Harris Tweed Rib is an interesting knitting stitch pattern that combines a ribbed background with purl ridges, making a fabric that looks something like a woven tweed.

I used this pattern stitch in the Harris Tweed Rib Baby Blanket because it's a really easy pattern that gives an uncommon look to a baby blanket. It's a little more interesting than the patterns you normally see for baby blankets, and has a touch of sophistication even in blue and white.

This blanket is worked in two panels so it's even a good project for traveling and summer knitting, because you'll only be working on half of the blanket at any time.

There's a soft spot in my heart for Iowa, since I was born there, but this is a charity knitting drive I think anyone, anywhere could get behind.

Cottage Creations of Carpenter, Iowa, is collecting knit items to be distributed to families who lost their homes in the recent flooding in Iowa and a tornado that hit Parkersburg around the same time. In particular, they're looking for the following items:

• mittens
• caps
• scarves
• afghans
• prayer shawls
• baby blankets
• dishcloths
• socks
• infants, children’s and adult sweaters

Items will be accepted until November 1 and may be mailed to:
Cottage Creations
At the Farm on Deer Creek
Carpenter, Iowa 50462

or, if using a delivery service (UPS, FedEx):
Carol Anderson
4562 Zinnia Ave.
St. Ansgar, IA 50472

Carol asks that knitters also include a card with the name of the item and size, if applicable, as well as fiber content and, if desired, your name and any words of encouragement you'd like to send to the people of Iowa. She also suggests that items be machine washable and dryable whenever possible.

For more information, check out her full note posted over at Nature Knitter. I'm sure the people of Iowa thank you for thinking of them.