Thursday 15 October 2015

A Blankety Ta-dah......











A few years ago, I stumbled across the most heavenly image on Pinterest. From the moment my eyes lay upon it, I was deeply in love. It was the most gorgeous blanket I think I had ever seen. It ticked every box for me. The colour, the texture, everything about it was simply gorgeous. I clicked on the link and it led me here.......to what I found to be one of the most gorgeous blogs. Completely new to me, I drank in every post and marveled at the use of colour, and just wanted to jump and shout to Haafner how utterly wonderful I thought her blog and her work was (without sounding too much like a nut job!).







Haafner has become a lovely blogging friend over the past few years, and I always vowed to make the blanket I had fallen in love with. Haafner, had very kindly put up a post on how to make the very gorgeous blanket here. Isn't it really gorgeous? Maybe a lot of you know Haafner's blog, and indeed know this blanket. It has been on my 'T0 D0' list for quite a while. It's always the way though, that with the blankets I think I want to take my time with, I take the longest to work out what I want to make it in etc.







I simply adored Haafner's colour scheme of pink and brown. Two of my favourite shades together, but I wanted to not stalk her blanket and her colours too, so I thought long and hard and settled on a natural for the main part. That was, until I saw some lovely brown yarn at my local craft shop, and I sort of knew there and then that it was destined to be for this blanket.







So, with the main part being brown, I thought the edging should perhaps be a neutral/oatmeal shade. That was my plan. I wasn't sure at the beginning which room this blanket would end up in......my bedroom or in the living room. I decided that perhaps the bedroom would be nice if it was going to be large. The popcorn stitch makes for such a textural blanket and I thought it would look really nice on a bed.....and I love layers and texture on a bed.







I had been searching for a particular type of bedding in a particular shade of pink, and came across it in Zara.....




(Image copyright of Zara Home)



I thought the brown would go so nicely with the pink linen, so my mind was made up. I had also bought a few balls of some gorgeous barely there pink. I had been itching to make a throw with it, but wasn't sure on a pattern. I'm still not, but I saw that the pink of the bedding was very similar to the pink of the yarn ball, so I changed my mind with the natural border and went for the pink instead. To make a bit of a contrast, I then edged with an oatmeal/ochre shade.








I have LOVED making this blanket. From start to finish I have totally loved it. I made a big blanket. I don't know why I end up making big blankets. I think maybe, because they really do get used in my house, and quite a few tend to snuggle under them in one go.








The pattern was so yummy, and such a joy to work on and I have to give Haafner the biggest squishiest hug for making such an awesome tutorial. It is gorgeous, and very touchy feely. It could probably do with a bit of blocking to make the squares blend together a bit more seamlessly, but I'm thinking maybe the heavy weight of it may well do that, and when it's being used and pulled about! I'm all about the lazy here!!!!!!







Okay, so a few facts about it:

I made 30 squares (each taking an hour and 15 mins to make). I used DK weight yarn and used a total of 16 and a little bit 100g balls, using a 4mm hook. The brown yarn was WI Premium Acrylic yarn bought from Hobbycraft (£2.20 a ball and currently 3 for 2). The pink edging was made using Sirdar's Cotton Rich Aran in shade 'Blush' (just over 100g). The final edging was made using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in 'Amber' (about 30g).







This blanket is heavy....and incredibly warm to snuggle under, so I'm guessing it will be fab for winter nights.







It has occurred to me, that I made a scarf in shades just like this here
which was inspiration from this image here







Maybe these colour combinations are ones I am subconsciously drawn to. 













So there you have it, The Popcorn Blanket by Haafner.

Haafner, it is everything I thought it would be. I have truly loved working on it these past few weeks. It feels amazing, we all cannot stop touching it, and the Bear's really love it too! Thank you so much for this tutorial and pattern, it really is awesome! 

Haafner makes the most beautiful blankets. Check out her most recent one on her blog here. It's gorgeous and swoon worthy.

Right, I am off to go make a creamy coffee and snuggle under said blanket with Baby Bear.

