Tuesday 20 March 2012

Evening Sun Blanket Ta-dah.........



Morning all.

I have to say it's nice to come back to blogging with a ta-dah moment. Without taking a break, it may have been a fair bit longer for this moment to have come!

Thank you so much for your comments and emails with regards to my last post. Trying to find a balance between bloggy time and home life is a hard one to get right. I think I just needed a good break away and reassess how I can make a better balance for me, which means I don't feel like I am always letting someone down. Being a mum, you spread yourself thin. You try to be everything to everyone, but sometimes you just realise something has to give. I'm still here, but I will be posting less.

So.............

After being VERY unenthused in the creative department, I dug deep to get a couple of things done. I thought that if I actually got something finished, it might spur me onwards and upwards. I didn't want to force myself into picking the Evening Sun Blanket up to work on when I felt so crafty blah. I started another project first....and on completion.....and feeling happy with the finished article.....once again she sat on my lap to have me lovingly attend to her.



So.........


finally......

.......she is finished.

And, boy, she has SOOOOOOOOO been worth the wait.


I have completely loved working on her....and  I have completely fallen head over heels in love with her.


She is a she. She does seem to have a personality. Strange? A bit. I think it is because she doesn't look like she has just been made.

She has come from the Narnia Wardrobe.

I'll explain.......

I have quite a few things in my possession that have come from the Narnia Wardrobe.

In my Grandparents attic, there is a Narnia type wardrobe. If you open it, push past all the clothing items, you'll find a chest at the back on the floor. In this chest are quite a few wonderous items. I have found a bag, a necklace, a brooch, a jar, a teapot, some letters, a shawl........and when I looked deep enough into this chest.......I found this blanket. It was waiting......just for me to find it and bring it to life again.


Okay....so I may sound a little off my rocker here, but that's how I view certain things that I know are going to mean a lot to me. They are sentimental, and they all come from this old chest all hidden away.

Maybe, in reality, that's what i'll do for my family and later generations, as it sounds really rather lovely.


I started her back in 2011. She was originally intended to be a cushion. A teeny tiny little cushion, but as soon as I started working her up, I knew she had to be more than that. I really didn't NEED another blanket, but I imagined her being there for us all on summer evenings, wherever we were, when the sun was starting to fade and the slight chill was appearing in the air. I wanted to have her to wrap around us as we sat outside, looking up at the summer sky, and making memories.


I wanted to have a blanket that could see us through anything for years and years to come. A blanket that would be our faithful friend, and be there for us whenever we needed her.


She was completely different to what I had made before. Maybe that was why I became so taken with her. She is a big blanket. Big enough to snuggle myself and the bears comfortably in when we are outside. She also wraps around you beautifully on a sofa for necessary sofa snuggling.


I wanted a nice big border for her. It was clear quite early on that she deserved something rather big and grand. A teeny little picot or shell edge really wasn't going to cut the mustard.


I searched for ages trying to find something that would suit her. All my crochet border books had small borders and I knew she wouldn't be entirely happy with that.......and neither would I. I found inspiration on pinterest. I stumbled across the prettiest border I had seen and I knew it would work perfectly with her.

I was lead to this blog here

What a lovely blanket! A link is provided on this blog post to show you where to find the edging pattern if you are interested.

I added a little extra to the end of mine.




She is big....and she is really rather heavy too. It was impossible for me to photograph her all laid out. She was actually too heavy to hang. She is definitely a drapey blanket. Incredibly warm too. She has been a dream to work under on cold nights.


I put together this colour scheme originally with ivory in the mix also. I thought though, that if I was making a cushion, then I could do away with the ivory, as there would be the ivory of the cushion cover showing through the gaps......and that would be fine. At the beginning when I decided she needed to be a blanket, I did wonder if omitting the ivory would make me love her less. I think that had I used ivory, she would have looked lovely......REALLY lovely......but she would have looked 'new'. Not adding the ivory has made her look instantly 'old' and I think that is what is enchanting about her.


It also might have something to do with the fact that not only did I mix and match yarn, I also mixed up my crocheting together. 


