I'm delighted to say that I have just finished my big crochet blanket. It measures 40" x 57" and is destined for Operation Orphan which is an organisation that distributes clothing and blankets to children in need around the world.
I'm really pleased with how this turned out. As it will be going to a cold country, I chose real wool Aran yarns. I can't imagine this blanket will ever be thrown into a washing machine. So the chances of it being ruined are minimal. The teal yarn came from a lucky charity shop find. The rest of the yarn was donated to me by Joanne of the Cup On The Bus blog. Thanks again, Joanne. I still have enough of your yarn to make another blanket or lots of hats and scarves.
I used the wonderful free Random Stripe Generator to plan the stripes. This is worth considering if you make a lot of stripy things. You simply input your colours and number of required rows and it throws up lots of different suggestions.
I didn't follow any particular pattern. I used a 5mm hook and crocheted 160 rows of 125 half trebles (UK).
CONFESSION TIME: I ended the blanket with 2 fewer stitches than I started with . I have absolutely no idea how this happened, especially as I was very careful. It doesn't show over such a big blanket. But one of my aims in life now is to complete one of these blankets without losing or gaining any stitches.
What a wonderful blanket, Una! It will keep a child warm this winter, and that must make you feel very happy. Well done!
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely Una and will be very well received. The loss/gain of stitches is something that happens quite often to me too, sometimes you miss a stitch or add or loose one at the beginning/end of rows. It doesn't matter whatsoever the blanket looks perfect, my solution.. don't count the stitches then you will never know haha
ReplyDeleteI only counted the stitches because I was convinced I had got it right this time. I was shocked when I saw I hadn't. The child who gets this won't mind though.
DeleteThe blanket is beautiful! It looks warm and cozy. I’ve used the random strip generator. It works great!
ReplyDeleteIt came out so nicely, Una. You did a really good job. Don't worry about the missing stitches, it happens. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is lovely and I a sure will really be appreciated by its recipient.A real labour of love.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool. Or warm, as the case may be. Thanks for the random stripe generator; I used to to set strips for a sweater I'm knitting for a granddaughter. I didn't want it to look like a rugby jersey, and now it won't.
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful, Una!
ReplyDeleteUna you are amazing and this blanket is going to make someone so happy.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
Your blanket is great Una!! It is so annoying to lose or gain stitches isn't it, but I am sure that no one but you will ever notice! xx
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely! I bet it is going to be well-loved and well-used
ReplyDeleteGreat project! It looks beautiful, and couldn't go to a better cause!
ReplyDeleteI have started using markers to help me keep track of the number of stitches. Usually every 20 stitches. That makes it easier to see how many stitches their are on the row. I started a mew wrap last night and sure enough on the third row I lost two stitches. the markers helped me find the problem immediately. Blessings, Jan
ReplyDelete