FO: Bit by Bit Rug

Exactly 2 years ago, I cast on for what I thought was going to be a blanket. My plan was to knit strips in different color families and then seam them together for a blanket. After working on it for a bit, in a bit-by-bit fashion, I realized the fringe was going to be too much for the overlapping join I had envisioned. I also recognized that it was a great width and color for a spot in my house that needed a rug.

After many, many, many hours of linen stitch, I recently bound off the Bit by Bit Rug!

It was a really fun knit that allowed me to use random balls of yarn and leftovers from projects. I chose yarn that was in the blue/green arena and randomly switched colors on each row leaving a tail of yarn on each side. Every 2 rows, I would tie the fringed edged together to secure them.

I was able to make it the exact length I needed it to be to fit the spot. I hope the pets don't find the fringe too alluring! I still need to get to the store to buy one of those rubbery mats that go under rugs to prevent them from slipping around.

I knew from the start of this project that it was going to take a really long time. A ridiculously long time. I made peace with that. However, what I didn't know is how addictive this project would become. The basket full of yarn and the work in progress has accompanied me through 2 years. This project regularly filled in when I was craving a stress-free knit. It often provided a much needed contrast to a long expanse of stockinette in a solid color. As it went on, it was slowly eating through my stash while reminding me of past projects, past knitting excursions and my first attempt at hand dying.

Someone at my LYS was shocked to hear that this project was destined to catch the mud, snow and salt from the boots and shoes that come into my house. I see her point. But, personally I am happy to have all the bits of yarn come together with a purpose other than sitting uselessly in my yarn cabinet. I think I may just cast on something similar soon. I have already been missing my basket of random bits!