I used different makes of yarn. I didn't really think it would matter at first as I was only making a cushion. I liked the colour combinations greatly, so that was it for me! Most were dk (but they varied slightly in thickness), and I used a 4 ply for one colour. I know that will make some of you shudder! I actually loved that I did it. The fact that they were all slightly different in weight added something different. I think along with the colours, this helps to give her this 'vintage' quality. I randomly crocheted the squares together so they were not linked in a set pattern. I just picked her up as I found her and made a few at a time, and I loved that I did this too.

So......she's probably not every one's cup of tea.......

.....I used mixed yarn and, for the size and weight, most would have single crocheted her all together to make her firmer.

But that's great she wont be every one's cup of tea....because she's my cup of tea.

I made a row of 12 squares by 17. A simple granny circle in a square. I have no idea where the pattern originally came from. I have used it quite a few times in projects, and I have seen it used on many makes in blog land. I just like it. Six rows of treble clusters to border it before the big lacy edge was added. Sewing in the ends took a while. 204 squares with 8 ends each to sew in, plus all the edgings. Over 1,632 ends to sew in......YIKES. I was deliriously happy when I saw there was one square left! ha ha!

When laid out, she measures approx 60 x 78 inches which is a nice size. 

Boy, are we looking forward to making good use out of her.....

.....and do you know what....

....I swear I can hear her saying the very same thing!

So......

Here's to you Evening Sun.....

I have loved creating you....and we will spend many a year using you.


XXX











149 comments:

  1. Wow, I love it. It's GORGIOUS! I really LOVE the edging, it's dramatic it's wild. GO YOU!
    Esther.

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  2. Just gorgeous Vanessa!!! Love the colour scheme, and the chunky border, i often mix up yarns and weights in my crochet, so you go girl! Fantastic job, i am sure she will give your crafty mojo a big kickstart, must make you feel great finishing off a blanket destined for a long family life. Have a wonderful day, julie :)

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  3. I love your blanket. Beautiful colour choice. Right up my street! Sue x

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  4. Glad to see you back. Your blanket is wonderful. A really lovely mix of colours and the edging really sets it off. xx

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  5. Its absolutely beatiful. I must learn to crochet x

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    1. Your blanket is gorgeous. The colours are erfect and I do especially love the edging. Definately my type of blanket.
      Anne xx

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  6. Oh, so beautuful, I love the colors and the edging!

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  7. What a stunning ta..dah! The edging is very effective and finishes it off perfectly.

    Please pop over and have a look at a few of my ta..dahs if you have the time.

    Fleur xx

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  8. Love your beautiful blog and wow! What a glorious creation! The edging is stunning - it really finishes it off with a flourish!

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  9. Awesome blanket! Love the colours... and the edging is beautiful!
    Greetings from Denmark...
    *smile* Lisbet

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  10. Your words...oh so lovely...you create such a wonderful place to "go" when your reader consumes your words! And your Evening Sun...she is indeed luscious! At first, I thought the border was grey, but I've decided it's more of a taupe shade. Good ol' cameras and internet....they skew the colors sometimes...and different monitors see the colors differently too! I have a blanket that had cocoa in it and it photographed kind of a grey shade! Whatever the color, your blanket is spectacular and will be your legacy for lifetimes to come. I have an afghan sitting behind my head - up on the back of my couch - made by my mother-in-law oh so many years ago. She is now gone, but her love and creativity are very much felt each time we wrap ourselves in her blanket. Her fingers touched every single thread - and we know it. Congrats on your new creation. Hugs, Annette

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  11. Amazing! The colors, the structure, amazing. I really love that you added this wonderful edge, it's something different. Don't you just love Pinterest? Full of talent and creative ideas. I think this edge will be a new trend in crochet land thanks to this post, stunning.

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  12. Está LINDO!
    ADORO!
    Qualquer desculpa vai ser uma boa desculpa para se enroscarem nele!

