Planned Changes
The original pattern calls for light worsted. I’m going to substitute RHSS, as I’m looking for something cheap and hard-wearing.

I also want to increase the size of the rug and elongate it to fit better in my main room.

Initial thoughts on yarn choice (after knitting swatch): It was very difficult to find a series of colors that work in a smooth gradient. I did manage to find five colors that should work, but one was distinctly more saturated than the other four. The color changes are a lot more distinct than in the original pattern, unfortunately, but I’m still happy with it.

Additionally, I discovered that one of the colors of Red Heart Super Saver was significantly thinner than the others. It is noticible, but not enough to bother me.

Progress Log
10/25/15 - knitting DONE :D

11/29 - My brand-new bought-just-for-this-project needle BROKE. The cord snapped off right at the base of one of the needles as I was sliding my stitches along. Have contacted seller to see about replacement. - Update: have replacement needle. Need motivation to pick project back up again -- the time off got me interested in other things.

11/10 - My colors 1 & 2 are very similar -- so similar that I have trouble seeing the difference between bands worked in 1+2 and 2+2. I’m going to make bands of 1+2 in 1+1 instead. (Not going back to the first band -- it won’t be noticible if I put that side against the couch.)

10/3 - Part way through repeat 9. This pattern is amazing TV knitting -- simple enough to do while watching something, but slightly different each row so I don’t get bored.

9/28 - Cast on.

9/25 - Have all five colors and size 9 metal needles. Am going to swatch 27 st x 50 rows:
2 repeats 2&2
3 repeats 2&3
3 repeats 3&3
3 repeats 3&4
1 repeat (+last rows) 4&4
I specifically want to test how color 3 fits into the gradient, as it’s the most out of place when looking at all the colors in their skeins, as well as adjusting my size estimate based on gauge.

17 st/~38 rows = 4” Perhaps I should have gone with a larger size of needle to match row gauge, but I do like the fabric I’m getting out of it, and I’d be concerned that it would be too loosely knit if I were using a larger needle size.

At that gauge, final rug will be 33”x46. I’m going to do an additional repeat and cast on more to get 44”x60” as I’m using it as an area rug and it needs to be bigger.

9/12 -Started swatch with double strands of soft navy and size 8 bamboo needles/size 10.5 plastic needles, as that’s what I have on hand, in order to determine what size to order. Results suggest size 9 will produce a nice, firm fabric with this yarn.

My guesstimated shopping list:
Color 1: 2 skeins
Color 2: 5 skeins
Color 3: 5 skeins
Color 4: 4 skeins
Color 5: 1 skein