Geek-A-Long
2014 Geek-A-Long: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Welcome to week five of the 2014 Geek-A-Long, a mystery blanket knit-along! If you have no idea what I’m talking about, check out the Geek-A-Long FAQ page. Then, meet me back here when you’re ready. For the old pros, let’s talk about TMNT
Last week we made a square that was largely representative of my childhood. This week we will honor Jac’s. When I say she loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, that is an understatement. But it’s the only word I’ve got, so we’ll run with that. Jac had the toys, and the turtle van, and all the appropriate plastic weaponry. But she never got the one thing she wanted most of all: TMNT panties.
They had them for little boys, but while mom let her have the toys she drew the line at letting her wear tighty-whiteys. The argument was that boy-underwear had that pocket-fly-thing (not being a connoisseur of fine men’s underpants I don’t actually know what that pocket on briefs is called) which I suppose was just too lascivious for her delicate feminine form. Jac countered that she could keep milk money there, and I don’t think that helped her case. To this day she’s never gotten the TMNT skivvies she dreamed of for so long.
I did throw her a TMNT themed bridal shower though, so I suppose that has to count for something.
At this very moment she is sitting on the couch, cursing at some yarn and sporting a pair of fleece TMNT pajama pants. Her obsession runs so deep that she made me swear should we ever both become pregnant with twin boys that I would name mine Leo and Donny and she would take Mikey and Raphael. We would have to rename one of the cats “Master Splinter” so that she could have a complete set. Even then I’m not sure it will make up for the lasting sting and sense of emptiness left over from not having the right character on her bottom as a child. I know that nothing will truly fill that void, but as her sister I’m obligated to try. If this week’s square lessens the effect of the clear psychological scarring she has suffered as a result of missing those underpants, even a little, then my work here is done.
[polldaddy poll=7747024]This is probably my favorite square. I just love the way it turned out. No matter which side you choose for your “right side” the pops of color are great. It’s rare for something to come out exactly as I imagine it will, but this was one of those rare times.
Post Edited for 5 Year Anniversary
This post has been edited to add an updated version of the TMNT pattern to celebrate five years of geeking along. The graph is the same, but the pattern now includes more information. You can download the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pattern by clicking the link. Instructions for both knit and crochet are now listed in the pattern. When you’re finished making it, don’t forget to Instagram your squares at us @lattesandllamasyarn with the hashtag #geekalong! This now concludes the edited portion of this post.
Don’t forget to post links to your finished squares so we can all ooh and ah together. There is also a Geek-A-Long group on Ravelry if you are a member. And of course, hop on over to Child’s Play Charity and show them your love*!
~ Megan-Anne
Sign off goes here.
*”Love” in this instance means money.
Thank you for this chart! My nephew is totally into TMNT…I see a scarf in his future ;)
Awesome! That’s great. Don’t forget to link us to the picture. We’d love to see it. :)
Love it! I just knitted my brother a TMNT jumper for his 30th birthday so this is right up our street :)
Oooo, a TMNT jumper! Do you have pics?
Of course, check out my post http://vixknits.wordpress.com/2013/12/23/a-yuletidebirthday-knitting-miracle/
It was a pattern from an old pattern booklet, there are loads of variations
That was amazing! Thanks for sharing. :D
Amazing! Love TMNT!
I love the GAL! Awesome idea. If I didn’t have too many WIPs already (I could fill up waaay too many knitshaming posts) I’d seriously consider joining you guys. I’ll cheer from the sidelines, though. :)
I had a lot of fun making this one. I posted pics on my blog. http://animegoviecrafts.com/?p=168
It looks great! :D
I hope this doesn’t double post… Im still a fairly new knitter, and just starting this project.. This will be my first attempt at changing colors in my work.. Is there any advice on how to do it well for such precise color changes? Do I just cut my yarn and tie a new one on?
Hi! Welcome to the GAL and the wonderful world of knitting :) If you are doing the square in double sided knitting: yes, just cut the color you are done with, knot the new color to it and keep going. When you get done you can use a crochet hook to pull the ends and knot to the inside of the square. If you are knitting flat, then you’ll want to do this in stranded color work and you’ll have to weave in the ends. Have you checked out the ravelry group? It’s a great resource for moral support and technical advice…hope to see you there :)
so, being new to knitting and wanting to follow directions VERY carefully (Boy will LOVE this block!) uhm, switching colors for the masks. . . .we;d do it just like using a single strand of yarn, but we would leave the green alone? Something else? I’m totally clueless? (they could ALL be true, lol)
oh Goodness. . . . TOTALLY didn’t read the post before me. (that’s what I get, I suppose, lol) so, I guess you don’t need to respond, but don’t laugh at me too hard?!!! lol
LOL, no worries :) I know I said this in the post before, but definitely check out the Ravelry Group. They are bursting at the seams with helpful technique advice :D
Not sure if anyone else has told you but Target actually sells TMNT parties.
I’ve got two pairs. XD
Looks like I need to go to Target!
Has anyone tried doing this in a washcloth? My nephew has a TMNT themed powder room and I would love to make him either washcloth or handtowels to add to the room.
Not that I’m aware of, but that would be really neat! If you do it, I’d love to see pictures. :D
Pingback: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Knitting Patterns - The Knit Wit by Shair