    Um beijo
    Maria

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  13. Wow that is one stunning blanket, I love the edging so much.
    Usually I go for quite a plain border, but I might just change my
    mind after seeing this. I'm slowly hooking up a new one at the mo,but
    it is very slow, think a big border would be cute, when it gets that
    far :)
    Love, love, love it so beautiful
    Karen x

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  14. I LOVE everything about Her! Absolutley stunning,well done Vanessa.xxx

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  15. Beautiful! I really love it. You're right, I did shudder a bit at mixing the yarn weight BUT if it works, why not! As you said, it's YOUR project, YOUR blanket so do what makes you happy. It obviously worked out OK and I can learn from that not to be so anal about such things. Is it wool, lovely? I'm glad you're here my dear friend. xxxxxx

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  16. It's just fabulous Vanessa, so glad the crafty blah went away.I know where you are coming from with finding a balance . Just do what feels right for you and your family right now.
    So glad you have shared her with us....what a very special project .
    Enjoy SPRING !!!!
    Jacquie x

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  17. Absolutely gorgeous V!! I am in awe at your ability to make such a beautiful BIG blanket - I alas do not have the stamina, my giant granny square blanket is so far no where near the giant size it claims in its title!!

    Love the colours, the edging, just gorg!!

    S x

    PS it was your previous post that made me check out Instagram, completely addicted now!!

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  18. Jings! It is gorgeous! Love the colour combinations. Do you mind if I ask how you join your squares together - they look so neat!
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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  19. She is beautiful. I love the wide border. The narnia wardrobe makes is oh so magical.

    Ali x

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  20. Oh my goodness she is truly beautiful! What a wonderful achievement :) I can see there's going to be lots of memory making with that there beauty x just lovely x

    Jo x x x

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  21. Awwww, she is so beautiful!!! The colour combination is amazing!!
    xxx

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  22. Absolutely stunningly beautiful! And the edging is awesome! Congrats!

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  23. beautiful....beautiful....and delightful!!! the edging is perfect!!! yeah for you!

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  24. I love making crocheted blankets! All those ends put me off doing another (I've just completed 2 large multicoloured so I'm too much of a coward!)And yet.
    I really want to make another now I've seen yours! The border really sets it off nicely. Enjoy it for many happy days keeping you snug and cosy!
    Jess xx

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  25. She sure is my cup of tea! That elegant border really makes her regal. What a beautiful job. She was well worth the wait. Like a visit from the Queen! It's by far the prettiest Granny Square anything I have ever laid eyes on.
    Danette

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  26. She is absolutely gorgeous. Everything about her. Your color choices are so calming. What can I say about the border? Simply stunning. The perfect touch.
    Teresa

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  27. Hello Vanessa!
    What a beautiful 'Mother' of a blanket, I love your vivid writing and visualised you all snuggled with your bears...
    I LOVE this Irish Blessing song, we sing it regularly to end our yoga sessions...it immediately came into my head as I was reading your beautiful post.
    'May the long time sun shine upon you...all love surround you...and guide your way on..."
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8eoEv1tnTU
    I hope you like it.
    LOVE PEACE enJOY your 'Evening Sun'
    Julie
    x

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  28. It's a grand blanket, totally befitting Narnia's wardrobe. I love the deep wide edging in that gorgeous colour.

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  29. She is utterly beautiful!!!!!!!!!

    Hxx

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  30. Oh Vanessa, she really is a beauty!!Love the colours, I luurve the edging, so special!
    You clever clever gal!!
    Rachel x

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  31. Love the colors of your blanket! The border is amazing !

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  32. Such a beauty!! The border is perfect! Congrats on the beautiful finish!

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  33. Fabulous blanket i love the colours and your beautiful trim. Stay snug and warm.
    Angie x

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  34. Absolutely beautiful!!! I loooooove the border, it is so perfect and vintage-y, just like the blanket itself!
    Seeing this just makes my hands itch to pick up my granny square project again and make some more progress! :)
    Have a nice evening!

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  35. Yeah, it's quite nice. Not my cuppa tea and it totally shows that you didn't follow correct procedure with both the yarn weights and the way you joined it. Detracts from the whole piece I'm afraid. What's all this Narnia nonsense too. Honestly Vanessa you really should learn how to put a post together that reads well and invokes emotion and mental images in the readers mind. You need lessons.