Cheerio

xxx

68 comments:

  1. Oh Wow I am always in awe of people who can crochet other stitches other than the granny square I sooo wish I could more in fact I am going to set my myself a challenge and try and learn more only trouble I ma a practical learner I cant use a book. I adore your blanket the texture is heavenly and I can see its warmth. Well done its beautiful I am to look at Haafner blog now :-) dee x

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    1. Oh yes have a try! The popcorn /bobble stitch is such a lovely one to do and it's actually really very easy. Tutorials on you tube are great for learning new stitches if reading from text isn't your thing. I really find it hard and slow going to read written patterns. Charts are so much easier for me, and if in doubt I go to you tube! x

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  2. It is truly beautiful. Even in the photos it looks warm and snuggly and I love the colours. Beautiful

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  3. As usual Vanessa, a masterpiece! I am so in love with your new blanket, I love all your blankets. You always have the perfect pallette. I could tell from the first picture that that it was the popcorn blanket, I was on Haafner's blog looking at her new blanket yesterday-love her work- and went through all her blog, thinking between her and Vanessa, I am going to spend my life savings on yarn! You ladies are truly inspirational. Thank you for brightening up my day and being a constant source of inspiration. Hope it brings you lots of joy! Xxx

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    1. Thank you, but all credit has to go to the beautiful Haafner. It's a truly lovely blanket and I have coveted it for quite a few years now. I know it will be well loved....and well used!!!!!!

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  4. wow it looks gorgeous, isn't it a great feeling when you finished a huge blanket :) Love <3

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    1. Oh it so is! I was dying to get this finished as I knew it would be lovely when put together. I can't say it's as beautiful as Haafners, but I'm pleased with it no end!

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  5. I love your blanket. Colour choice is lovely and very practical. Although I am a pastel gal I think this colour theme would be quite durable for the winter months. Well done as usual. I have checked out Haafner and her blog is quite inspirational. Loved your post this morning with my coffee, keep them coming. Catheryn

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    1. Her blog is beautiful isn't it. Truly Inspirational....and she is so lovely to boot too! x

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  6. Oooo scrumptious! It is due to this Haafner blanket that I too created a different but similar vintage blanket a year ago. I just posted a pic to Instagram! Oh my this one is a beauty Vanessa!!!!

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  7. I utterly fell head over heels with Haafner's blanket when I first laid eyes on it. The texture was just too beautiful. I cannot stop touching it. Her Smitten blanket is to die for also, just all beautiful and vintagey! x

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    1. Can't wait for her book to be released either - wooo hooo bring it on!

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  8. W O W Vanessa - your blanket does not disappoint - absolutely beautiful. I love that your work always looks so classy and gorgeous even when you use a value wool. That soft shade of brown is divine with the blush pink. Clever clever you!! I would love to give these popcorn squares a go but am thinking perhaps a popcorn scarf (a bit daunted by the thought of a whole blanket!) maybe with each square a different colour - what do you think? I found Haafners blog a whole ago and next to yours it's one of my favourites - beautiful use of colour rivalled only by your good self in my opinion. Keep up the good work - what's next on the horizon?
    XXX
    Vanessa Arran

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  9. A popcorn scarf sounds awesome! I just loved this shade of brown. I loved how it had more grey to it than red. The yarn felt more like a wool. It's not particularly soft, but that was okay for me as I thought it might perhaps go on a bed, so I was after a warmth rather than a soft feel. And by jove it's warm! It's weighty which will be great on a bed at winter.

    What's next on the horizon? Well, I want to make something really bright. I have two ideas in mind, but not sure. For one, getting the pattern isn't straighforward, for the other, I'm not so sure that I will like doing the pattern, as it's stop and starty and not fluid which I like more. I also would like to make some wrist warmers as I have some yarn I've been itching to use for a while for them. I would like to make another Bella Wrap, but in yummy yarn this time and I bought a knitting book with an easy peasy beginner sock pattern in it which I'd love to give a go. Having said all this, I thought about making some Christmas presents, and if I do, I'll need to get started now, so all that I've just said might go straight out of the window! x

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  10. Crikey your head sounds like mine - full to bursting with ideas!! You're going to be one busy girl then! Loving all the posts thanks so much for sharing.
    XXX
    Vanessa Arran

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  11. That's an awesome blanket - striking too, in that chocolate brown. It looks amazingly warm and as ever your colours for the border are inspiring. Beautiful work - thanks for sharing.

