Not only was it a cathartic and healing experience for me, but it resulted in a beautiful blanket that I am now gifting to my dear friend. You see, she is the suicide prevention specialist in my state and a suicide survivor herself. When I learned of Wink's passing, she was there to cry with me. She gets me. And she gets what this blanket represents.
So let's see this blanket up front and personal! (Warning: Picture overload!)
I chose these scrumptious colors of *Scheepjes Merino Soft--625, 648, 639, 614, 628, 647, 642, 610, 629, and 632.. (You can read more about my thoughts on this yarn here.)
It was delightful to work with the ever-so-gentle-on-the-hands Merino Soft, make fun and textured squares, play with color, and relax into the rhythm of this project. But I think the best part of making this blanket was that I could just make it and enjoy the process without spending tons of brain energy on each row planning how I would describe it in my pattern or detail the unusual stitch placement in a photo-tutorial. See, I don't do much crocheting anymore from others' patterns and this was particularly delightful for just that reason.
Of course I had to play with some colors and mix things up a bit. My thoughts, it is a bit more work to weave in those ends, but the result if worth it. If I'm going to spend this much money on yarn and this many hours to make the blanket, an extra hour of weaving ends is totally worth it to me.
The blanket is far from perfect. One square is even upside down. But I didn't worry about it. I would like to think of myself as a recovering perfectionist. I'm learning to welcome the imperfections. I also chose a different joining technique because it as a bit quicker than the method suggested in the CAL, and I really like the effect. (Sc, ch 1, sk 1 between squares.)
Besides changing up the colors suggested for the CAL, I also changed up a few squares. The multi-colored wavy stripe square is a stitch pattern that I am so happy with I think there will be a Felted Button blanket on its way using it.
And although I did a narrower border, I finished the final round with a modified crab stitch that I think turned out great!
Happy Hooking! (Miss you, Wink.)
| On the Board | -- Heaven is cheering you on--today, tomorrow, forever.
~~Jeffrey R. Holland
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What a beautiful blanket in lovely fresh colours. The designs of the squares are so pretty as well. A wonderful gift for a dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandra! She looved it!
DeleteGorgeous! I'm all caught up, but must do my border. Other things take priority. Gah!
ReplyDeleteI'd love more details on your join, because it's LOVELY. and more details on modified crab stitch. The crab stitch is my nemesis. :)
This blanket is wonderful! I didn't make the blanket myself, because I didn't have a real 'connection' with it. But now I see how your version turned out... wow! I like the candy colours, it makes it even more special! Most of the blankets look the same, but this one catches the eye! Well done. And so nice what it represents to you.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day,
Sigrid
Thank you for your kind comment! It was a delight to make.
DeleteBeautiful!!! I LOVE your version of this blanket. It's so pretty. I must confess, that I din't really like the color scheme of the original blanket. If the original was made with those colors, I probably would have made it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGreats
Carolien
Thank you!
DeleteI really love your version of this blanket!! the colors are so fun and uplifting! I wanted to crochet this blanket along while it was happening but never actually did it because I never got together the yarns, I'll have to see if I can get this type of yarn, I love merino yarns
ReplyDeleteThis yarn is so lovely! I really can't say enough about how much I enjoy workng with it. I say, make one!
DeleteLOVE what you do with colours!!! :) I am currently working on my border and pretty much just stuck with the "Sea" kit, but I love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Erin! I am definitely color-obsessed and find so much joy playing with them! I love the Sea Kit, as well. I also have the yarn to make it in Colour Crafter.
DeleteGorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sigrid!
DeleteJust beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you!!
DeleteWhat a treasure! Pretty colors and patterns and the border is perfect. Great job :-). Greetings, Nata xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nata, for your kind words. I think my friend will truly treasure it!
DeleteWow, this is just stunning! Wink would adore these colours! You've really made the pattern your own. I haven't started mine yet but I knew I had to do it when I learned about it. I loved Wink's blog, I had a real connection with her as I use crafting as a way to deal with my own depression. I was so sad (and still am at times) to learn of her passing. But she'll never be forgotten, especially with all these gorgeous blankets around. I'm going to tell everyone that comments on my blanket the story of the beautiful Wink!
ReplyDeleteStacey xx
Wink was an amazing person. I'm grateful to have known her. She really has touched the world in a significant way.
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DeleteWow, this is just stunning! Wink would adore these colours! You've really made the pattern your own. I haven't started mine yet but I knew I had to do it when I learned about it. I loved Wink's blog, I had a real connection with her as I use crafting as a way to deal with my own depression. I was so sad (and still am at times) to learn of her passing. But she'll never be forgotten, especially with all these gorgeous blankets around. I'm going to tell everyone that comments on my blanket the story of the beautiful Wink!
ReplyDeleteStacey xx
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely. Love those colours.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this blanket and can't wait to make it too. You have made it perfect.
Can I ask how many balls of yarn you used to finish with the merino soft.
Thanks
Lee
I'm a little late to this party, but that's because I finally finished my blanket. It's pretty but, of course, not as jaw-dropping stunning as yours is, and Wink would be so thrilled with yours. I'm intrigued by the stitch you used in the light yellow squares--not the star stitch but the one with the raised bumps. Can you share what that stitch is called? It's very pretty. I am also more than impressed that you chose a different color for every single puff stitch in the heart--truly inspiring. Thank you, as always, for your wonderful color ideas.
ReplyDeleteBetter late than never! I'm happy you finished your blanket. It was a neat process, huh? I can't remember the stitch I used for the yellow squares. It seems like it was a leaf stitch or something like that.
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