Friday 17 August 2012

The 'All Boys' Blanket.......


So, hip hip hooray, another blanket finished! 

Thank Goodness!

I still have another blanket almost finished, but boy am I churning these babies out! 

I cannot believe that I was muppet enough to take on three blankets at the same time. What was I thinking. It's my downfall. I don't plan. I should plan more, but it would appear that it's just not me.

Now, I was going to name this blanket 'Hearts and Stars', simply because it consisted of a centre which looked pretty and star like, and the second round looked like little hearts smiling at you.

That soon changed though, when, as I was doing the outer edging, one by one, each male in the house came by and said 'I like that, who's it for? Can I have it?'

So it became the 'All Boy's Blanket' just because I won't get a look in!

This blanket was semi planned. In the sense that I had it in mind to do a blanket in these colours.

A few years ago, I was given a craft book as a gift. It was really before I had embarked on my crafting journey. I had left work and knew I was going on some sort of crafty adventure, but I hadn't committed as to which one. In my head it was supposed to be sewing.

The book was Nicki Trench's Homemade Gifts.



I couldn't knit, or crochet but I did feel inspired.

I fell in love with a particular blanket. This one.





It made my heart skip. I LOVED the idea of having a picnic blanket that was handmade. I loved the blue of the blanket and the burst of colour in the flowers. 

At that moment in time I could but dream, as I hadn't the faintest idea of how to work a hook.

When I started to learn to crochet I had several blankets in mind that I knew I had to get out of my system. This was one of them. 

One day I picked up a ball of yarn. It was one ball. It was all the shop had but I liked the colour so much.   A couple of years later I saw a pile of the same coloured yarn and snapped it up so happy with my delicious little purchase.

It remained in a box ready for the right moment. 

I did love Nicki Trench's blanket, but reading The Royal Sisters Blog one day and seeing Michelle's 'Grandma All Square' blanket, I loved her little squares of goodness. I could see the hearts and stars popping out. Suddenly I was thinking what a perfect blanket this would be to use my yarn stash for.

So the squares were made bit by bit.





 The very lovely and talented Michelle has provided a fantastic tutorial to go with this blanket. Now, I'm not entirely sure why, but I didn't follow it to the letter. I think I just looked at a motif and made one up from the picture, so my squares are a little different, and I didn't do the 'join as you go' method either that Michelle uses. So although, it's not entirely the same, along with Nicki Trench's blanket for colour inspiraion, Michelle's blanket provided the main inspiration for the construction.

As usual, me being the impetuous, impulsive, non thinking muppet that I am, I realised half way through putting on the outer edging, that I had not got enough petrol blue to edge all the little circles, sew it all up and add a border. Realising that this was indeed discontinued yarn meant a lot of internet searching and a lot of waiting. So the 'All Boy's Blanket' had to be put on hold. Happily enough though, as seen from a couple of posts ago, this saw the unexpected making of my previous blanket so I cannot complain!


I was getting so excited seeing these little squares all coming together.

I was so glad I took it away with me. It was bliss sitting out in the garden on a beautiful day working on it.

It was lovely to lay it all out and get a feel for how it was coming along.


The Bears had taken a real shine to it and Mr H proclaimed it was by far his favourite.



The border was a tricky one. I had limited yarn, and, although I had wanted a minimal border on this one, it had to be a bit more minimal than I perhaps would have liked. No matter. A couple more rounds would have been preferred but I am happy with the result.


Seeing it finished and draped ready for use, it made my heart sing! I do love it, I REALLY REALLY love it. I know this will be a well used blanket, and that in itself makes me deliriously happy. There is nothing nicer than seeing something that you have spent hours and hours making being used and loved.

 A seriously good feeling!









So, another blanket ticked off the list. Not sure I will get my hands on it, but I think it may be snapped up and taken on the odd picnic or two......


The blanket was made using different scraps of yarn I had available in my stash. I'm definitely a mix and match kind of girl. I don't think i've yet to make something that was all in one brand. Gasp, shock horror, but it works for me.

Righty ho, on to blanket number three now. Just a few more squares to add, a border to put on and some ends to sew in and I will be finished and ready for a post! 

