called ProLifeKnitter. I started the Instagram account last

year to focus on my work in the pro-life movement, primarily

my role as a volunteer at a wonderful nonprofit called

Let Them Live. If you are curious how I got started with

LTL, I was interviewed on their YouTube Channel. I am

technically in the counseling department, but I do not actually

counsel the women directly. That calling is for far

greater humans than I! My role at LTL is to facilitate the

gifting of handmade items for our moms who want them.

The project started with me sending all of the care packages,

and the team has done a great job of helping cultivate

this process, so it is pretty seamless. I cannot say

enough about the amazing team at LTL and how awesome

they are!

Earlier this year we made a slight change to the care

package program, and we started a Hospital Go Bag

(HGB) program. This would give a selection of mothers in

the program a hospital diaper bag full of supplies they

would need for delivery and right after. The team decided

it would be amazing if our moms had one of the blankets

I collected and was sending out, in those HGB’s. So, earlier

this year I mailed 100 blankets and 100 newborn hats

to the packing center to fill the first 100 of those HGB’s.

Those blankets and hats were donated by YOU amazing

humans and more across the country. I am continually in

awe of the gorgeous handmade items that I get sent.

Also during this process, LTL reached out to donors to

see who might be interested in helping craft items for the

HGB, so I have been working with donors who we affectionately

call our LTL Crafty Crew! Technically, every one

of you who has sent me items are also part of that crew,

but if you would like to be an official part of the crew so I

have your info in our back end office spreadsheet, please

fill out the form here. You all know how much I love

spreadsheets!

Going forward, we will include handmade items such as

blankets, hats, booties, etc. in the Hospital Go Bags. For

women not receiving a hospital go bag, I will continue to

send them care packages personally.

Thus, this is my continued plea for all things handmade!

The focus is blankets, and hats (all sizes), but all items

such as clothing, bibs, booties, and more are welcomed.

They can be knit, crochet, sewn, quilted, etc. The main

request is items be machine washable and preferably machine

dry, but if not, to please include washing instructions

as those who pack the HGB’s may NOT be crafty

folks who can tell by feel what an item is made of like I

can!

From January 2024 to June 2024, I sent over 60 packages

to women who were helped with the Let Them Live

program. YOUR precious time, energy, and talent was

gifted to women who often feel like they have no one.

Your stitches help swaddle a sweet baby in warmth, but

also help women see that people truly do care, their

babies ARE wanted, and they CAN do the hard things!

So, a HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who has created

things for our moms, who has shared the program, donated

your money, time and effort, hosted make-a-longs,

and supported my work with LTL. The team has continually

told me how amazed they are at our little crafty community

and what we can accomplish! I keep telling them,

never doubt a knitter!

If you would like to donate or help in anyway with Let

Them Live, please email me at amy.d@letthemlive.org

There are also a variety of other ways you can get involved!

You can find out more by connecting with Let

Them Live on every social platform.

30

Cold Hearted

Word Search

31

By Neil James

THE TERRIBLE

MUSEUM OF DENT

Terrible [ ter-uh-buhl ]

adjective

1. distressing; severe: a terrible winter.

2. extremely bad; horrible: terrible coffee; a terrible movie.

3. exciting terror, awe, or great fear; dreadful; awful.

4. formidably great: a terrible responsibility.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/terrible

At some point back in early 2022, I mentioned on a

YouTube channel that I was planning to visit the knitting

museum in Dent, near Sedbergh, UK. Remember this, it

might be relevant later.

The area is known for The Terrible Knitters of Dent, so

called not because they were bad knitters, but rather

because they were formidably great knitters. My intention

was always to write about the knitters, so in April of

2022 I drove up to Dent (about two hours North and

therefore a very long way in Britain!). I took my mum

along for the journey as her paternal family were all

farmers in the areas of Settle, Malham, and Skipton

(not far from Dent as the crow flies).

The Heritage Centre/museum wasn’t very busy. I think

there were three or four customers the whole time we

were there.

It was a grey overcast day, but the birds were singing

and there were lambs in every field along the way.

Dent is a lovely little village. Cobblestone roads twisting

and turning, and houses straight out of a period

drama. Where I walked there were no pavements (sidewalks)

and every now and then a car would race around

a corner nearly mowing over any pedestrian daring to

walk the cobbles!

Our experience began with what I can only describe

as “The Slaughtered Lamb” pub scene in An American

Werewolf in London. The staff (three of them) stopped

talking as we walked in and just stared at us. I introduced

myself and asked if I could take photos of the exhibits.

They shuffled and glanced nervously at each

other. The older of the three eventually said she’d have

to get the museum manager. I said “Okay,” paid my £3

entrance fee, and went to look at the exhibit.

32


Terrible Museum Continued...

