In some ways I'm a little sad to have fastened off the last stitch in the edging of this blanket.
It has been a pleasure to make; rhythmic, undemanding and soothing.
After a bit of a false start (when I had a crisis in confidence about the colour choice and unpicked 20 squares) I started again and I'm now very pleased that I did take out that yellowy colour.
The colours to me are rich and comforting and it has turned out just as I had hoped.
In fact I am ridiculously pleased with it.
So here it is, all finished (though it's not easy to photograph)
And here are some stats:
:: Started on August 31st 2011 and finished on January 27th 2012
:: Worked with a 3.5mm crochet hook in 10 colours of DK yarn:
5 balls of Rich 911 (red) Rowan wool cotton (including 2 for the outer edge),
3 balls each of Geranium 976 (dark pink), Tender 951 (pale pink), Antique 900 (cream), all in Rowan wool cotton, Basil (green) in Rowan Belle Organic DK and Mirage (pale blue) in Rowan Classic cashsoft DK
2 balls each of Cypress 968 (aqua), Clear 941 (silver grey), Blue Wash (dark blue) all in Rowan wool cotton,
9 balls for the main background Celandon 979 (pale green/aqua) in Rowan wool cotton
:: There are 99 squares (9 x 11) and it measures 133cm x 163cm
:: Each square is a traditional granny square (there are lots of tutorials on the internet such as this one) and each square has 6 rounds of different colours. There's a sort of checkerboard pattern, alternating between squares with red near the centre and those with it near the edge but it's fairly random.
:: Each square is surrounded by a round of the background colour and I worked 3 rows of this around the 99 squares.
:: The edging is worked as follows: 1 row of single crochet, 1 row of double crochet, another row of single crochet and a row of picot edging.
I've got used to working on a little crochet in the evening so now I'll have to ponder what to make next as my one a day project, though I think I'm a little blanketed out.
Any ideas?
(part of the one a day project)
You have an amazing talent. This blanket is just beautiful -- as is everything you set your hand to.
Posted by: Heidi | January 27, 2012 at 04:07 PM
It's so beautiful Julie and I understand your sadness at finishing it. Isn't it funny how some projects are relief to be finished with while others you want to go on forever. I love the pale green yarn it's so very pretty.
How about some cushions to match then you can continue with it in a different way!
Have a lovely weekend Julie,
V x
Posted by: greenrabbitdesigns | January 27, 2012 at 04:10 PM
It's a marvellous blanket!
Posted by: Pixie | January 27, 2012 at 04:37 PM
My two favorite colors. Red and blue so of course I think you chose well on your color selection. :) It turned out great!!
Hmmm, what to do now...... socks anyone?? :D
Posted by: Rachel | January 27, 2012 at 04:45 PM
What about a garland of crocheted shapes? A friend made a Christmasy one with stars. A string of flowers for Spring would be lovely!
Posted by: Barbara | January 27, 2012 at 04:55 PM
Just gorgeous! I wish I could figure out crochet.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 27, 2012 at 04:56 PM
Well done indeed Julie - I wonder how long it will be before some bunnies will be along to sit on it?
Posted by: sew | January 27, 2012 at 05:03 PM
Simply gorgeous - sad it's finished? Start another one.....
Posted by: Caroline B | January 27, 2012 at 05:03 PM
That is an absolutely beautiful blanket!
Posted by: gemmipop | January 27, 2012 at 05:12 PM
It is truly beautiful Julie. I expect you will be cosying up beneath it this weekend.
Posted by: Emma (silverpebble) | January 27, 2012 at 05:15 PM
That is absolutely lovely! Your color choices are what make it outstanding.
Posted by: Panhandle Jane | January 27, 2012 at 05:21 PM
It's lovely :0)
Posted by: NinnyNoodleNoo | January 27, 2012 at 05:35 PM
A really lovely blanket. The red edge finishes it off beautifully.
Posted by: Zoe | January 27, 2012 at 05:38 PM
Your blanket is just lovely! Well done :)
Posted by: Heidi | January 27, 2012 at 05:44 PM
Now all you need to do is snuggle up under it & enjoy a celebration 'toast' to it's completion!
Thank you for adding the link to the Making Winter Project...I think I'm beginning to get Emma to see the positive side of Winter!
Posted by: Thrifty Household | January 27, 2012 at 05:50 PM
wow, that is beautiful - would love to make something like this. Have you seen my tiny starter pieces? NB I only started crocheting just over a week ago. x
Posted by: Mrs Thrifty | January 27, 2012 at 05:53 PM
That's gorgeous....you did a great job! I can never get over blanket making, and as the current one is nearing an end I am planning the next....I suggest? Another blanket, how about a nice ripple!
Posted by: Faith | January 27, 2012 at 06:06 PM
It is truly gorgeous!
Posted by: Deco Cat | January 27, 2012 at 06:22 PM
gosh it's beautiful julie...those colours are just divine, will be a family treasure x
I need to get back on the crochet wagon!
have a lovel weekend
love jooles x
Posted by: jooles | January 27, 2012 at 06:22 PM
Actually, my daughter had tons of fun making toys. Her link: http://lifekunst.blogspot.com/ But don't go there because her search is disabled (arg) and you'll never find her brilliant work. I'll chase her down and fix that, dang it. Anyway - you know what I have to say about these images and your work. I know how you hate it when I repeat myself. ;0)
Posted by: K | January 27, 2012 at 06:36 PM
Just lovely and yea finished!