You sick of blanket show and tell yet?!!!!!

xxx















88 comments:

  1. This blanket is so beautiful .. such an inspiration .. I am planning on starting a blanket like this soon although I will be much much slower ... thanks for the lovely motivation ... Bee x

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  2. Not at all sick of blanket show and tell yet - I love it. Such a gorgeous blanket I can see why all the boys wanted it, I love the colours. I need, no let me re-phrase that NEED to learn to crochet, I've got so many projects in my mind that I would love to try and you are constantly making me add to that list :) x x x x

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  3. Not bored yet! ;) I know the joy the sitting in the sun creating and it's so pretty! I don't have any patience to follow intructions and tend to make my own creations when it comes to crocheting. Even though i've made many blankets with granny squares, I get put off because I hate stitching the pieces to gether at the end. I rather like the 'join as you go' idea, I must have a look and see what that entails! :)
    Jess x x

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    1. do look at the join as you go its much better and quicker!! i'm really impatient to join and many a project was left unfinished as i hated sewing up
      but now i make to the size i want bar the last round and wizz through fixing together!!try it it will make such a difference good luck and happy crocheting!!

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  4. the blanket and the cushion are so beautiful! If only I had more time ...

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  5. Oh fabulous!! Great work.
    Have a great weekend,
    Esther.

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  6. Well this is just lovely, a real zingy, smile-inducing blanket. And I think the border is just right, finishing it off well but not taking too much attention away from the blanket. Clever you, colour combination brilliant.

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  7. Lovely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3

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  8. oh' my, such beauty...your garden- blissful...i could quite happily sit in that bench swing and cosy up with a coffee and your blissful blanket xxxx

    sorry i've not been around much too- lots of busy bee things been happening and meeting up with family ;0)

    happy weekend to you and the bears xxxxx

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    1. 'on that bench swing'...oh'dear zonked head hehe x

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  9. BEAUTIFUL - so inspiring! Thank you for sharing this, simple but so gorgeous!

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  10. Your blanket is gorgeous, you did a beautiful job on it. Heather

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  11. It really is absolutely lovely. Gorgeous!! Makes me think of how if you lie on a blanket on the lawn in summer you see all the flowers against the blue of the sky. And I'm also thinking ... I wish I could do that too! I seem to have been saying this for ever but I really must get to grips with crochet!

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  12. NEVER! How could We be,Such beauty,Vanessa Your so inspiring,another one for Me to try,thankyou for sharing the link,I LOVE the little heart grannies and am going to give them a try right away :) Happy Weekend,lovely,xxx

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  13. Could never get sick of seeing pictures of that one! Simply perfect. Thanks for sharing and inspiring!

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  14. Wow, gorgeous photos. The blue is so lovely!

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  15. Glorious is the only word for it. Vanessa.A truly gloriuous blanket.I admire your staying powers I have at least four blankets on the go and I am itching to start another.....
    Anne x

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  16. It is beautiful! Your love for it just poured off the pages off your blog! You inspired me to go check out the link for the pattern! Thanks for sharing it with all of us! :)

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  17. Está lindo!
    É também um dos meus vicios, fazer mantas

    Um Beijo
    Maria

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  18. It is absolutely gorgeous, I can see many boys wrapped up in its loveliness. Really great job. Beautiful colors. It is just perfect.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  19. What a beautiful happy blanket. The colour combinations are lovely and having the out row in turquoise really does give it that zingy factor.

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  20. What a gorgeous blanket, I can see why it is being hijacked and you will never get a look in! Thank you for the inspiration, I have pinned for future reference! Fiona (KnitKnatKnotUK)

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  21. Wow you sure do work fast & so beautifully, I love the blanket, yummy colors.....Can't wait to see the next one :)
    Karen x

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  22. Gorgeous! I love it! Congratullations for your work!

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  23. It's beautiful! For years I have been wanting to make a picnic blanket, this is inspiring me to get one going now

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  24. I love your blanket! X Claire

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  25. I am in LOVE with the blanket AND the pillow!!! So sweet :))

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  26. Oh my, maybe I should learn to crochet: your blanket is absolutely beautiful!!! Well done! :-)

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  27. I always love the look of your blankets... looking forward to seeing the next one x

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  28. Absolutely stunning! Definitely adding this one to my never ending list!
    Victoria xx

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  29. Amazingly beautiful - inspiring. Do show how you join them together, it's super neat and tidy. Don't blame the boys for loving it. Make sure you have some snuggle time when they're not looking!

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  30. That All Boy Blanket is bloody marrrrvelous! How gorgeous is that? You must crochet at the speed of light. These blankets are not quick and easy ones they are fiddly, they are large, they have lots of ends to sew in and yet here you are on the cusp of yet another Ta Dah! What they hey??? Can you give me a bit of what you're on?!

    xxx

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  31. I just love that blue blanket!! Go on, go on.............how much!! Wish I was that clever! I keep looking for one at boot sales and charity shop - but no luck! :(
    -x-

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  32. A truly gorgeous blanket! Your crochet projects that are getting completed put me to shame! Am definitely going to do one like that for my son and undo the striped one I started which is just not enjoyable to crochet! I too have a few blankets on the go! So enjoy checking in on your blog Vanessa...very inspirational! THANK YOU for sharing.