    Oh gosh I can't keep this up any longer I'm chuckling to myself. I bet someone out there has read my paragraph above and is thinking they want to come and batter me! (Just to reiterate in case someone is trying to hunt me down now: I was jesting)

    It's beautiful my lovely. Yes it is a wonderful blanket, so perfect in every way but the thing that makes me smile a cheek aching grin is that this blanket has touched your soul and not in a material way. It has all your hopes and dreams for your family woven into each stitch. Now, as time passes your memories will seep in along side these hopes and every time you look at your blanket you'll be enveloped in 'The Feeling'. It's sort of a bit like smelling an evocative aroma or hearing a piece of music transports you back to a moment in time.

    I love it. I just love it so much. And by the way, don't be embarrassed but you are a pretty bugger, at least your nose and chin look pretty!

    xxx

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  36. So so beautiful, it has inspired me so much I want to make one. I haven't made a blanket in years..I love the soft colors...If fact I decided to go buy yarn in a week...I love love your edging that you did it just makes the blanket for sure...very pretty indeed...have a great day with love Janice...

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  37. How do you join your squares? I REALLY like the look of the colored spikes between the squares.

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  38. I love the blanket, I love the colors, I lover the border!!! X Claire.

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  39. What a wonderful blanket! I hope the blanket I am currently crocheting turns out half as nice!

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  40. That border is fantastic!! The blanket looks amazing, and the name is just perfect. Especially in the third picture up from the bottom, it truly makes me think of that evening sun glow! Beautiful!
    Maria x

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  41. Beautiful. Ever since I saw the first of this blanket, the colours/theme stayed in the back of my mind, and now, there's a little nephew/niece on the way, so I'll finally start planning my African Sunset Blanket. Don't know yet whether it'll be squares, circles, ripple or stripes, but the colours have been chosen and the organic bamboo will be delivered on Friday :-)

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  42. It is so beautiful and it looks already like it is very LOVED :)) The colors are so incredible, I can't imagine making one this big but you are an inspiration to me !!! Happy Spring !!!

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  43. She is gorgeous! The lace border is so pretty. You are very clever- I wish I could crochet!! A lovely Ta-dahhh xx

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  44. ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

    xxx

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  45. What an absolute beauty! I ♥ it!! The colours are perfect. My kind of colours! Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! Cx

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  46. I think its absolutely stunning!!!! I love it!

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  47. Oh, She's beautiful! I love her big fat border, I love her 'old' brown colour, I love her big cuddliness! Definitely worthy of the Narnia cupboard - what a treasure she would be to find! You did an awesome job Vanessa!!

    S x

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  48. Great works, i like it!

    Regards!:)

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  49. WOW and double WOW she is truely beautiful and so very special i can see that. Her colours are wonderful and her edging is to pretty for words she has elegance and grace and she will stay in your heart and your familys for many years to come, Well done you you have created and made a wonderful memory. Snuggle up and enjoy her, dee x

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  50. That is such wonderful eye candy! How clever of you to use a shawl pattern edging for the blanket!

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  51. What a stunning blanket!!

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  52. Gorgeous, gorgeous blanket. I love the colours and oh, that border is simply beautiful. It really gives the blanket a very sumptious look.

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  53. Oh My Goodness what a beautiful blanket. The colours are wonderful :)

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  54. Absolutely beautiful! I love the colors you've chosen and that border is magnificent. So pretty!

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  55. just the most beautiful blanket a real heirloom, to be loved and cherished forever. In years to come she will have a whole family history to tell!

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  56. Vanessa it's absolutely beautiful! I love it's vintage feel, it's randomness and that it came from narnia. Stunning.

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  57. It is a real beauty! Love the color combos and that edging is absolutely perfect! ~Hugs, Patti

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  58. She is truly a thing of beauty hon!! What wonderful personality it has. You're quite right - she does have a lovely vintage look. Now your creation can go on to become a true vintage piece over the years and years of snuggles and cosy nights you will have with it. Enjoy hon. Oh nearly forgot to say, your border is absolutely stunning and really finishes your blanket of perfectly.

