2014 Geek-A-Long: Studio Ghibli

When it comes to the weekly Geek-A-Long posts, usually Megan-Anne writes them and I take the pictures. But for week 28, we’re doing something a little different. I still took the pictures, but this week you get to listen to me squee about Studio Ghibli.

I love Studio Ghibli. I love it soooo much. Originally, we had planned to use Totoro to represent our love for the Japanese animation film studio just as they use it for their title cards, but that squishy ball off fluff refused to go onto the square. So, when Megan-Anne said I had to pick a different character, I was at somewhat of a loss.

Should I go with Jiji, the talking black cat from Kiki’s Delivery Service, or one of the Laputan robots from Castle in the Sky? Or maybe even Princess Mononoke’s mask? At a certain point, there were too many options. Studio Ghibli has released over twenty beautiful feature length films, several shorts, and even a video game called Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch.

Just so you know, I adored Ni No Kuni. They wrapped up the story line, so there isn’t room for a sequel without forcing it. But, I really hope Studio Ghibli enjoyed the experience enough to pair with Level-5 again to make me another RPG.

Honestly though, we could make an entire blanket out of beloved characters from Studio Ghibli: Ponyo, Arrietty, Calcifer from one my absolute favorite books and movies of all time, Howl’s Moving Castle. But there could be only one square this year and I decided who better to use than someone who also loves knitting and spinning, No-Face from Spirited Away.

No-Face is super creepy. Every time I watch Spirited Away, I have to remind myself that at the end he discovers knitting and it makes him nice and lovable. He definitely won’t come eat my face, because in the end he’s like: “Wow, spinning! Who knew spinning was so cathartic and awesome? Let’s all be best friends!” He doesn’t actually say those words, but you can tell by the look on his creepy face that he’s happy and I totally won’t find him in my closet later tonight.

No-Face

© 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 no face. 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 share pictures of your completed squares on twitter or instagram using the hashtag “geekalong”, 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 new to the Geek-A-Long, you can find more information about it here. If 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.

~ Jac
Although, I do respect No-Face’s policy of eat whatever you want and if someone tries to lecture you about your weight, eat them too.

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