Saturday, June 7, 2014

Crochet Along As We Go Stripey Blanket - Finished at Last!

 I am so excited to share this post with you.  I have had so much fun making this blanket for my little grandson, that I was a bit sad when I finished it because it was such a joy to make.

Here is my grandson with his finished blanket.  He was so excited to receive this gift from Grandma!

Maybe you remember a few weeks past when I ordered this package of yarn from Deramores, which is my favorite online yarn store.  I received 17 skeins of 100 grams each, in assorted colors.  When you go to Deramores website, you can choose which country you would like for your preference.  Their shipping prices are extremely low ($6.95 to the US for 17 skeins).

I found this fun blanket on Love, Lucie, a wonderful blog that I follow.  The original pattern can be found here as it is a pattern created by Hannah Davis of notyouraveragecrochet.com.

Here's my additional notes to the original pattern:
1.  I used 12 skeins of yarn; 11 for the body of the blanket and 1 for the border
2.  I had a total of 193 working stitches across each row
3.  I crocheted a total of 142 rows
4.  I used a size H crochet hook
5.  For row 8, Catharine Wheel, I skipped "two stitches" instead of 3 stitches, thus eliminating the need to crochet this row loosely as stated.  This worked out perfect.  The only glitch is that you will have to skip "three stitches" one time only in the row.
6.  For row12, Catharine Wheel, I did the following:  With new color, ch 3, turn.  Make 2 dc around the chain below, make 1 dc in the "eye of the wheel below, make 2 dc in chain, 1 dc in sc, repeat. DC at end.
7.  For row 27, Bobble row, I did a hdc in  2 sts instead of 8 sts, and then continued the hdc over 5 sts instead of 8 sts.  I ended the row with 3 hdc.  This way you will have more "bobbles".
8.  I used stitch markers every 32 stitches, with the last group of stitches being 33 stitches.  This helped me tremendously as you will attain straight edges while keeping the stitch count constant.

Now for the fun part of finishing off the blanket and making the border.  I tied the ends of each two pieces of yarn twice.  Then I left the ends hanging and started single crocheting around the entire blanket.  I crocheted a total of six rows for the border: Row 1, sc with 3 sc in each corner; Row 2, sc with 3 sc in each corner; Row 3, sc with 3 sc in each corner; Row 4, sc and decrease* in each corner; Row 5, sc even; Row 6, sc and decrease* in each corner.

*To decrease in each corner, sc three stitches together as follows; sc in first stitch, sc in 2nd stitch but leave loop on hook (you will have two loops on hook), sc in 3rd stitch and leave loop on hook (you will have 3 loops on hook), yarn over and pull through all three loops on hook.

You can see how the corner turns by itself after doing the decrease in each corner.
As you can see, this made a "rolled" edge.  I found this idea at Little Woolie blog, who was the original inspiration for this pattern.  Anyway, as you fold over the edges, you tuck in all the loose strands of yarn and then stitch the edging closed.  I used one complete skein for the edging and ran short of some yarn to stitch it closed.  I used the other blue color in the afghan that blended in quite well.
Here's a photo of the edging after it has been completed.

You can see the finished blanket here - it turned out huge!  It's about 72" long and 54" wide.  The yarn I used is machine washable and tumble dry so it should be hassle free.

I hope you have enjoyed this little foray into my crocheting project.  Until next time, have a great week and don't forget to stop by Handmade Harbour where you will meet lots of gifted crafters!

Have a great week,
Pat

P.S.  I will leave you with a photo of my lovely lily bouquet. I found these flowers at Walmart, of all places!! (Oops, can you see Lilly in the background, on the carpet?)






37 comments:

  1. Cor, that's one of the best crochet blankets I have ever seen. But I MUST finish the one I'm knitting before I even think about this project. It ain't gonna be easy though. You're such a temptress.

