I loved this blanket when I first started it, however, as it's made up of lots of different stitches, it's quite easy for the tension to vary and this is exactly what happened with my blanket. I ended up having to Start All Over Again, and I think it was at this point where I fell out of love with the project. Having wasted quite a bit of yarn in my first attempt, I found I had to buy extra as I was running short of some colours, so there's still quite a few full balls of yarn left waiting to be added in. Stitch or ditch?
It's knit in Rico Baby Classic DK, a 50% acrylic 50% polyamide mix which is extremely soft and also easy to care for, so it would be a shame to waste the yarn, but what to do, stitch or ditch?
After my first disastrous attempt with the blanket, I learnt my lesson and decided not to sew in the ends as I went along, it made it impossible to pull out and so much yarn ended up being wasted. If I do finish the blanket I'll have all these ends to sew in when I'm finished, however, if I decide not to carry on, it will make it easier to unravel. Stitch or ditch?
When laid out, it does look pretty with all the different stitches, and it's really soft and snuggly too. I'm not sure if this is enough to make me want to carry on with it though. Stitch or ditch?
I don't think there's very much left to crochet in order to complete the blanket. On the other hand, I could pull the whole lot out and start a different blanket project with the same yarn. What would you do, stitch or ditch?
If it was me, I'd ditch it. I'd *always* be finding fault with it and get annoyed at it. And, I have to say, those ends!!! Aaargh!! I HATE sewing in the ends so, for that reason alone, I'd give up and start something new.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, it does look good - but, if it's annoying, I'd still ditch it.
I was nervous to sew in the ends as I went along after finding it so difficult to unpick after my first attempt. I suppose there's pros and cons to sewing in ends as you go along but it's an awfully long and tedious job at the end if they haven't been sewn in.
DeleteAny project has to speak to me whilst I am making it. It does sound as if your work has lost its voice.
ReplyDeleteThat's an interesting way of looking at it and you're right, you have to enjoy what you're working on otherwise what's the point?
DeleteBig girl pants on and stitch. It's glorious and it would be awful to pull out that wonderful work. Go for it! Catriona
ReplyDeleteIt is a lovely pattern and I loved it when I first started it. Perhaps I just need to get going on it again to fall back in love.
DeleteIt would be a shame to ditch it all when you've done so much of it. Could you perhaps just do a few more rows and make it a bit smaller? Or is it big enough already to finish off now and make it a lap blanket? Would make a nice gift if you've really gone off it for yourself.
ReplyDeleteMaking it a bit smaller is a good idea, I shall certainly take another look at it and see if I could make that work. That's something I hadn't considered.
DeleteOh dear, what a dilemma, trouble is when you start to see something is wrong with it, it tends to niggle at you everytime you look at it. On the other hand such a lot of work and hours have gone into it, maybe a question to ask, will you use it or just pop it away, if you would do the latter then perhaps unravelling is the answer. You could always flip a coin! lol xcx
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with it now as I started it again after the tension when awry, it's just a case of having got it out again after such a long time, I'm not sure whether I want to bother working on it now or not. I think it would get used if I finished it off, I can see that it's a lovely blanket. Perhaps flipping a coin would be my best bet.
Deleteoh stitch, I love that blanket, mind you all those ends to weave in would scare the heck out of me..
ReplyDeleteI think stitching in the ends would be a mammoth task, but it would be a job I could do whilst watching TV so that doesn't really put me off finishing it. It is a lovely blanket and I still love the colours and how they work together.
DeleteIt's seems a shame to ditch it after all the effort you've put into it. xx
ReplyDeleteI agree. On the other hand, I know I'd enjoy the process of hooking up another blanket with the yarn.
DeleteI think you are out of love with this and you will be happiest if you frog it and turn into a blanket that you truly love. You could use the colour sequence with a different pattern. Have a look at the Happy Scrappy Blanket on the Rose Valley blog, I think it would be perfect for the yarn as each row is a different colour and you will have plenty of shortish lengths of yarn. xx
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of something along to lines of a granny square blanket as the shortish lengths of yarn would work well, but I suppose there's lots of patterns which could work. I think I still love the blanket but I'm not sure that I love working on it.