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  12. Just a week ago I came across both of your blogs and am completely taken by these popcorn blankets. At just over an hour per square, I'm seriously considering this as my to take on holiday crochet project! - It's jaw droppingly beautiful

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  13. Gosh, you two are like colour twins, your pastel palettes are soooo similar and both utterly beautiful. These are not colours I am personally drawn to, but I do love to see them working so well in other people's projects. So....what's on your hook now my lovely? Something squishy and Autumnal?
    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Ha ha! Now it's bright as bright can be Lucy! I've just put in an order for a whole bunch of colours that I think I might need glasses for! As much as I am a pastel girl, I have to balance it out with some colour! Eeeek, I'm quite excited by the next project. I decided on it half an hour ago and then ordered the yarn 10 minutes ago! I don't really have a pattern either, but you know me, fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal! xxx

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    2. Colour twins! I love that!

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  14. I love Haafner's blanket, and now yours too! When I - finally - get round to it, I now have beautiful inspiration - thank you! I probably should move it towards to the top of the never ending list of how-I-would-love-to-make-that things as it does look so cosy and seasonally appropriate! I shall probably make a start on it one blisteringly hot summer's day...

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  15. Love this blanket! Love all your makes!!! You have singlehandedly inspired me to learn to crochet - thanks for the heads up about Youtube!

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  16. It is absolutely gorgeous!

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  17. Probably, I would be squashed by the heavy blanket but it looks amazingly beautiful I'm loving all your makes...

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  18. How long have you been crocheting? This blanket is amazingly beautiful. I really haven't done much more than a granny square, but this, well, I think I may be up to the challenge but it will have to wait till after Christmas. Maybe one the size of a lap blanket to start :) Love it, truly lovely.
    For such a large blanket, just curious about the washing? Do you go and use a big industrial one at a laundry mat or will it go in your own? I had a big acrylic blanket, fit a king size bed, and washing it most certainly was a challenge at home.

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    1. I've been crocheting about six years now. I actually think the granny square is very underrated. It can make the most beautiful blankets that can never be tired of! This popcorn motif is actually very easy to do once you have mastered the first one and the pattern is in your head. Give it a go, it's very satisfying indeed! This blanket is able to fit in my washing machine so I will wash it on a wool wash when the time comes and it should be fine.

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  19. Wow...your popcorn blanket is a masterpiece! Sometimes, crocheting with darker colors can be tricky, but clearly you handled this lovely, cosy color very well. I agree with you about enjoying Haafner's posts, too.

    Another wow! xo

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    1. I just loved this yarn colour when I saw it. It's a lovely grey/brown which is totally me!

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  20. Sometimes there's nothing more to be said that 'love, love, love'!!!

    Oh apart from the fact that I chuckled when I saw where the inspiration came from for your colour scheme! See, I told you it made me think of you!

    Just gorgeous V.

    Have a super weekend. xxx

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    1. I know! Weird right! I think I'm just drawn to that blinkin shop!!!!!!!

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  21. It is just fabulous and you have inspired me to add this to my very long to do list!!! Your colours are beautiful and I love your blog. 💕💗💕

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    1. It was such a fab blanket to make. I loved every moment working on it......and for mainly one colour, that says something! My boredom threshold isn't high!!!!!!!

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  22. Haafner's blankie has been in my "to do" list for a long time, I do love her blog. But there's not enough time and the weeks are flying by......oh well... You have made a beautiful rendition of her pattern. It must weight a ton! Great choice of colours as usual! Have a lovely weekend, Pati x

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    1. Oh yes, tell me about time just running away with you. Where does it all go? This year has flown by at an alarming rate. Yikes! x

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  23. That looks like a great big snuggly yarn pig and I LOVE it! Jo x

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  24. Beautiful blanket! Love the colours and it looks so cozy! Thank you for sharing the link.

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  25. Absolutely beautiful Vanessa! I agree with you on Haafner's pattern. It's top!

    Madelief x

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  26. It is absolutely gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!! I adore it!!!!!!! I love a big blanket and this looks absolutely perfect. It is one of the most beautiful things that I have seen lately in the crochet world!!! xx

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  27. Well worth the wait! FAN-tastic! That has been on my 'to do list' awhile too( need to move it up now after seeing yours).lol I adore texture and that one really has it in spades! The hardest part...choosing the color (s) which can take as long as making it does.Enjoy!

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    1. It has such a gorgeous texture to it. I'd never seen anything like it in the crochet world until I saw this Blanket. x

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  28. Utterly gorgeous! Love the colours and the texture is amazing isn't it? Just lovely.