Love Leanne
Posted by: Leanne NZ | January 27, 2012 at 07:53 PM
It is a blanket of beauty....and personally between you and me and the gate post...even if you had left the yellowy colour in....It still would have been a blanket of beauty.
Posted by: Vicki | January 27, 2012 at 07:54 PM
It's beautiful Julie - and the colours are so very you!
Someone at my needles and natter group has made a glorious crochet scarf/shawl thing with different colour flowers (it's from a Japanese crochet book - think Lucy at Attic 24 did a version). I think it might appeal to your colour choosing fun side!
Posted by: Ali | January 27, 2012 at 07:59 PM
Glorious, absolutely glorious. :) It didn't take long either, you wonder-woman! Plus, you're fairly new to crochet, aren't you? (me too). Julie, you are truly inspiring! Hugs, xxx
Posted by: Tina, the quiet homemaker | January 27, 2012 at 08:03 PM
this is absolutly georgeous. thank you for the details.
Posted by: Ann Van Gampelaere | January 27, 2012 at 08:06 PM
It's wonderful Julie. The colours are terrific.
Posted by: Gina | January 27, 2012 at 08:51 PM
Julie it's glorious, truly beautiful! What a lovely feeling of achievement you must have right now :D
Posted by: Annie | January 27, 2012 at 08:57 PM
Oh how wonderful. I am just learning to crochet. This weeks lesson was granny squares and now I can't put my hook down! xx
Posted by: mandy james | January 27, 2012 at 09:27 PM
Amazing!
Great WE!
Monica
Posted by: letrecivette | January 27, 2012 at 09:27 PM
What a beautiful blanket, as with all things it is the colours that make it so pretty. Completely understand your sad feeling, the same as coming to the end of a good book.
With such a gift I look forward to seeing what you decide to make next.
Posted by: Pamela | January 27, 2012 at 09:30 PM
your choice of colours is AMAZING. i love this blanket. I think its quite Cath Kidston-y.
Congratulations on getting it finished.
Posted by: Jaynicknitknacks | January 27, 2012 at 09:38 PM
It is stunning and makes me seriously contemplate taking up crochet! :o)
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | January 27, 2012 at 09:54 PM
Beautiful. As always, I love your colour selections. So cozy looking!
S x
Posted by: Sandra (Cherry Heart) | January 27, 2012 at 10:03 PM
It is a beautiful blanket. I've recently started teaching myself how to crochet. Being able to crochet a beautiful blanket like yours is what I aspire to. I'm working on it one dishcloth at a time! lol
Posted by: Sue | January 27, 2012 at 10:55 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Kate | January 27, 2012 at 11:04 PM
Julie, you have outdone yourself!!!! Its simply beautiful (as is everything you make). Have a lovely weekend.
Posted by: Renee | January 28, 2012 at 12:38 AM
Wow Julie -- it's stunning! Congratulations on a WONDERFUL finish!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 28, 2012 at 04:49 AM
My congratulations!
Posted by: Юлия | January 28, 2012 at 06:06 AM
it's so pretty !
you must have a huge sense of accomplishment, now that it is finished !
Posted by: Rachel | January 28, 2012 at 01:55 PM
It looks amazing, such a perfect mix of colours and just right for this chilly time of year x
Posted by: French Knots | January 28, 2012 at 04:03 PM
Oh, it's a lovely blanket... at firsdt you had some difficulties with the colors I remember... but it's so nice!Anny
Posted by: Anny | January 28, 2012 at 04:31 PM
your blanket, as everything you do, is stunning. It looks just right for snuggling under. I'm surprised Amy hasn't got it already. You make me feel ashamed-I still haven't started my one-a-day, and here we are, on 28th Jan. Liz Phillips xx
Posted by: Liz Phillips | January 28, 2012 at 04:35 PM
Beautiful colours and blankets! :)
Posted by: idiosyncratic eye | January 28, 2012 at 06:15 PM
It's perfection! I just purchased a hoard of yarn and will attempt to crochet an afghan. I have never crocheted before, but have been told it is fairly simple-here's hoping:) Thanks for the inspiration!!!!!
Posted by: Jeanie | January 28, 2012 at 07:09 PM
That is gorgeous. What an achievement. I hope you have many happy hours snuggling beneath it!
Posted by: caroline | January 28, 2012 at 08:11 PM
The blanket is wonderful and I absolutely love the color choices. You are a very talented lady. Keep up all your good work ... Now your next project should be ... tutorials for clothes ... I love the clothes you make for the bunnies! Would you consider some EASY tutorials? Thank you for all the pictures you post!
Posted by: Maxine | January 28, 2012 at 08:34 PM
So beautiful.....and restful! I love the red with the aqua.
Posted by: Angela | January 28, 2012 at 08:39 PM
Gorgeous in color and detail! I love it!
Posted by: Dianne | January 28, 2012 at 09:15 PM
And so you should be ridiculously pleased with yourself-it is gorgeous-love the colour combination and the edging finishes it off nicely
Posted by: Jenny | January 29, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Woo Hoo! How good does that blanket look and so soft...I am going to have to get some of that wool/cotton it looks gorgeous. I can just imagine you snuggled under that softness. Perfect colours too! I'm with Rachel....socks anyone :-D
Posted by: Jenni at Baa-me Kniits | January 29, 2012 at 12:13 PM