    Have a fabulous week you clever girl.
    Leah
    xx

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  59. A true work of ART!!!! what an amazing creation she is and I'm sure she will be loved for many, many years to come by your childrens, children's children.

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  60. This is an absolutely beautiful blanket! I love the color combo as well as the brown edging! Wonderful job!!!! :D

    <3 Jenn
    creativelycraftyjenn.blogspot.com

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  61. Divine, love, love the border and the colours. Yippee for you.

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  62. Hola. Te ha quedado muy bonita la manta y la puntilla es preciosa.
    Un saludo.

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  63. Congratulation on your blanket. It is beautiful and I love how big it is.

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  64. wowza my lovely Vanessa you have been busy with your hands ;0)
    its sooooo beautiful love the edging especially...perfect for cosy, cuddly times with the bears xxxxxxxxxxx

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  65. She is beautifully lovely....and I love the ruffly edge...happy dance. Hugs to you dear one.

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  66. I have been visiting your blog, popped over form Bunny Mummy - I know all aobut balancing our day s and our lives, but now that I have found you and will be following you, dont stop sharing on your blog see :)
    Hugs
    Cxxx

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  67. woooowwwwwww this is a blanket and a half! And she really is a beauty :D the colours and the boarder are just so beautiful! I can imagine the satisfaction you must feel to have created something so lovely, and to know that it will last for generations :D xx

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  68. oh so pretty it makes that afghan alright. I love it...I am going to have to put that on my scrap ghan edge.. :)

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  69. Vanessa, this is just beautiful - and really has that gorgeous vintage look. A perfect blanket for winter evenings and bear-cuddling. And the edging really makes the whole blanket I think. Congratulations - just stunning.

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  70. I've seen some stunning blankets but this has to be the cherry on the cake!!! So beautiful. Enjoy..... lol xxx

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  71. WOW! You are quite a story teller! I had such great fun reading this. Especially after your last droopy post. It made me reflect upon things a bit... I actually got a bit blue because you were so spot on. But now I am up and running again. And you to! Yay!!!:D Your blanket is my favorite of all your creations I have to say. I just adore the colors. And that edging is stunning. A wide edging like that would be PERFECT for my Gypsy Square blanket... if I ever manage to finish it, that is... It has been a WiP for almost 2 years now... Well, lovely to hear your heart is singing. Evening sun is truly special! ♥ Annette

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  72. Just gorgeous!, Fabulous! Wonderful!

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  73. Just gorgeous!, Fabulous! Wonderful!

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  74. Absolutely beautiful blanket, Vanessa! I remember when you began making this, loving the colour combination...and it truly is stunning! What a great idea to make the wide lacy border too, it does make it all look vintage. Fantastic make!
    Helen x

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  75. Beautiful blanket. Year's of memories will be woven into this. What a lovely creation for your children to grow up with.

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  76. As soon as I saw your blog I knew I had to follow it, it's lovely congrats. I love to crochet and love your blanket, new follower, also following you on Pinterest and Ravelry! Have a great day :)
    evescrochet.blogspot.com

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  77. I LOVE your blanket! It's awesome! I love the colors and the edging is great. You inspired me :-) Since december I'm working on my (first) blanket and I wasn't sure what to do with the edging, but now I know! You're blog is sooooo inspiring!

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  78. This is so beautiful and the border is perfect! The combination of colors is so lovely and calming.

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  79. Hello lovely, you must be so proud....the blanket is stunning! I love what you’ve done with the edging. Beautiful words to go with a beautiful blanket.
    Wishing you a sunny weekend X

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  80. Dear Vanessa,

    Just look at that border! It is worthy of being woven into a fairy tale. Infact the colours remind me of the house in Hansel and Gretel. Be very, very proud of this splendour.

    Vanessa, I am a little worried as I left you a comment to your last post to let you know you have won my embroidery GIVEAWAY! The winners were announced on 9th March. Of course I would love you to have it but if it seems like one more thing to have to deal with in this busy life of ours I will quite understand. Please just let me know whatever makes you happy.

