My mum was a really good knitter, though she hasn't picked up her needles for many years now. She never learnt to crochet though, and she's really impressed with how I've taught myself. She's admired the other blankets I've made, so I thought I would make her a lap blanket for Christmas.
It's a nice size, ten squares by eight, so it should keep her nice and toasty. The other blankets I've made have been a hotch potch of colours, so it was strange just working in three shades and I wondered if I would get bored with it, but I didn't. I'm pleased with how it's turned out.
I did two rows of edging in cream. I was going to do a row of each colour, but I think I prefer the one colour.
My mum and dad play bowls, and those bowling greens can be draughty places, so I'm sure it will be put in to good use there. I've used Stylecraft Special DK, which is washable, a must when something is going to be used often.
As well as crocheting the blanket, I've been busy knitting a stash of dishcloths. I use Pegasus craft cotton and Grandmother's Favourite Dishcloth pattern.
That lot should keep me going for a while.
That is lovely! I admire your ability to stay on task and finish your projects. I am still working on an embroidered dish towel that I started working on for last years Christmas. I can crochet, but knitting is difficult. I do however have some of what looks like the same dishcloth. A sweet patient made them for me. They work great.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Kat
Thank you. I try not to start a project until I've finished one. I know people have lots of things on the go at once, but I don't think I could do that. I love these hand knitted dishcloths, they seem to work much better than any I've used before.
DeleteHi Jo, I echo Kat, I'm always chopping and changing my projects. The blanket is lovely and I'm sure your mum will love it. xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, I'm sure my mum will be pleased with it. I don't think I'd ever get anything finished if I had loads of things on the go. I usually have a knitting project and a crochet project, and that's about it.
DeleteJo, the blanket is beautiful. I love the way you join the squares together. I have found a 'How To' DVD in a charity shop so am definitely going to have a go at learning to crochet. I also need to knit some more dishcloths- I picked up a large bag of cotton yarn for £1 at the carboot a couple of weeks ago, so will make good use of that.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I find it really easy to join the squares this way. Sewing isn't my forte so it's much simpler to use a double crochet stitch. I hope the DVD helps you, I'm really pleased that I learnt to crochet, I'm loving it. Also, try looking at tutorials on YouTube, they really helped me. I wish I could stumble on a bargain like that £1 bag of yarn.
DeleteThe blankie is absolutely gorgeous, Jo. I'm sure your mum will love it. :o)
ReplyDeleteThanks. I hope my mum will be pleased with it, I thought it was just the thing to keep her snuggly around the bowling green.
DeleteJo - your mums blanket is just perfect and I love the colours. It looks so professionl. Pat on the back for teaching yourself. I did and its a great reward isn't it? Do you mind if I put your dishcloth link on my blog? I've been meaning to knit one for ages. Amanda z
ReplyDeleteThank you, I thought the colours went really well together. I'm so pleased that I learnt to crochet, it's so easy once you get the hang of it. The dishcloth pattern isn't my own, it's one I found on Ravelry. It's a nice easy one which I knit whilst watching tv.
DeleteWhat a beautiful blanket. Your mum will absolutely love it, and I'm sure it will get plenty of action down at the bowling club. I envy anyone who can crochet, I can never seem to get to grips with it. Knitting and embroidery are much more my thing. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, like you say, I think it will get lots of use. I think we all have our own things, I wouldn't know where to start with embroidery.
DeleteJo that is gorgeous, I mean really beautiful... What a perfect gift! There is nothing better than a homemade gift and that will keep her warm, she will really appreciate it since she was a knitter. I love the colors as well... just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I do like home made gifts, I knit lots of socks for everyone last year, but haven't bothered as much this year, though I should have made more of an effort really.
DeleteI love the blanket - the colours are gorgeous and your joining seams are really even. I just don't seem to be able to master the process of those seams yet. My squares always twist a little once they're connected. Any hints? Jx
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm afraid I can't give you any hints because I don't know any. I think I'm just lucky that it turns out that way.
DeleteIt's really lovely. I like the limited colours, I sometimes think crochet looks better the less colours used. The joins are so neat. Did you crochet them together or sew them? x
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm not that talented to sew the seams together, sewing really isn't my forte. I double crocheted them, it's really easy to do. I worried that I would get bored with so few colours and wouldn't finish the blanket, but I actually quite enjoyed knowing what colour came next, very different from the other blankets I've crocheted with lots of colours in them.
DeleteYou are so neat with your crochet. The blanket is beautiful. Your mum will be really pleased.
ReplyDeleteLove from Mum
xx
Thanks. It's just the way it turns out, I don't do anything special.
DeleteIt is really beautiful Jo, I bet she will be thrilled with it, I certainly would.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope she's pleased with it, though I'm sure she will be.
DeleteYour mum will be really pleased with this on those cold days at the Bowling Club. I love the colours. I wish I could crochet - maybe one day ...
ReplyDeleteJune
I thought it was a good idea for when she's sat round the bowling green, it can get awfully chilly sometimes. You must learn to crochet, it's a wonderful hobby.
DeleteYour Mum will love the blanket I'm sure, it's lovely :D
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm sure it will be well received, she keeps looking at the other blankets I've crocheted and admiring them.
DeleteI'm sure your mum will love her new blanket, such a thoughtful present and it's so neatly made too.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
Thank you. I'm really pleased with how it's turned out, I do hope she likes it.
DeleteI love the color and the pattern of the blanket for your mom.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed picking out the colours for the blanket. Much more thought went in to those three colours than those which were in my last blankets. I think colours are much more important when you're only using a limited scheme.
DeleteTis just beautiful. I do love the colors. I used to knit and I did crochet but always felt more relaxed knitting.
ReplyDeleteThanks. I've been able to knit since I can remember, but it's nice to have a new skill now in crochet. I enjoy both crafts.
DeleteHey there Jo! How are you? I just read your comment on my blog and you might be right!! It's still 26 degrees here in the afternoons! So your cold weather might shock my system!! I will bring gloves :) That book that I'm reading about the British talked about allotments and it made me think of you!
ReplyDeleteIt's warmed up a little here to what it was like at the start of the week, but still much cooler than your 26 degrees. Bring those gloves with you. It looks an interesting book, I'll have to look out for it.
DeleteThat blanket is so neat and perfect, mine never look like that.
ReplyDeleteI have only just discovered your lovely blog, you crochet and like Ma Ramotswe so I think I am on safe territory being your newest follower. X
Thank you for visiting and leaving such a lovely comment, it's very much appreciated. I'm still wading my way through The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, and I've also started another crochet project. I shall pop across to visit you at your blog soon.
DeleteThis is beautiful! Purple is my all time favourite colour. When I was little I would dress head to foot in purple from purple bobbles in my hair to knee high purple socks! I like the way the squares have been joined together. Best, Jane xx
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely my favourite joining method, I like the little ridges which the join makes. It's bitter sweet reading old posts sometimes, my mum was still playing bowls when I wrote this back in 2012, she's suffering from dementia now and rarely goes out of the house. The blanket's still in use though as she feels the cold and often has it draped over her knees.
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