MT was demonstrably irritated. She came across as

extremely paranoid. “Who are you?” “Who sent you?”

“Why didn’t you phone ahead?” She was shockingly

brusque. It’s hard to explain but when I said I just

wanted to take a photo of the exhibition, she went into

an unnecessary rant. I don’t know who owns the copyright

of the knitting objects!” “Photos are not permitted!”

“Why didn’t you call ahead?” “What is your

magazine called?” Etc. etc. even when I replied, “Ok,

fair enough,” she continued over-explaining, saying it

was lambing season, and she was busy. All I had required

was a “yes” or “no.”

The exhibition is a tiny, recessed area crammed full of

knitting paraphernalia. A slightly creepy mannequin sits

amongst the objects in a parlor/living room scene.

There are no labels to identify anything. There’s no denying

the impressive quantity of objects, but the way

they’re displayed creates a visual overload making it difficult

to locate individual pieces. For example, I noticed

what looked to be a wooden, ball-shaped yarn carrier,

but when I looked away and tried to point it out I couldn’t

find it! Space is clearly an issue at the museum, and

they have done the best they can do with the little

space they have.

Eventually the museum manager appeared. She was a

farmer, in muddy wellies, and waterproofs.

Eventually she stormed off and left us rather bemused.

So as to not have a completely wasted journey,

we decided to eat at the cafe (in the same room as the

exhibition). We ordered homemade steak pie which I

have to say was delicious. However, the service was one

of the most hilarious experiences I’ve had. A young girl

of high school age served us. We opined that she was

on Easter vacation from school and was being forced to

work as a cafe waitress. She was rude and surly, and literally

threw the cutlery and plates of food on the table

with a “Enjoy your meal.” The plate nearly landed in my

lap, and she didn’t even seem to notice. She didn’t

glance at us once and looked like the archetypical sulky

teenager. My mum and I ended up getting a fit of the

giggles after I said, “It’s like f’in Fawlty Towers in here”

(a British 1970s sitcom about a dreadful hotel owner).

Then we compared notes on the bizarre interaction with

MT.

She didn’t introduce herself, but I later found out her

name is Margaret Taylor (MT).


33

Terrible Museum Continued...

We walked through to the shop, and I

bought some blue-faced Leicester undyed

yarn. They also sold Herdwick, but it

was so straw-like that I couldn't imagine

what I might knit with just one skein.

As we left, MT was driving a tractor across

the field towards us. I said to my

mum, "Here we go again."

When she pulled up beside us, she

again started asking questions. "Where is

it you've come from?" My mum replied,

"Well my people are farmers from around

here." MT immediately seemed to soften,

but not much, "Where? What are their

names?"

"The Browns of Malham."

"I don't know them."

My mum then went into the unnecessary detail of her

father's name and where he had been a tenant farmer.

I was getting a bit suspicious. Something about this did

not sit well with me.

Eventually she wished us well and continued on her way.

As did we.

maintaining her R/Craftsnark identity. She left

just enough breadcrumbs to lead me to her literal

front door! I've taken a particular interest in

Penelope since she began openly taking screenshots

of my Instagram (for police evidence, apparently)

and inciting Ravelry users to make

vexatious reports about me and other UK

knitters.

Whilst looking through her Ravelry posts I discovered

that she had shared a photo of the Dent

exhibit back in July 2022. See the screenshot.

In another post she described the museum

manager as her "dear friend.” I heard a penny

drop.

I'm not going to bother explaining my theory of what I

think happened behind the scenes between my launching

of the first two issues of Blocked (Jan and Feb/Mar

2022) and visiting Dent in April of 2022. I'll let you form

your own opinions.

And whether the museum is "terrible" or "terrible"

that's probably best left unsaid.

www.dentvillageheritagecentre.com

On the journey back, we rationalized the experience as

her being a typical Yorkshire farmer - brusque, to the

point, and suspicious of outsiders. She reminded me of

my Yorkshire farming relatives, and the farm women of

New South Wales in Australia, where I spent some time in

1990/91. Lambing is a stressful time and for all we knew

she might have lost a few. Yet still something wasn't right.

I put it all behind me and didn't write the article I had

intended.

A couple of years passed.

I became aware of a tarot-card reading, machine knitting,

genealogist, historian, and very vocal Far Left extremist

called Penelope Lister Hemingway. I've talked

about her quite often in my Instagram feed. I won't go

into the sordid details here but suffice to say she is not a

fan of Blocked. She has dedicated almost three years of

her online life to trying, and failing, to destroy me and

Blocked Magazine. One only has to read her public Penelope

Spider Ravelry forum posts to see the level of her

obsession. She also has an even more abusive account on

R/Craftsnark where she anonymously and regularly posts

her bile. It's interesting that she hasn't been careful about

34

INFINITE

LOVE TOQUE

By Azelie Fiber Arts

YARN -

1 skein Chicken Lady Fiber Arts Rhode Island Red

(100% Superwash Rambouillet 4oz/115g 200y/183m)

OOAK 88.

