converting a baby blanket pattern needle size ?

[shellymb]

Ok, so the mom I am making this blanket for starting having contractions 3 weeks early....Darn that nature! The lady at the lys poo-pood the pattern the way it was written and told me to change it and then was not super helpful about doing it. The pattern calls for sz 15 needles with 2 strands of dk yarn final size 34 x 43, guage: in stockinette 11 sts and 14 rows = 4"

Now here is what she told me to get: sz 8 or 9 needles and single stand worsted weight yarn. In her defense I much prefer the smaller needles and the finer lay of the knitting. My guage on sz 8 needles is 5 sts and about 6 rows =1 inch.

So finally the question: with my guage in mind, do I multiply 5 x 34 inches to get the number of stitches to cast on? The basket weave pattern is in multiples of 3 so I think I can mess with that to get the rows to work out.

Any help would be much appreciated. TIA

[kemp]

yes...5x34= 170, number to cast on. However, if the pattern is in a multiple of 3, 168 is divisible by 3 and close enough to get 34" especially with blocking. Besides since it's a baby blanket being exactly 34" probably isn't important.

Just out of curiousity...why did she want you to change it? Doesn't really matter, but the bigger gauge would be quicker...if you like the smaller though, go for it!

[shellymb]

She just kept rolling her eyes and I was describing the pattern and the requirements. I got the impression she didn't like the idea of 2 strands of yarn and said that traditionally baby blankets took 1000 yards of yarn used smaller needles. I do love the yarn I picked out so I am excited to start/complete the project. I was even thinking of lining the blanket with some fleece on the other side to make it cozy. Am I over thinking this?

[kemp]

hmmm...I wasn't aware that there was a "traditional standard" for baby blankets. Just do whatever makes you happy!