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Welcoming Center, Management and General Chat => Chit Chat => Topic started by: droverjess on April 07, 2013, 08:13:29 am

Title: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: droverjess on April 07, 2013, 08:13:29 am
Finally finished this week. My first blankie and I really enjoyed it, but it took longer to join and edge than knit!
I taught myself crochet via my iPad and the Internet, very interesting.

Here are some pics.
6 colours plus white to join. One ball of each and 2.5 balls white. Baby wool so machine washable and tumble dryer safe. It has a lovely feel to it when draped over anyone.

I wanted some thing to keep me busy and didn't want to follow a pattern. So I did 12 different stitches plus 4 stripes corners.
72 squares plus 4 stripes plus one repeat to make 77. 7 wide, 11 long. Started in February, finished end of march.

(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh621/Droverjess/036faf1434ead7a55421a60d77d7e3f0.jpg)

(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh621/Droverjess/a096d6e7ec7599b2343cec012f015b5d.jpg)

(http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh621/Droverjess/bcc58044a93f04254c5e51d4197e4a59.jpg)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: goldfish on April 07, 2013, 08:24:41 am
DJ.. It's lovely!! Congratulations!!! :)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Cornish Cream on April 07, 2013, 08:32:11 am
Beautiful DJ 8)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Emme on April 07, 2013, 08:52:51 am
That is beautiful DJ,  you have made something very special

Marie
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: France on April 07, 2013, 09:13:41 am
It looks sooooo cozy!!!
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: johnro on April 07, 2013, 09:34:58 am
That looks fantastic DJ - handknitted anything looks so cosy.  A skill that is being rapidly lost - well done!!  While I learned to knit as  a child, i can remember teaching myself to crochet many moons back before having to teach that skill to a class, it was easier once upon a time to keep a few steps ahead of the students in your class, not so much now though!!! 
Title: Re: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Jamberie on April 07, 2013, 10:34:58 am
DJ, it looks amazing! You must be so proud! I started knitting done squares for DD before she was born & never finished as she arrived early! You have inspired me to finish mine off!
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: judydawn on April 07, 2013, 10:37:47 am
Great job DJ, you have every reason to be very proud of your efforts.   I'm sure the gift will be well received. What's your next project, you will have so much time on your hands now this one is finished. ;D
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: cookie1 on April 07, 2013, 11:38:01 am
DJ that looks beautiful. The joining up and edge really set it off. You should be very proud of it.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Katiej on April 07, 2013, 11:38:47 am
Beautiful!  What a great achievement.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Wonder on April 07, 2013, 12:05:18 pm
Looks great DJ well done, im sure it will e well loved.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: jeninwa on April 07, 2013, 12:16:47 pm
Simply stunning DJ.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: EmeraldSue on April 07, 2013, 12:41:20 pm
You've done a fantastic job. It looks beautiful.
Where would we be without the Internet?
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Mama Fergie on April 07, 2013, 01:00:02 pm
Love it DJ...... My gran and my grandads spinster sister both taught me crochet and at the time I thought it was boring. Now I realise the importance of family passing on their skills to the next generation of family... Family is everything and whatever our skills we owe it to our next generation to share and teach what has been lovingly passed onto us from our loved ones....... I am so enjoying this with my kids and now their kids..... The cycle of family life is everything :)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Kimmyh on April 07, 2013, 01:17:02 pm
Beautiful DJ. A very cosy gift. Well done.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Halex on April 07, 2013, 01:20:04 pm
Absolutely lovely DJ, you should be very proud :)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Bonsai on April 07, 2013, 02:22:52 pm
Gorgeous 😊
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Jadey on April 07, 2013, 03:44:54 pm
DJ that is absolutely gorgeous! Is this your first crochet project that you have taught yourself as you went along? I want to learn to crochet and to knit properly and how to follow a pattern. I remember my Nan knitting all the time and it's probably a better use of my time then sitting on facebook or *cough* forums *cough* when I'm watching TV

Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: droverjess on April 07, 2013, 05:38:58 pm
Thanks for the lovely comments. Where would we be need without the marvellous net!