NEEDLES

US Size 7 (4.5mm) and US Size 8 (5.0mm) 16” cable needles

and DPN, or longer cable for magic loop.

MATERIALS

Stitch markers

GAUGE

24 stitches and 20 rows

SIZE

Adult Average (21”-23” head circumference).

NOTES

• Due to the width of the cable chart, this hat has only

been written in one size. A smaller size may be made by

using finer weight yarn with smaller needles, adding

purl rows before and after chart to achieve desired

length.

• A sample knitted with DK weight yarn (Knit Picks

Swish DK) used 46 g of yarn and produced a hat that

would fit an 18”-19” head snugly.

• The cable pattern uses both 2/2 and 2/1 cables to

form the design. One way to keep them straight is to

print out the Heart Cable Chart and use different colored

pencils or markers to differentiate each cable.


35

Infinite Love Continued...

INSTRUCTIONS

Using smaller needles, cast on 86 sts.

RIBBING

Work K1, P1 for 8 rounds.

BODY SETUP

Switch to larger needles.

Round 1: Purl.

Round 2: *(P6, M1) 6X, P7, M1 repeat from

* around to end. (100 sts)

Round 3: Purl.

BODY

(Written Instructions: (Also see Cable Heart Chart)

Round 1: P18, K2, P23, K2, P5. (50 sts)

Round 2: P17, K4, P21, K4, P4.

Round 3: P15, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P17, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P2.

Round 4: P15, K2, P4, K2, P17, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 5: P10, K2, P1, 2/2 RPC, P4, 2/2 LPC, P1, K2, P12, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 6: P9, K6, P8, K6, P11, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 7: P8, 2/1 RPC, 2/2 LC, P8, 2/2 LC, 2/1 LPC, K1, P9, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 8: P7, 2/1 RPC, P1, K4, P8, K4, P1, 2/1 LPC, P9, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 9: P6, 2/1 RPC, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P4, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, K2, P9, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 10: P5, 2/1 RPC, P1, (K2, P4) 3X, K4, P9, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 11: P5, K2, 2/2 RPC, P4, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P4, 2/2 RC, P9, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P2.

Round 12: P5, K4, P8, K4, P6, K4, P11, K4, P4.

Round 13: P5, 2/2 RC, P8, 2/2 RC, P6, K2, 2/2 LPC, P9, 2/2 RC, P4.

Round 14: P5, K4, P8, K4, P6, K2, P2, K2, P9, K4, P4.

Round 15: P3, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P4, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P2, 2/2 RPC, P2, 2/2 LPC, P5, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P2.

Round 16: P3, (K2, P4) 3X, 2/2 LPC, K2, P6, K2, P5, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 17: P3, K2, P4, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P6, 2/2 LC, P6, K2, P5, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 18: P3, K2, P6, K4, P8, K4, P6, K2, P5, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 19: P3, K2, P6, 2/2 LC, P6, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P4, K2, P5, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 20: P3, K2, P5, 2/1 RPC, 2/2 LPC, (P4, K2) 3X, P5, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 21: P3, K2, P3, 2/2 RPC, P3, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P4, 2/2 LPC, P2, K2, P5, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 22: (P3, K2) 2X, P7, K4, P8, K2, P2, K2, P5, K2, P4, K2, P2.

Round 23: P3, 2/1 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P7, 2/2 RC, P8, 2/1 LPC, 2/1 RPC, P5, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P2.

Round 24: P4, (K4, P9) 2X, K4, P8, K4, P4.

Round 25: P4, 2/2 RC, P7, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P7, 2/2 RC, P8, 2/2 RC, P4.

Round 26: P4, K4, P7, K2, P4, K2, P7, K4, P8, K4, P4.

Round 27: P2, 2/2 RPC, 2/1 LPC, P4, 2/2 RPC, P4, 2/2 LPC, P4, 2/1 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P4, 2/2 RPC, 2/2 LPC, P2.

Round 28: P2, K2, P3, K2, P4, K2, P8, K2, P4, K2, P3, (K2, P4) 2X, K2, P2.

Round 29: 2/2 RPC, P3, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P8, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P3, 2/2 LPC, 2/2 RPC, P4, 2/2 LPC.

Round 30: K2, P7, K4, P12, K4, P7, K4, P8, K2.

36


Infinite Love Continued...

Round 31: K1, P9, K2, P14, K2, P9, K2, P10, K1.

Crown:

Round 1: Purl.