    Stephanie

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  81. Hello Vanessa, your blanket is wonderful. Quite a change from your usual colour choices. The border is really stunning. I think you are too hard on yourself, you have much to contribute, your blog is always such a feast for the eyes. Do it when you can, enjoy it and don't feel guilty.
    Many thanks for your comments on stencilling, I enjoyed them, and agree it is great to see a company surviving the changes in fashion.Apologies for the belated reply...you know how it is. With lots of love, Linda x

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    1. So sorry Vanessa, I made an error, it wasn't you who commented on my post, so ignore the last part of my comment...whoops! love Linda x

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  82. Just happened to see your blanket on Pinterest & found my way to your blog! Need to remember that boarder - it is just lovely! ♥ I will put you on my bloglist to find here easily again - such a lovely blog!

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  83. Oh my goodness, she is absolutely stunning. The border is perfect. I want a Narnia wardrobe, now! What a lovely story, and what a beautiful blanket. Well done. :)

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  84. I am so in awe of your beautiful blanket-the colours, the size, the design THAT border-just so gorgeous and a real treasure:)

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  85. This is a beautiful afghan but the border makes it! I would like to pin this beautiful work for all to see.

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  86. The blanket looks just great Vanessa! Well done!!!

    Happy new week,

    Madelief x

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  87. Wow! So beautiful. Love the colors, the border, everything! Take care.
    Lynne

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  88. Absolutely... totally... 100%..... MY cup of tea too!!! I think this may be the most beautiful blanket I have ever set my eyes on.... the colours... the BORDER!!!! Well done Vanessa, you have created a real treasure there.

    I have also just read the post before this one and absolutely understand.... I've always thought it must be a job in itself to keep up with your many bloggy fans while posting your own creative thoughts and makings. Then having a big family to look after and squeeze a bit of 'me time' crafting in there too... wowza... no wonder you needed a blog break!
    I havn't been on the computer for over two weeks to blog (nothing unusual there then ha ha) I have felt guilty for not blogging more often but have concluded that I am just an 'occational' blogger... and there's nothing wrong with that!

    Enjoy the Spring sun with your family and please do NOT EVER feel guilty for not blogging or replying. It should be a pleasure not a pressure.... you have so many fans (me included) and we will be here no matter how often you pop into blog land :)

    BIG HUGS xx
    Louise

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  89. The blanket is so so beautiful! I love all the colours! I can't wait to learn how to crochet! - Becky x

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  90. Oh. My. GOSH. That is gorgeous. Love love love it! The edging is fantastic. Beautiful work!

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  91. Wow, that is so so so so so amazing my friend, am so in awe of you. Look forward to good catch up soon, been so long, xxxx

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  92. wow !!! this really a lovely blanket what a good job nice colors lovely !!!!!

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  93. SWOON! I love this blanket its gorgeous.. I have attempted to start one last night!

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  94. Wonderful! I really love this blanket. Goog job!

    Have a nice day!

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  95. your blanket is fantastic,vanessa!!!! i love it!!!

    have a nice day,
    regina

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  96. What technique was used to join you Evening Sun Masterpiece?
    It's like nothing I am familiar with... very delicate and lovely!!!!
    Just finished my first granny afghan and am going to make a
    granny market bag and I love the look of this join!
    Twigwoman@gmail.com

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  97. So beautiful -- love the color combination!

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  98. That is a very pretty blanket! I love the colours you chose to use!

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  99. Que linda sua manta.
    Parabéns.
    Venha conhecer meu blog e me seguir também.
    Obrigada.

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  100. Love the blanket and love, love, love the colours. Oh and LOVE your blog, too. So much of what you say strikes such a cord with me. So very glad you've decided to keep going.x

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  101. This blanket you've made is just great! The colours you've chosen look perfectly together and the big lacy border is gorgeous! What a great decision you made when you decided to turn her from a little cushion cover to a big blanket!

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  102. Love your blanket. Could you possibly share the type of yarn and colors used? I would love to make one like it.

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    1. Hi Kelly, you are a no reply blogger so this is the only way that I can reach you to answer your question.