I could knit already Jadey and the squares are knitted. Haven't done much knitting in last 20 yrs but used to knit when young and for my own children when young.
Crochet was a new skill, the joining and the border are crochet.

JD I am planning another project, a smaller crochet one to consolidate what I've leant and possibly another blanket as a wedding gift. Thicker wool to be quicker. However I am going back to work part time from tomorrow so won't have so much time.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Cuilidh on April 07, 2013, 09:10:05 pm
What a fantastic blankie, you must be very proud of yourself.  It is a beautiful piece of art.

Well done and good luck with your job.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: mcmich on April 07, 2013, 09:14:14 pm
The blanket is gorgeous DJ.  You are very clever.

Good to hear that you are going back to work, all the best with it.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Frozzie on April 07, 2013, 09:33:34 pm
Blanket looks lovely

Great news about the job ... Xx
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: obbie on April 07, 2013, 10:07:43 pm
Beautiful DJ, it looks so cosy :-*
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Yvette on April 08, 2013, 01:46:49 am
Blankie looks beautiful DJ what a treasure it will be  :)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: trudy on April 08, 2013, 01:54:56 am
Fantastic job DJ.  They will love it!!!
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: jo_nz on April 08, 2013, 05:05:07 am
It looks gorgeous!   ;D So special
x
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: cookie1 on April 08, 2013, 06:18:48 am
Good luck with the job DJ.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Aussie Brenda on April 08, 2013, 07:08:21 am
Wow. DJ that is lovely, congratulations, can you tell me how you joined the squares? .i like the look of the white around them.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Katya on April 08, 2013, 08:25:09 am
That's amazing DJ.  I can't believe you did it so quickly. 
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: droverjess on April 08, 2013, 09:12:56 pm
AB I can't find the link but think these are similar.

http://gourmetcrochet.blogspot.com.es/2010/01/flat-braid-join-how-to.html and may have been crossed with this
http://rensfibreart.wordpress.com/handy-crochet-tips-tricks-2/d-joining-new-yarn-joining-fabric-squares-motifs/ please see no 3

I think I made up my own stitches a bit like these because mine seems wider. ;D

First I edged every square in white sc crochet,
Then I did something similar to these links going from square to square.

I joined the 7 squares across singly, one by one.
Then I sewed the strips together one by one.

A few of you know already, this blanket has been my salvation.
My DH was unexpectedly diagnosed with kidney cancer at the end of January. He is now recovering from a major operation.
I shall have to do another project as my hands miss the occupation, and my mind the mediation, but I am now back doing a little nannying work now he is ok to be left recovering at home for a few hours at a time. I worked today and will be out again tomorrow for a bit.
We await histology reports at our next appt in about 3 weeks but trust and hope that it was caught in time and he will be fine.

I started the blanket as a portable occupation and have done sqaures in the car, at the hospital and all over the place, but had no idea the joining would be so challenging or take quite so long! I am very proud of it and hope that it gives much joy and warmth to mother and child in due course. 

This will be my next project as I am enjoying crochet. http://www.aestheticnest.com/2012/03/hoh-in-crochet-easy-baby-afghan.html

I also have a wedding one to do. Chunky wool, knitted squares I think, with easier or no joining or long stripes to sew together
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: goldfish on April 08, 2013, 09:40:22 pm
DJ - I'm so sorry to hear about your DH.  Sitting here in shock.  Your strength through everything the last year or so has thrown at you is amazing! Sending both you and your DH (and all your family) loads of love and hugs! :) :-* 
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: judydawn on April 08, 2013, 11:57:16 pm
Life throws us many challenges DJ and you certainly have had more than your fair share.  I do hope DH is recovering well and his results will be exactly what you want to hear. I'm so glad you are at the stage where he can be left for short times so that you can do a bit of nannying and what a great idea you came up with to while away the hours waiting for things to happen and during his convalescence.   Wishing you both all the best and hoping a normal life will come your way again very soon.  :-* :-*
Title: Re: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Jamberie on April 09, 2013, 12:03:00 am
Oh gosh DJ, you certainly have had a tough time. Hoping for the best results for DH :)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: maddy on April 09, 2013, 01:13:26 am
The edging is perfect for your blanket, and it looks so soft and snugly  8). Well done DJ!