    Jean x

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    1. Thank you for stopping by. Your comment reminded me that I haven't knitted in a long time.....Have a great week :)

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  2. oh how lovely- what a beautiful gift! love the edges x

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    1. I'm happy you like it. Thank you. The edges were fun to make :)

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  3. what a brilliant blanket, and I love the way it's finished

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  4. Wow - that blanket is gorgeous - and HUGE! No wonder your GS is delighted. It must have taken ages. Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a great week. Chris # 4

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    1. Thank you so much. You have a great week too!

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  5. What a gorgeous blanket! It's got a very modern look, unlike some other crochet blankets I've seen. The smile on your grandson's face say's it all! :)

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    1. Many thanks. Yes, I enjoyed seeing the different stitches make up the whole design. Have a wonderful week.

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  6. Wow, that is beautiful, but the best bit is his little excited face.

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    1. Oh, many thanks. He he my little precious grandson.

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  7. What a beautiful blanket, I can see why he's so delighted with it. I am also slightly jealous of your staircase - girl-hood dream of sweeping staircases and posh frocks.

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    1. Haha, thank you so much. Maybe I can be like Gone with the Wind and come down the staircase in my dress made of curtains! .....Have a fun filled week.

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  8. I loved reading about your blanket as I am intending to make the same one when I complete my ripple blanket. I love the rolled over edge idea for hiding all the loose ends as I would be much happier sewing the edge closed than fiddling with 100s of loose ends! (http://patchworkfairy.com/diary-of-a-crafty-fairy/)

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    1. It's great that you could stop by for a visit. I'm sure you will have a fun time making this blanket.

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  9. Wow what a blanket, its huge! I love the mix of textures, colours and patterns its amazing. How long did it take you to make?
    I love the curled edging and not having to sew in all those ends, genius idea, I will have to check out these other blogs you've mentioned x

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    1. Many thanks. It took me about 3 to 4 weeks total. Although I didin't work on it all the time. It was so much fun to make and see it finished.

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  10. Wow, that's a fantastic blanket, the colours and patterns all go so well together. I love the smile on your grandsons face.

    Jan x

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  11. The blanket is stunning, what an amazing amount of patience you have:)

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    1. Many thanks. I wish I had patience to do other handicrafts. Thank you for stopping by for a visit :)

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  12. What a wonderful blanket! I love the colours and the patterns. No wonder your grandson loves it x

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  13. It's a beautiful blanket mom! He is very proud of it!

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    1. He's my sweet boy and I'm so happy he likes it!

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  14. What an incredible blanket, it is really beautiful. I bet it will be a well treasured heirloom for years and years to come. Well done.

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  15. Muito linda a sua manta,parabéns!!!! É uma pena que não tenha gráfico. Adorei!!!!

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  16. Hi Pat, What an amazing blanket! So much work, I'm sure it will be very loved. Your pattern tips are great too - I'd never thought of making a rolled edge, what a fantastic way of dealing with all those tedious ends. Claire x

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  17. The blanket is incredible! Perfect for a little chap. Your Grandson looks very pleased with it. I hope this one will become a bit of an heirloom, it's beautiful.

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  18. I made the blanket myself. I loved it and had the same feeling as you. Sad because it was ready. Maybe I'll make another one in different colours

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  19. I love your edging. What a great idea to trap those loose ends without having to weave each one in :-)

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  20. Great idea for Catherine's wheel, only skipping 2 rather than 3 !!! Thank you I'm doing smaller stripies more toddler size the rolls edge is a great time saver I will try next time

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  21. Wonderful blanket!!! and thanks a lot for all the tips you shared, especially Catherine wheel tip.

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  22. What a beautiful blanket!!! I love the edging you used. That's a genius edging for a many colored, many striped blanket!

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  23. What a beautiful blanket!! I love the colors. Will you share what type of yarn you used and the colors?

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  24. Is there a way that I might get the pattern for this beautiful blanket? I love it and all the wonderful stitches. Your grandson is a lucky young man! Than you. Barbara Brauer

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