      Wendy Mode dk for pale pink, dark pink and brown. (shades 204,208, 226)
      Patons Dreamtime Fairytale (shade Lemon)
      Rowan Pure Wool 4ply (shade Sage) - Rowan Pure Wool dk in shade Pier is a good alternative if you want dk
      Sirdar Click dk (shade Pistachio)

      I hope this helps! : )

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  103. such a beauty she is. I have a blanket similar to her that holds very special memories for me. My mom spent a year working on it before she passed away (15 years ago so the blanket is at least 16 years old). I helped her ball all the yarn she used for it. it's more colorful then yours. I need to repair it in a few places and I'm thinking of adding a few of my own squares to it. Mine is plenty big and heavy enough that I don't REALLY need to add to it, but I'd like to add a little touch of myself to it for my own kids.

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  104. I just came across your blog, and this blanket? one word AMAZING!! love love love the lace border.

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  105. I seen your blanket on The Crochet Dude Facebook page and fell in love with it on site!! You have inspired me to start one of my own. Keep up the wonderful job with your blog and crocheting...

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  106. What a gorgeous blanket, beautiful colour choices and it was lovely to read about your inspiration for a blanket of memories.
    Carol xx

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  107. I can't say anything that hasn't already been said. And I fear you are not going to see this comment as you have been bombarded! I have found your blog through this blanket being on Pinterest. I am fairly new to crocheting so I haven't seen that granny square circle before and I haven't seen that sort of joining before. Do you have links to either one so I can learn too? I think the way you wrote about the blanket and personified her is so sweet and has conjured up some lovely images. Delightful. I look forward to visiting here more if you don't mind. xxx Fi

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  108. I would love to find the pattern for the edging. The blanket is lovely. Sorry, I cannot find the link

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    1. Hi Jane.

      I hope you pop in and read this as you are a no reply blogger and there is no way of me contacting you directly. here is the link for the edging

      http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-shawl#

      best wishes Vanessa

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  109. It's absoluttely stunning!

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  110. Just found this on Pinterest. My grandmother made granny squares her whole 95 year life and I make them too. Thanks for such a lovely blanket and the revelry link!

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  111. I absolutely ADORE this blanket - it is insanely beautiful!!

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  112. This one is really adorable!!!And such a good idea to make such a beautiful border on it!Well this would also be mine cup of tea,ha,ha....like the colors,the way you picked up the squares to sew together,etc.Is there a tutorial or something how to sew the squares together the way you did?,so neat and tidy!

    greats from Holland
    Angeline

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  113. You don't know me, I just saw this pinned on interest and had to get a closer look! It is beautiful and it's my cuppa tea as well. Well DONE! Who cares if you didn't follow "correct procedure, as another person posted. Not that I even know what that is, but isn't it sometimes imperfection that makes the world beautiful? Take sunsets for example.

    Anyway, I know it's a huge job, but just wondering if you might be willing to make one for me, and if you were what would your price be? I absolutely love this. I wish I could say price would not matter, but in my line of work it does, unfortunately. Still wondering what it might cost, and how long it might take to make one for me?

    Absolutely beautiful! Regardless of your answer, GREAT WORK! I just read you are a no reply blogger. :( Anyway, if you read this please reply. I would love to somehow get in contact with you.

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  114. Beautiful afghan-colors everything about it. Thanks for sharing. I have been inspired!

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  115. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your blanket! I must say I am obsessed. I've tried to copy your color scheme but I'm really dying to know what colors you used. I read through the other 127 comments and I know I'm not the first person to ask and I'm so sorry to ask you to repeat yourself! Thanks so much! *Mandy

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  116. I fell in love with this blanket and wanted to know if you have pattern directions for the border? please contact me at kellsbg79@gmail.com

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  117. Gorgeous! I'm adding the all-shawl to my blanket.. How did you add the extra bobble bits? They're super cute!

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  118. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  119. Hi,AWESOME!!!! I have a question, how much yarn is needed for a blanket?

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  120. I am completely and utterly in love with this blanket but can't crochet to save my life!!!!!! I want to commission you to make one for me.. do you do that? email me at nikkidynamo@gmail.com pretty please???

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  121. Absolutely beautiful! Do you have a tutorial how you attached the squares to each other? The wide border is perfect! Love, love, love. You did a marvelous job on this blanket.