So sorry your hubby is going through this  :( 
Life's curveballs are so cruel....I wish him nothing but a positive report, and a smooth road to recovery.....and many hugs to you DJ xx
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: meganjane on April 09, 2013, 01:38:05 am
Gorgeous Blankie DJ and I love the next project, the Baby Afghan. Looks like it's heavy enough not to fall off during the night. Should keep you busy! Though, squares are more portable, as you say.

Glad you've let everyone know about your DH. There's a lot of support here.

Thanks for the UK TMX newsletter too! It's way better than the Aussie one with loads more recipes.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Yvette on April 09, 2013, 01:47:14 am
DJ so sorry to hear about DH. I hope he recovers well and don't forget to also look after yourself  :)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: droverjess on April 09, 2013, 05:45:37 am
Thanks for the kind messages, it means a lot to both of us.
We can't change the hand we've been dealt, just hoping we can get a better life eventually.

At least the lighter days are coming, even if not a lot warmer. Until the jet stream moves I can't see us having much of a summer? I hope I am wrong.

Title: Re: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: *suzanne* on April 09, 2013, 07:13:57 am
I hope warm days aren't far away dj love to you both xxx

your blanket is gorgeous,  a very dear friend of my parents crocheted each of my children a beautiful white blanket when they were born sending it all the way from Ireland.  they  still have them and in the cooler months we have them on their beds.  I've tried in vain to crochet but can't get the hang of it
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Cornish Cream on April 09, 2013, 07:44:17 am
DJ you certainly are a remarkable person to deal with everything that life has delt you this past year. :-* :-*
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: achookwoman on April 09, 2013, 08:02:13 am
DJ, this is just beautiful.  What a great creative effort.  This will be treasured for years and years.  I admire and envy your energy with everything that goes on in your life.   ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: cookie1 on April 09, 2013, 08:02:51 am
DJ sendingositive thoughts to you and your DH.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: mcmich on April 09, 2013, 08:09:26 am
Wishing DH a speedy recovery and all good things to come your way from her on in.  :)
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Frozzie on April 09, 2013, 12:56:36 pm
What a rocky road... As u know I wish good things to come fast for you both.. Especially health.. the rest will follow xx. Thank you for your support even when your life was so rocky .. Wishing you and dh lots of positive outcomes after such a long road of bumps and hairy turns xx hugs
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: EmeraldSue on April 09, 2013, 01:40:23 pm
What a rotten time you have had lately. I hope that things improve for you both soon, and your DH continues to recover, along with your weather.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: deedub on April 09, 2013, 01:43:11 pm
What a beautiful blanket DJ, so sorry to hear of DH's illness. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: fundj&e on April 09, 2013, 06:20:11 pm
That is beautiful DJ looks so cozy and warm, well done
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Jadey on April 10, 2013, 08:45:46 am
DJ I am so sorry to hear about your hubby. I do pray for his recovery for you. Maybe being where you are right now was meant to be to ensure his treatment etc. Who knows.

I can't wait to see more from you because you are so talented.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: droverjess on April 10, 2013, 09:16:01 am
Thanks everyone again you are all very kind.
Jadey even we have wondered that with a top hospital 25 miles away.

Now trying to work out what to do next for the longer term.
Title: Re: The blankie is done!!!
Post by: Katya on April 10, 2013, 09:37:00 am
I'm sorry I've only just read about your DH DJ.   What a journey you are on and I do hope it is not too bumpy a ride.

Thinking of you  :-*