DeleteHi Jo. I say put a border on it and donate to a hospital for a baby. Don't add to it if it isn't something you love, but your hard work should not be wasted. Some baby would be warm in that blanket.
ReplyDeleteIt would make a lovely baby blanket, it's so soft and squishy, I'm sure it would be lovely and warm too.
DeleteYou have put a lot of time into it but I think we often tend to "carry on" for that reason alone...because we don't want all that time to go to "waste"...reminds me of the old adage putting good money after bad. My vote is to ditch it - a blanket is such a big commitment, both in terms of time and yarn. If you don't love it as it's not turning out how you like, you may not end up using it and all that yarn (and the time to finish it) would be better used in a different project. There are just so many wonderful patterns out there - I have more Ravelry favourites than I'll likely complete I'm my lifetime!
ReplyDeleteYou're right, there's so many lovely patterns out there that I could put the time I'd use to finish this blanket in to a different project. I do still love the blanket but there's definitely something holding me back with it, I'm not sure what it is.
DeleteIt seems a shame to stop when you've done so much but if you are really fed up with it, you could turn it into a cushion. I'm sure I'd have had exactly the same problem with the tension.
ReplyDeleteIt would be too big to turn into a cushion now, though I suppose I could pull some back to make it the right size. I've never had a problem with my tension before, I think it's the fact that there's so many different stitches in the pattern that causes the problem, I know I wasn't alone as other people had the same issue.
DeleteI would put it aside for a while, somewhere I could see it, and start on another WIP. After some time you'll either like it enough to finish it or dislike it enough to ditch it. Can't you make tassels of all those ends? Pick some together, make a knot and you'll have a nice tassel.
ReplyDeleteIt's been put to the side for some time now, though it's been out of sight, so perhaps your suggestion would work. I think it would need a border on it to tidy up the sides, though making tassels out of the ends might work at tidying it up instead of a border, that's a great idea as it'll be a huge job to sew them all in otherwise.
DeleteI'd stitch it, much too pretty to ditch and think of how satisfied you'll feel when it's done.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right, it would give me a sense of achievement to actually finish it. I do think it's pretty and I still love the colours in the blanket.
DeleteThis is a lovely blanket; too lovely to ditch! If you don't have much left, then I'd finish it. As to all the loose ends, I tied them and then crocheted a rolled edging where all the ends are tucked neatly inside. You can find the info here on my blog post I did way back then: http://lillymycat.blogspot.com/2014/06/crochet-along-as-we-go-stripey-blanket.html It made a lovely finished edging to the blanket and no hassle with weaving in all those loose end! I wish you the best of luck. Pat
ReplyDeleteI remember reading your blog post before, such a great way to deal with all those ends. I think I'd better get the pattern out and see just how much there is left to crochet, there may not be all that much and then you're probably right, it would be a shame not to finish it.
DeleteI had the same idea as Sooze about making it a smaller version; maybe a lap blanket.Would your Mum like it as a gift? That may give you the impetus to finish it.
ReplyDeleteI think making a smaller version is a very good idea and one that I'm seriously considering, I don't think missing out some rows would spoil the pattern at all. My mum's already got a crochet lap blanket that I've made for her, I doubt she'd use a second one but I know plenty of people that would certainly get some use out of one.
DeleteIt would seem a shame to ditch it after all your hard work. Maybe you will fall in love with it once you pick it up again. X
ReplyDeleteI might have a go at finishing it and see how I go, I don't suppose I'll know exactly how I feel about it until I start working on it again.
DeleteI say finish it once you get into it again you will love it. I made this one and the new one spicier than life and both blankets are beautiful :) x
ReplyDeleteI saw the new A Spicier Life pattern, I think that's what's made me get this one out again and consider working on it. Perhaps I would regret it if I pulled it all out.
