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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!!

Monday 12 January 2015

The "Something Blue" blanket





Here is my biggest ever granny square.  It measures 36" x 36" which is the perfect size for SIBOL whose founder, Sue, distributes blankets and shawls to care homes for the elderly in the UK.

It weighs 400g and consists entirely of dk yarn that I already had left over from other projects.  I enjoyed planning the stripes and even relished the suspense of whether or not I would have enough of each shade as the blanket grew bigger.

I will definitely crochet more of these as I have now progressed enough to understand what other crocheters mean when they say granny squares are therapeutic to make.

I used a 4mm hook and crocheted 2 chains in the corners and 1 chain between clusters along the sides.  I find that combination works for me as it gives a compact and even finish which I like.  I also turned the square at the end of every complete round.  That method avoids the twisted spiral effect.  I would post the link to the website where I found that tip, but I unfortunately can't find it at the moment.

SIBOL blankets are usually named before being donated to the care homes.  The name "Something Blue" suggested itself to me.

Something old, something new.
Something borrowed, something blue.

I think many care home residents would love the romance of that old wedding rhyme.


21 comments:

  1. Lovely blanket and name Una, I shall have look at SIBOL and see if I can help too x

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    1. I can highly recommend SIBOL. The founder lets you know when your parcel arrives and even takes photos of deliveries to the homes. It is reassuring to know that all that hard work is appreciated.

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  2. Una what a wonderful way to start the New Year. I bet that beautiful blanket kept you snugly while you worked it too. It's beautiful and will really cheer someone up. Happy New Year x there will be no stopping you now!

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    1. It did keep me warm. In fact, I can't make blankets in the summer as they are TOO warm. So I have to make the most of the winter months.

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  3. Gosh, that is beautiful. And you are right about these blankets being appreciated by the elderly. I made my mom a shawl and she wore that item every single day. In fact, when she died, it was included in the clothing she wore for her final trip into eternity. That item was loved by my mom and it gives me peace now. You never know what "life" a hand-made item will have after it leaves your hands, but you can be sure that something this lovely will be most appreciated by someone.

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    1. Thanks for the lovely comment. I often wonder what happens to the things I make. Some were "angel" items so they will be in a better place now.

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  4. What a great way to use up stash yarn. It turned out very nice! It's sure to keep someone warm and cozy! Great project!
    xx Beca

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  5. Something Blue is wonderful, and I'm sure will be much loved by the recipient.

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  6. It's a lovely blanket Una and it looks so neat and perfect, someone is going to love it. :)

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  7. hasn't that worked out well.I love the colours.A real treat for its recipient.I 'm just about to start another blanket using up odd balls.Can't believe how many "odd" balIs I have?

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  8. It looks really great and will be a real comfort to someone I am sure! xx

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  9. What a gorgeous blanket that is sure to be appreciated. A lovely way to start the new year.

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  10. A beautiful blanket, Una, with a perfect name :-). I name the throws that I donate to our parish art and craft show; it's fun coming up with a name.

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  11. That's such a nice-looking blanket! I really like the tip of turning the blanket to prevent the curling or folding. Great idea! It's very pretty.

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  12. What a lovely project and I bet it will be so gratefully received. I'm going to try the turning sides!

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  13. This is beautiful! Love the colors!

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  14. What a worthwhile project. Love the blues!

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  15. Its a wonderful granny square blanket. And a noble cause too. That just makes it extra special! Lovely shades of blue. The person who receives it, is going to appreciate it, I'm sure! :-)

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  16. Your work is always very much appreciated Una. Thank you so much. The Blanket is superb. x

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