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  33. I love everything you make but this blanket is especially gorgeous!! I hope you have many, many lovely picnics upon it! You're absolutely right - having a handmade picnic blanket is the bees-knees. It seems to make the whole thing so much more wholesome. I made a huge ripple blanket last year for the same purpose and it has been fantastic. I'm just hanging out for our summer to start so we can use it again. I am in awe of your speed at whipping up these beauties! My giant granny blanket is at home on my bed now so the urge to make another blanket is huge. Having seen your beautiful post I am totally and utterly inspired. I think a wee visit to my local wool shop today is needed .....

    Have a fabulous weekend hon.
    Leah
    xx

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  34. Wish you would write a book!!!! Beautiful blanket

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  35. Absolutely gorgeous blanket. I love the colours you have used. I long to make something like that myself but can't crochet. It's so on my wish list of things to learn to do. I'm currently knitting a blanket for my baby due in November but I'm a seriously slow knitter and am getting worried whether I will finish it on time. Perhaps if I was knitting now rather than visiting beautiful blogs.....!? Fiona x

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  36. It's absolutely stunning Vanessa!!! Gorgeousness!!! x x x

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  37. I love this blanket too, the simple edge is perfect - clever you!

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  38. Wow, I Love Love Love this blanket!! The colours are just perfect! I've had the idea of doing a blue, red & white blanket for ages but just couldnt think of a way to do it? After seeing this, I might have to do something similar :-) Although theres no way I can produce it as quickly as you, you are definitely on a roll!! (Oh & the cushion is perfect too!!)xxx

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  39. Vanessa,

    You've outdone yourself, you are a crochet machine! I love it, thanks for sharing. Enjoy :)

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  40. Wow, wow, wow.....absolutely fabulous.....adore the crocheted cushion too....gotta make myself one of those! And your photography is stunning too....as usuall. Hope you're having a wonderful holiday with the Bears. I've missed our occasional exchanges....hope to catch up again soon....take care....SassyBelle -xxx-

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  41. Love, love, love your blanket. If I may say so, I think your blanket is prettier then the one in the book! You've inspired me to get my hooks and yarn bits out. Thank you for sharing, Elaine

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  42. Wow, what a beautiful blanket!! Love the colors and the sweet scalloped border!! Great job!! Have a beautiful weekend! xo Heather

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  43. This is gorgeous!! Never tire of blankets!!! In fact, I think it's time for me to grab my hook (put down my knitting needles) and get back to a stashed partial; love your pattern, too!

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  44. Oh what a beautiful blanket, and so lovely photos! Really wonderful :-))

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  45. I love it! You are such an inspiration. I just finished my very first afghan. YOU were one of my big inspirations. :) Love your colors! :) And a simple border is sometimes the best.

    I wanna be just like you when I "crochet" grow up! :)

    ~Liz

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  46. Amazing blanket and such pretty colours.
    Your photos are fabulous - definitely magazine standard!
    I'd love to know what make/colours of yarn you've used - as with your last blanket.
    Carole

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  47. You are so right to be chuffed with this one. I'm really loving the colours. I've never finished a granny square type blanket yet....still maybe one day (lets hope I can finish my ripple blanket!)

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  48. Love the colours ,the design, the edging, it is a really beautiful blanket.
    Carol xx

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  49. Helt utrolig nydelig teppe,du lager
    så mye lekkert. :))
    Klem fra Mette.

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  50. It's absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful! Never sick of a blanket shoe & tell, off to see the others you've made...
    PS Fantastic photos too.

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  51. Wow ! Gorgeous ! Love the blue background , and the colors you used to go with it ..So pretty .Your photography is also beautiful !

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  52. Very, very lovely - the blue works so well around those stars and hearts!
    You must be sooooo pleased. AND we've actually had some decent bloody weather for you to use it, too!
    Happy weekend to you.
    Xx

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  53. Blimey o' Reilly! Tis BEAUTIFUL! You are on a roll, can't wait to see the next one!

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  54. Wow, this is great! I NEED one! Ada :)

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  55. I made Nicki Trench's blanket from that very book - it was the pattern I used to teach myself to crochet! I took me ages to finisht eh blanket, but finish I finally did and it's not likely to be used for picnicing... Your blanket is absolutely gorgeous though!