DeleteGive what you have done to a charity.There will be someone who will be happy to weave in ends etc.Start again on a new project.Have a look at Attic 24 for lots of ideas .Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI don't really mind weaving in the ends if I do decide to continue with it, either way, I'd like to make something with the yarn whether it be finishing off this blanket or starting on something fresh. I'm not short on ideas, I think I've got more patterns lined up than I'll ever get round to making, if only there were more hours in the day.
DeleteIf you're not happy with you, and don't enjoy working on it, I don't see a reason to continue. But if you feel like it's worth finishing, since you've made it this far, maybe you should. Sorry, I'm no help. I think this design seems very complicated and I'm sure I'd have similar issues with it, so I've never even considered making on. It's a pretty blanket, though. I hope you can come to a decision you're happy with!
ReplyDeleteThe blanket's much easier than it looks, it's a good project to learn new stitches and now I've got the tension sorted out, I think it looks pretty good. I suppose it's all about whether or not I'm enjoying working on it as you say, it's not worth pushing on with it there's no enjoyment in it.
DeleteStitch..it's beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a lovely design, isn't it? I think that's what's making me want to continue with it, the thought of the end product may just spur me on.
DeleteOh Jo, it’s so beautiful and I can imagine how soft and snuggly it must feel. If you really can’t face picking it up again, then maybe just finish it off now. I know the ends are such a bind, but it’s just so beautiful xx
ReplyDeletePerhaps I'd regret pulling it all out as I do like the blanket. I might just have a go at it again and see how I feel then, perhaps that would settle it for me one way or the other.
DeleteStitch! I'm doing te Spicier one right now and the tension is a bit wonky in places, but I'm sure the border and some blocking will sort it out. Or give it to someone to finish?
ReplyDeleteI know a lot of people managed to sort out the tension problems with the border and blocking on the Spice of Life blanket, though I don't think it would have sorted mine out, it pulled in far too much. It looks much better this time round. I love the yarn I'm using so I really want to do something with it, whether it be finishing off this blanket or making another.
DeleteI'm the wrong person to ask, being incapable of any sort of crafting, and being in awe of all your work, Jo. It does seem a shame to ditch all that labor and I like some of the suggestions to turn it into something else like a baby blanket. But just think of the sense of achievement you'll get if you finish it. Sorry I'm not adding anything to the discussion. I will be really interested to learn what you decide! P. x
ReplyDeleteI regret putting it to one side now, I really should have got it finished at the time and then I wouldn't be in this predicament now. I'm sure it will come to me what I really want to do with it, and it will work out for the best.
DeleteOh Jo, such a dilemma. Mine was a little wobbly on the edges, but once I'd done the edging it looked OK & I use it for all sorts things, as I know that it's probably not as well done as anybody else's. I love it anyway, with the limited palette of colours I was able to purchase here in Oz, so do what you think is best for you & don't worry what others think. Take care & sending huggles too.
ReplyDeleteI'm quite happy with the edges on my second attempt, I paid much more attention to my tension the second time round. It is a lovely blanket and I'm sure it would get lots of use if I finished it, perhaps it is worth giving it a go and seeing how I feel about it then.
DeleteFinish it - or at least go to a useful size - and then back it with some fleece and use that as an edging too that you can wrap over the front and capture all of those ends in rather than sewing them in - because I bet it is the thought of sewing them in that is worse than anything else. Sort of wrap the backing round to the front like you would with a quilt and then sew round through what you have turned over and the backing and that will capture the ends in place. Hope that helps! What you have done already looks great!
ReplyDeleteThat's another great suggestion. I don't think I'd mind sewing in the ends actually, it's a job I could do whilst watching TV, but it's a good way of avoiding that job if you don't want to do it.
DeleteStitch It! You only have a short way to go. I finished mine, but it isn't my favourite blanket to use. But I liked the pattern enough to start a cream one for my hygge nook room. It looks lovely as I work on it. Finish this one and pass it on if it's still not speaking to you.
