Gauge swatch on size 8. Went down to size 7 for the blanket. Gauge swatch had several steeks cut into it for testing. Best was when the steek was around 2 single stitches instead of further apart. Used Crochet method to secure stitches, tacked down on the back and did a row of shell stitch on the front side to give it a little more weight and style.

2/10: Cast on and realized about an inch in that I had misjudged my gauge change in going down the needle size. Ripped and started again.
2/11: Knit on trip down the gorge including Bonneville Dam, one of our family’s favorite places to go as kids - so that will be a fun memory to share with Lisa.
2/12: TV knit throughout the day, and ended with a little over a foot of the blanket done.
2/14: a little more tv knitting and I’m at about 18” length.