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  56. Oh my gosh, this is soooo beautiful! Such wonderful colour! Love the simple edging too!

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  57. Your blanket is absolutely stunning - you must be thrilled with the end result. I love the fan edging too - so pretty.

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  58. gorgeous blanket, I love the colour :-) x

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  59. Oh oh oh oh oh pretty pretty pretty !!!! I want one for myself ...

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  60. I LOVE the blanket. The colours are amazing. What type of yarn did you use? I know you used scraps from your stash, but do you know what at least some of the colour names are, and brands of yarn? I would love to try and replicate some of the squares.

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    1. Hi Cate,

      I hope that you find this message as you are a no reply blogger and I cannot reply to you directly. I'm afraid, due to my haphazard ways I don't document my yarn makes and colours. I tend to be a 'fly by the seat of my pants' kind of gal when it comes to crochet and yarn. Eeek, sorry. It's my downfall. This blanket was made mainly using acrylic. I think it was mainly Hayfield Bonus colours with a few others added in. I always tend to try and put in a light and dark shade of whatever colour I want. That way it always balances out. Greens, pinks, ivory, chocolate and pale coffee shades tended to make up the colour choice for this and the outer was a petrol blue. I hope that this helps. Sorry it's not exact colour info. I will try for future projects to make a note of exactly what I use!!!!!! : )

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  61. Hi,
    I love all your blankets, they are so beautiful and love the pretty colours to. The picnic photo is a romantic dream...Thank you for sharing so many gorgeous things .
    Have a look at my blog I’ll be so glad.

    Hugs from Portugal

    Ana Love Craft

    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  62. Wow. WOW! That is sooooo beautiful! That blanket makes me want to drop all my plans for the day and start one just like it, immediately. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. And your picnic photo, with the fancy dishes and the fluffy cake, is a dream come true. Well done!

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  63. I've just stumbled upon your lovely lovely little blog ... you know how it is on the internet, you start looking at something, then several hours later you are somewhere totally different, you have no idea how you got there, but you are so glad you did ... and then suddenly realise what time it is, and remember that your youngest child will be up thinking its morning really soon and you have to go to bed!!! Well that's me right now!!! And I am going to sooooo regret it in the morning, but I just can't go to bed yet, I want to explore your blog, I think I've already fallen a little bit in love with it!! ... oh, and one more thing, that blanket - *swoon* - that's all I'm going to say!
    xxx

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  64. wow it's really stunning I love the colours
    i love everything

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  65. Beautiful beautiful blanket! You have inspired me to get on and learn how to crochet, I do all the admiring and never any of the making! Thank you for sharing your hard work.

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  66. Hello, you should be indeed very proud of your lovely blanket. The colours just match so well. So lovely! Enjoy it the most if you can!!
    Kindly regards, Marion

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  67. Absolutely gorgeous! Well done for finishing it!! I have yet to finish anything as large as a blanket so I am in total awe.
    Thanks for sharing such lovely photos.
    Gill xx

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  68. never, never, NEVER sick of seeing such beautifull work!
    WOW!!!

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  69. Wonderful! I'm planning to design my own blanket and your tips had really help me in completing it. Thanks to you :)

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  70. Wow, wow, wow and again... WOW! This is just beautiful; and so neatly done! It's lovely!

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  71. Hello just love your blog and your gorgeous blanket, how much yarn did you use,i will make it my self?

    Best wishes Anita
    vindutchgirl

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  72. Hi
    Greetings from India.
    Visiting your beautiful blog via pinterest. Love you blanket, it is gorgeous. There is going to be new addition in our family very soon rather in 2-3 days time from now ie.our grand child and i could not make up my mind which colour blanket will be good and after visiting your blog i have made up mind to use this blue. Love your blog too.

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  73. Oh My God! I cannot look at all your yarn threads hanging off like that without feeling antsy! How could you?! I always work them in as I go along and couldn't imagine doing them all in one go. You deserve a medal. Either that or I need to see an OCD specialist!

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  74. Hi, found your blog on another blog. A wonderful blanket. I love the colours.

    Lisa

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  75. Beautiful blanket, love your work!!

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  76. Oh your blanket is so lovely.
    I have that Nicki Trench Homemade Gifts blanket bookmarked to make one day.

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  77. I love this! It is so truly inspiring and brings a ray of sunshine to a gloomy day. I love the blue colour you used, can I ask two things? what is the colour of that blue you use? and 2: how do you sew the middle line that you join the squares with?
    Many thanks

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  78. So nice ! Blankets are so sweet to do....

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