ReplyDeleteI should really listen to you seeing as it was you in the first place who inspired me to start the crochet along. It is a lovely pattern and I bet it looks fabulous in cream, don't forget to show us it when it's finished.
DeleteFrom someone who wishes they could crochet I would carry on regardless. It looks beautiful and a lot of work has gone into it.
ReplyDeleteI'm already looking at the blanket in a different way after all the encouragement I've had to finish it. I did love it when I started it and I think I may love it again if I start to put some more work into it.
DeleteIf you are so close Stitch It. Defo stitch it. If you loved it so much, you may remember that feeling as you complete it.
ReplyDeleteI think you may be right. I don't think there's much left to stitch and it is a beautiful blanket.
Deletestitch and donate to a Christmas blanket drive?? You've gone too far... quicker to finish stitching rather than ditching and un-doing in my humble opinion ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's much left to crochet now in order to complete the blanket so perhaps I will continue with it. I've had some good advice in the comments here and lots of encouragement which is helping to spur me on.
DeleteFinish it as it is loverly. My favourite afghan/blanket stitch is Corner to corner.
ReplyDeleteI am swaying towards finishing it now, I've had so much encouragement and it is a lovely blanket. I've never done corner to corner crochet but I think it looks really pretty.
DeleteOh, stitch of course. It's just lovely and almost completed!xxx
ReplyDeleteI've certainly had my mind changed after reading all the encouraging comments. I think I will continue with it, at least until I know whether or not I'm still enjoying it.
DeleteOh I just love the colours ...
ReplyDeleteDo please finish it! (If you want to that is!)
All the best Jan
I do think I'll give it a go, the colours are lovely, aren't they?
DeleteIt's lovely. If you're not going to add more to it to finish the original design, then another vote for just making it be a smaller version of the original. Either a lap blanket or - my preferred option - a baby blanket. Anyone you know likely to have a baby in the next year or so? Or finish it off and box it up ready for a (distant) future grandchild? (I know that is likely to be way off in the future - but it is so pretty!)
ReplyDeleteI've had so many encouraging comments that I'm definitely going to give it a go to get it finished. I'll start on it again and if I'm not enjoying it I'll just see if I can make it smaller. Definitely no grandchildren on the horizon yet, I think I'll have a good few years before one does come along.
DeleteHi Jo, I have come to your blog from Meredith's Mereknits. Your comment about Frosties got me! That's what we call them in Australia too but I haven't seen them for sale in a long while but then I don't browse in the cereal aisle.
ReplyDeleteYou have done so much on your blanket. I'm so glad you have come to a useful conclusion and decided to try and finish it. You gave so many reasons for not continuing, that I got the "ditch" vibe from reading them. If you think of frustration and difficult progress (negative vibes) when you look at the blanket, I would probably ditch it, but since it is nearly finished, I love the idea given by other readers to finish it and give it away to someone who will love it. You will have more practise at adjusting the different tensions of the different stitches (improving your skills) and all the energy used thus far won't have gone to waste. I do hope you are falling back in love with your work. A blanket doesn't need to have perfect tension to keep you snuggly warm and when it is all bunched up after being nonchalantly thrown on the couch, there will be no imperfections to be seen!
Thank you for popping over from Meredith's blog. I definitely felt as though I'd come to the end of this project when I blogged about it but all the encouragement has turned my thoughts around. I do like the blanket so it will be lovely if I do get it finished, it's worth a go. The tension seems to be working out since I started from scratch again so I'm hoping it does look good if I do finish it off.
DeleteI hope you elect to finish it. To have got so far and then not finish would be a shame. I'm sure there are a couple of people in your family who would be very happy to receive it as a gift if you felt you didn't love it enough to keep it.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I've decided to give it a go and see how I get on. I do still like the blanket but not sure if I'm going to still enjoy working on it, we'll see.
Delete