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Hello and thanks for visiting my blog. I have been knitting on and off for 50 years and I recently learned to crochet. I love looking for wool bargains and making them into something useful. I mainly knit for charity. I occasionally knit for myself and family members if I find a really good pattern or if they ask nicely!!

Saturday 4 January 2014

The Bouquet Blanket...





I finished this blanket before Christmas and have just sent it off to Sue at SIBOL which is an organisation that distributes blankets to residents of care homes in the UK.  Now that Sue at SIBOL has received it, I can show it to the rest of the world.

I really enjoyed making this.  The basic blanket is from this pattern.  I used some Cygnet Grousemoor Aran yarn that I found at a reasonable price in a charity shop. This yarn is 75% acrylic and 25% wool and it is machine washable.  It is a lovely warm yarn with little flecks of colour throughout.  The edging and decorations were made from yarn left over from previous projects.

SIBOL likes the blankets to be at least 36" square, so I kept knitting until it reached that size.  Then I edged it with one row of double crochet (UK) to brighten it up.  The flowers are from this easy pattern.  I made them in different sizes as an experiment and then decided to use all of them.  I added green stems made from simple chain stitch. The finishing touch was a knitted bow from this pattern.  For the bow, I combined 2 yarns to give a glittery effect.  Everything is stitched on really well as I always picture these blankets spinning around in large washing machines.

Here is a close up of the blanket.  You might just about be able to see the coloured flecks.


Sometimes I have trouble parting with my favourite blankets.  But I know it will be appreciated where it is going and I have my photos to remind me.


18 comments:

  1. It is really beautiful and how lovely to know it us going to such a good day she. Happy anew a Year au a x

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  2. Im sure the reciepient will be so grateful it is beautiful - so clever how you have done the flower - love the base colour xx

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  3. Una this is simply gorgeous and what a wonderful idea. One of my resolutions this year is to do a little charity work and I am very keen on working with the elderly. I have already contacted a few organisations over the holiday but have not heard anything yet. You have given me something I can really enjoy doing, thanks so much Una,you are a star. Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Just a quick look at the SIBOL blog will show you how much the elderly appreciate these blankets. For some people, these are the only gifts they receive. They are a great way to use our knitting and crochet skills.

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  4. It's lovely Una such a simple design enhanced with your lovely flowers, they really make it look special. :)

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  5. Fab flowery blanket Una - blooming marvellous flowers!
    Sure it will be well appreciated
    Ali x

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  6. That's a beautiful blanket, Una! The flowers look lovely and are the perfect finishing touch :-)

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  7. Such a beautiful and unique blanket Una, I love that you took little ideas from here and there and used them with love and care in your blanket. I agree with making sure things are sewn on well, I am very conscious of this when I am making clothes for babies too.
    This is a lovely finished hand made with love blanket and I am sure it will be much used and loved in it's new home, I am so glad that you have these pictures to remember this blanket by.

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  8. What a wonderful blanket, Una! I'm sure the recipient will appreciate it very much. You are amazing with all of your charity knitting!

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  9. What a wonderful blanket, I'm sure it will be loved. I love the flowers, you are inspirational. Vee x

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  10. It's so pretty, what a lovely blanket :)

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  11. This is the loveliest blanket I've ever seen - some lucky person will really enjoy looking down at those flowers on their lap. What a wonderful donation. :)

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  12. I was trying to keep the Square theme going Una but I have amended now. It seems as though Ladies are wanting to make triangular Shawls too so please feel free to do whatever you like!
    Thank you! Sue x

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  13. very cute blanket, I can understand why you would have a hard time parting with it!
    Take care,
    Lisa
    www.needlesandwool.blogspot.com

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  14. Good Morning Una! Thank you for visiting my blog through the Block a Week link. I've spent a bit of time reading back through your blog, and have enjoyed reading about your knitting projects ... to the point that I have just joined your blog to see what you make next ;) I love this blanket in particular, and such a great cause. I'd like to expand my charity knitting this year, and I'll admit that Linda (Crafty Corner) is the one that pushes me to think more about what can be shared. I had a look at your squares on Flickr too, and I love the textured squares you chose. Have a great day! Wendy x

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  15. Such a beautiful blanket, I am sure it will be very well received.
    Marianne x

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