I decided not to stress myself out over handmade Christmas gifts for last year (2009). Instead, I concentrated on making a blanket for my niece's first Christmas. She was the only new baby born last year in the family, so it made my task easier.
If any of you have made any blankets before, you know that it takes a good amount of time and dedication to complete one. I chose to use a free crochet pattern I found on the Internet, but sadly it is no longer available when I checked tonight to link to it. The blanket is crochet diagonally all in one piece. You increase until the desired width and then decrease. The stitch is called Diagonal Box Stitch and there are free tutorials if you do a Internet search. I found this one on Ravelry that is the same stitch.
Although the blanket doesn't need an edging to finish it, the pattern had an optional edging. I thought the edging added a nice finishing touch to the blanket. With the edging, the blanket measures 30 inches by 35 inches. It's a good size for her to grow into and it can be used for quite a while. She is only 11 months old, but she is in the 97% growth rate, so I am glad I made the blanket bigger.
Here is my niece, Celina, being wrapped in the blanket by her mother. My sister-in-law squealed in delight when she opened up the box. Both my brother-in-law and sister-in-law loved the colors of the blanket. I felt truly happy when she told me that it will be an heirloom and something Celina can treasure for a long time.Pattern: Diagonal Box Stitch Blanket
Hook: 5.0 mm (H)
Yarn: 7 skeins =1050.0 yards of Plymouth Yarn Encore Colorspun DK in color : Pink, white, gray 7990. 1 skein = 197 yards of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solids & Heathers in color: Grey Heather
Size: 30 inches by 35 inches
20 comments:
Oiyi, it is a beautiful blanket! I'm so glad your niece and her husband recognize it for the treasure it is. I have a friend at church whose daughter is now a teenager. She still talks about the blanket I crocheted for her when she was born. It's good to have your hard work appreciated, isn't it!
What a beautiful blanket, and an heirloom will be loved for many years to come too.
Lovely baby blanket, she'll be able to use it for some time.
Beautiful, beautiful blanket.
Hope you have a great 2010 =)
What a wonderful handmade gift. It's really a beautiful blanket - amazing mix of colors.
And your niece looks so cute using it. :))
It's just beautiful! I really like the edging and agree it finishes the blanket just right!
I'm not sure how you made that without my ever seeing it, but it's really pretty (natch!).
Beautiful! I love the contrasting edging!
That is a lovely blanket. The colors are perfect. Nice work!
As usual, anything you make is beautiful! Your niece is very lucky!
That's a beautiful blanket! I am pleased to hear that your inlaws will treat it as an heirloom. The colour are lovely.
Aww it is a lovely blanket, for a sweet baby :)
Thats a super blanket! This pattern might be in the running for my brother's wedding gift.
What a great blanket!
Beautiful blanket. You can't beat that happy look on your SIL's face!
That blanket is beautiful! She looks so cute in it too!
I bet you had a great Christmas with M. Cheers to a great 2010!!!
gorgeous blanket! I agree they take some time but at least I find crochet faster than knitting one!
you did a beautiful job and how lovely they squealed with delight! isn't that the reaction we always hope we get with handmade!
well done, just beautiful
Corrie:)
This was a great idea and I think you have done a lovely job at it...the little warm will keep warm as well remember you when grown up.
That is just beautiful- how wonderful that the parents were excited about it!
Oh, but what a gift! This is the sort of thing one treasures for a lifetime.
Post a Comment