Round 2: *P8, P2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (90 sts)

Odd Rounds 3-17: Purl.








Round 18: *P2tog*, repeat from * to * to end. (10 sts)

Round 19: *P2tog*, repeat to from * to * end. (5 sts)

Finishing:

Cut yarn leaving a 4” tail.

Weave in ends.

Block to reduce puckering around the cable patterns.

37

Podcasts!

https://www.youtube.com/@TwoSistersAndSomeYarn

https://www.youtube.com/@knitnite/featured

https://www.youtube.com/@politicallyincorrectknitters

https://www.youtube.com/@astitchinthesky4212

http://www.youtube.com/@CabotCoveKnits

http://www.youtube.com/@MommaNevin

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR

CHANNEL!

38

https://youtube.com/@blockedmagazine2859?si=-0u_JNUgDq7SHVcE

UPCOMING KAL/CALS!

Knit Long And Prosper

Get ready to BOLDLY KNIT your way through the months of November, December, and January

with PIK's new knit along "Knit Long and Prosper".

We will be playing knitting bingo: You have to finish projects that follow the requirements

on the square to cross them off.

Any project can use a maximum of 3 squares, but you can cross out ANY square, no

matter what it says if you have something space related in your pattern or yarn name,

OR if you use the colors of the month, Gold for November, Red for December, and Blue

for January.

Each month will have a separate give away, so be sure to submit your card before the

end of each month! To enter, send a picture of the bingo card to

politicallyincorrectknitters@gmail.com, and yes, you can have up to 5 bingos on each card.

Cards will be created soon!Stay tuned to the PIK Podcast for more details!


39

Competition

COWL COMPETITION

Design and knit a DK-weight colorwork cowl for Blocked and enter the competition for a chance to win $50!

Note: The winner may request a voucher for a yarn dyer of their choice, subject to availability.

This is the perfect opportunity to design and knit a personalized Christmas present (don’t forget to take

photos before you wrap it up!) or add a matching cowl to your mitten design from the last competition.

For an example of how using the template for the design will work, see the Lottie Cowl on page 10 issue 16,

which uses this template.

RULES:

1. The design must be your original work.

2. You give Blocked Magazine the right to publish the pattern

(this does not affect your right to self-publish the pattern as well).

3. A colorwork chart and any accompanying instructions (if applicable) must be included.

4. Use any DK-weight yarn you prefer.

5. Use any colors/combination of colors you prefer.

Please try to limit your design to 2 colors per round, however.

6. Photos of your finished knitted cowl must also be submitted

(it can be knitted by someone else if you choose).

7. You may use a pseudonym if you prefer to remain anonymous.

8. The physical cowl remains your property.

9. You may use the provided template or use your own design construction.

10. You can adapt the stitch count and construction in any way you choose,

but the design must still be a cowl.

11. 18+ content may be submitted; however, this will be published with a link to view

it rather than directly in the magazine.

12. Political slogans are permitted. Keep in mind that the USA election will already

be over by the deadline.

13. The deadline for all finished submissions is January 15, 2024.

14. Blocked patrons will vote for the winner and the winner will be announced in issue 19.

TO USE THE TEMPLATE ON THE NEXT PAGE:

1. Download and print the template by clicking on the following link

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68788195/cowl-template Hand draw your design and

submit a scan or clear photo to blockedmagazine@gmail.com.

OR

1. Follow this link https://www.stitchfiddle.com/c/sfvbv8-etmre2

and save a copy of the template to your existing Stitch Fiddle account.

You are also free to use a spreadsheet or any charting software to create your own design.

You can download a blank template at:

https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/68788195/cowl-template

40


TOP OF COWL

BOTTOM OF COWL

41

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

NEEDS YOU!

© 2022 Conley Olson, @NantucketStudios

WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

• Test Knitters/Crocheters

• Podcasters/Vloggers

• Designers

• Writers

• Artists

If you are interested in

being a contributor

email: blockedmagazine@gmx.com

42

UPCOMING ISSUES

Find the links to all of our

issues of Blocked Magazine!

Patron Checkout | Patreon

www.patreon.com/join/BlockedMagazine

Although Blocked is free to read, it isn’t free to produce. Without the generosity of patrons,

Blocked would not be possible. There are overheads that need to be met including subscriptions for software,

the magazine online platform, a future website, and time.

If you have enjoyed this issue, please consider becoming a patron.

Patrons receive the magazine a week before general release, see exclusive content,

get to vote on future content, and may receive exclusive offers.

More details available on the Patreon site linked above.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

BLOCKED has been made

possible by the generosity and goodwill of far too many

people to name individually.

Thank you to all the designers, writers, photographers, artists,

patrons, advertisers and, of

course you the reader.

BLOCKED 18

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