    S x

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  29. Oh what a lovely blanket! Love the "popcorn"stitch!!! Such great job Vanessa! I have to look into that.....maybe someday....when I learn to do a bit more than grannysquares:).....The colours are very nice together even if I have mostly pastels around the house I do like brown too on some things. Wonder if it is a difficult one......Hope you will enjoy many evenings snuggling under that cozy blanket!
    Thanks for showing it here! Your posts make me smile!
    Jeanette :)

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    1. Give it a go Jeanette! Popcorn stitches are quite simple to do once you start, and they can become quite addictive! ha ha! x

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  30. Love the fabulous texture and colours that you've used Vanessa! I love a large snuggly blanket at this time of year. Haafner is such a clever gal with her gorgeous patterns! Have a lovely snuggly weekend xx

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  31. Absolutely gorgeous, love it to bits! Have a great weekend xx

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  32. If that is the sound a nut job, I just love nut jobs. :-) But seriously...You've left me quite speechless.
    Thank you SO much for your kind words.

    Your blanket is stunning. (It's actually muuuuuch nicer than mine, darn!) I love the colours and the texture of your yarn. And that sweet little golden-ochre edging is a touch of genius.

    BTW. Just for the record, it's not my pattern as such. It's a vintage motif, that I re-created. (Oh, and coincidentally I've recently - finally - started to draw the chart for this pattern. Hope to have it online next week or so. Not that it is of much use for you anymore now...)

    Thanks again, enjoy your weekend! xh

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    1. Eeeeek I think I might be a nut job! ha ha! Ah no, nothing could top your beauty. Yours is sheer perfection my lovely, and I'm still totally in love with it from the moment I laid eyes on it.

      Ah, I didn't know that, I thought the Smitten one was a rework of a vintage one. Maybe that was too. Either way, what you have done with the pattern is just beautiful. You are a crochet genius and I am in awe.

      Ooooh a chart! Your written instructions were great, but as a chart follower on the whole, I know that many find it so much simpler to read in chart version, so it will be of help to so many others I'm sure! xxx

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  33. It's a lovely blanket! You and Haafner make the most beautiful things.


    Corine

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  34. A blanket lovely Vanessa! and brown and pink combined so great! your blog and her are both great!
    you are women who inspire many of us! thanks for sharing!
    Hope you have a good day and kisses from Catalonia!

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  35. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
    I never imagined brown could look so good. I'm speechless

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  36. That is one absolutely gorgeous make! I don't generally like brown but this one with as you say quite a bit of grey in it as opposed to red or yellow is beautiful. There is a lot to be said for projects that don't need huge numbers of colours carted round - much more crochet-on-the-go friendly. I do love multi-coloured projects but it's lovely also to make something that makes just one colour sing so beautifully. I adore the pink you used in the edging by the way - perfect foil to your brown. Pinks like browns do vary enormously don't they? Have a lovely weekend! E x

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  37. Beautiful blanket! Love the colours! Those bobbles must have taken forever!! A real labour of love!

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  38. ahhh the trim makes it stand out so much...very comforting..

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  39. I love the Blanket Vanessa, I am always waiting for your posts, just love them! the colors, !! crazy for colors too.

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  40. oooo! That is a lovely blanket! Love the popcorns! I can imagine that it is heavy and very warm. Off to Haafner's blog to have a look!

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  41. Beautiful colours and design! It is very elegant !
    Have a lovely week.
    Tina:)

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  42. The blanket is totally gorgeous. Love the colours and the design.

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  43. Gosh its absolutely stunning Vanessa - I can see why you have all fallen in love with it. Kate xx

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  44. This looks absolutely delightful. Just to snuggle up with a good book by the fire with a cup of tea....I need to try this stick. I am a visual person so I thank you for your you tube suggestion!!!

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  45. What a fabulous afghan, just beautiful and rich looking and probably feels that way too!

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  46. It really is gorgeous. I adore that brown with the pink and the texture on the pattern makes me want to run my hands over it. Blankets like this self-block through use, save yourself a job. xx

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  47. Hello Vanessa,i am in love with this blanket and i'm going to make it.But what size of hook and how many yarn do you need?I hope to hear from you!
    Greetings from Holland
    Anita X

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    1. Hi Anita,

      I used 16 100g balls of dk yarn for the main blanket on a 4mm hook. This was a big blanket though as I had 30 squares. I hope this helps! Have a good day : )

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