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  122. Hi, this is beautiful! Especially the border, love the colors. Is there anyway I can get the pattern. Please let me know. My email is rainmist887@aim.com thanks!

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  123. Very nice,your work is wonderfull,Sorry i´m spanish,my english is very bad.is posible that you tell me the colors ,an wool that you use.Where can i buy ? thanks you.
    natalia
    manalia42@hotmail.com

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  124. Where can I findthe patterns for your border on your most beautiful blanket please, please please?

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    1. The border was taken from a shawl pattern by Doris Chan. Her work is available to see on Ravelry if you are on there.

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  125. Ooh I have admired this blanket for so long!! And now I have finally made a blanket worthy of that wonderful edging - such a brilliant idea to use that lovely shawl edging for a blanket. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

    My own blanket using that edging is here, I hope you like it!
    http://inpursuitoftheworthwhile.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/finally-finished-walled-garden-blanket.html

    D x

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  126. I saw you blanket on pinterest and was blown away, it is absolutely beautiful. I have just one question... How did you piece all the squares together, it looks so neat, did you do it as you went along, or first crochet all then somehow attach them to one another. I would really love to give this a try one day. Thank you for sharing... Debora in Poland

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  127. WOW, your blanket is loverly!!! She is a very grand lady for sure!! I am totally in love with the edging, I'm going to use it on my current blanket I am crocheting. Thanks so much for sharing your work.

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  128. love love love it!!!! maybe when i get good enough, i'll make one too. :)

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  129. Weldone it is beautiful and i love your border. Will you share your pattern and border pattern please.

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    1. Hi Laetitia, this blanket was made with a hotpotch of patterns. I saw a motif around on the internet and just tried to copy it as I liked it being a circle in a square. I don't remember exactly what stitches I used for it, but Attic24 does a summer garden granny square which is practically identical to the one I did. She has a pattern for it on her blog. I just added an extra round of trebles. The border was a border on one of Doris Chan's shawls. It is a free ravelry download which you can find here http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/all-shawl#

      I hope this is of help. I attached the squares by a join as you go method, but it turned out to be a big blanket and I would rethink this if I did it again and sew all the motifs together.

      Happy crocheting! : )

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  130. Hello, Love your blanket, was wondering how you linked them together. I really like how it looks. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing it!

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    1. Hi Mandy,

      I joined these together as I went along. Originally, this blanket started out being a cushion, but I enjoyed the colours together so much that I carried it on into a blanket. The join as you go method is great for small projects and I wouldn't recommend it if you are making a big blanket. Had I known at the start this was to be a blanket then I would have made the motifs individually and crocheted them all together at the end. It is because the blanket is so heavy, the join as you go method is not the best with the granny joins. The weight of the blanket can pull at them. Having said that, lying over a big bed, it's not a massive issue, but I did notice the weight pull when the blanket was hanging over a door for photographing. The join as you go method is widely available as a tutorial on google by many crocheters. I hope this has helped in some way! Have a lovely day! : )

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  131. Love it!!! Made a granny square afghan and want this edging on it. I have the All Shawl pattern. The lace pattern is for a circular shawl and increases stitches each round. My lace border curls up. Have been trying different things but it still curls up. How is it yours lays flat??? Do you remember if you made any
    changes to the lace edge pattern to get your afghan to lay flat???

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    1. Hello!

      I don't remember that I did anything different to what was on the pattern for the lace edging. I'm certainly not very good at having to re work a pattern to make it fit something, and I'm sure I would have remembered if I had trouble with it. I just remember it being straightforward so I'm sure it was just working straight from the pattern. I did come across Doris Chan's edging from another blog that had used the edging for their blanket (the link is in this post I think)perhaps there is something in that blog post that could be of help. I cannot remember about doing the corners of the blanket but they must have been fairly straight forward (I'm rubbish with complicated!). I'm sorry that I can't be of more help. I'm trying very hard to remember but it was quite a while ago that I made the blanket and I don't really keep any other details on my makes other than what I type on the blog. I hope I may have been of some help to you. Have a lovely day.

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