2014 Geek-A-Long: Water Tribe

Welcome to week 23 of the 2014 Geek-A-Long, a mystery blanket knit-along (or crochet-along for you rebels out there)! If you’re new to the GAL craziness, check out the Geek-A-Long FAQ page for more details and information. Then, meet us back here when you’re ready. For the seasoned pros, let’s talk about The Legend of Korra.

By now, my deep and unyielding love of Avatar is probably not coming as a surprise. I may have mentioned something about  Zuko… But you know, he’s alright. Today though, since we are knitting up the Water Tribe’s emblem, let’s honor The Legend of Korra. I normally try to be verbose about these things, but OMG you guys it’s so good, just go watch it, OK?!

::Deep Breath::

Okay, I’m back. I don’t have children, but I plan to someday. Should the universe see fit to charge me with the care and guidance of a young lady, I can only hope that she will share my nerdy loves and look up to Korra. Korra is strong, she is independent, and she manages that without pretending not to be a girl. The creators of the show don’t shy away from scenes of her acting like a 17 year-old-girl any more than they do of her being a strong and confident leader. Props to you, Nickelodeon.

To honor Korra we are knitting up the symbol for the Water Tribe this week. I think all of the Avatar squares are pretty, but this one especially so. It’s reversible and I think the colors go really well together. Also, can you guys believe that we are almost 1/2 way done with this blanket?!

Water Nation

© Megan-Anne of Lattes & Llamas, 2014

Needles: Size US6

Yarn: Cascade 220 in 2 sharply contrasting colors.

Gauge: 10 sts over 13 rows = 2″ x 2″ square. Final square is 45 sts by 57 rows.  Please note that in the written pattern I instruct you to knit the rows above and below the active color chart.  These rows are shown on the chart as solid color rows above and below the design.

Download PDF of the color chart Water Tribe. Cast on 45 sts for each side of knitting (with two strands held together CO 45, for a total of 90 sts on needle).

Work 2 rows of double-sided knitting (knit the facing sts and purl the back sts across).  You may choose to work the opposite color for the first stitch of each row (I do this), which will keep the edges closed. Alternately, you may choose to knit them without doing this and seam the sides when putting the blanket together. There is no “right” way to do this. It is really just what you are more comfortable with.

Follow color chart over next 53 rows in double-sided knitting.

Work 2 rows of double-sided knitting. BO.

Don’t forget to post links to your finished squares, so we can all oooh and ah together. We even have a fancy new GAL Participation Button you can put on your blog or your Geek-A-Long posts. You can grab the html out of the side bar or find it here.

If you’re having trouble with double-sided knitting, we have a how-to video here and you can find moral support in the Geek-A-Long group on Ravelry here. We’re even raffling off some sweet prizes for our members at the end of the year! You can learn more about it in the group or on the GAL Benefactors page.

~ Megan-Anne
“Woohoo! Hey, why all the doom and gloom, people? We should be celebrating! Three elements down, one to go!” -Korra, Book One: Air

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