Dr. & Mrs. Reed: January 2015

January 29, 2015

Dainty Pink Stars

This blanket was a different one for me for a few reasons:

1. I only chose two colors- I normally choose at least four and have been know to include up to 11.

2. The colors I chose were very light, I normally lean towards jewel tones, brights and neons.

3. The border. Oh, this border! I don't know why I haven't used a ruffle stitch before, it adds such a great texture to the blanket.

This stitch is so unique to everything else I have worked on. I like finding stitches that are more than just a bunch of double-crochets back to back to back. The stars create a dense, tightly woven blanket with a great texture. I was worried about it being too stiff but once I got the border finished it added enough weight to help it drape nicely.

To create the border I did one round of half-double crochets and for the second round I did 3 or 4 double crochets in each of the stitches from round one. It takes a lot of yarn and a little more time than a normal edging but it so so worth it! Give it a try on your next blanket!

Dainty Pink Stars Stats

Yarn: Stylecraft Special DK from Deramores or Love Knitting
Colors: White, Light Peach
Hook: 5.5mm
Finished Size: 29" Square
Stitch pattern and video: New Stitch a Day on YouTube

January 27, 2015

Charlie Brown Crochet Blankie

I don't know why but when I look at this blanket all I can think is, Charlie Brown. Maybe it's the colors or the way the chevrons look. Whatever the reason, that's what I've named this blanket. I bought the pattern for this blanket almost a year ago and had the hardest time figuring it out. I just had this mental block understanding how the words of the pattern translated into how it should look.

My best friend's mom has made a couple huge blankets using this pattern so last time I was in Texas I had the master crocheter sit down and teach me the stitch. Finally, it made sense! Thank you, Mama Rosa!

I made a goal last year to improve the borders on my blankets. When I get to the last row I am so ready to start a new project that I sometimes hurry through the finishing or put it off for weeks at a time. I have another blanket to feature soon with a ruffle edge that is so girly I can't even stand it. This blanket however, is a mix of laziness and working on my goal.

Is it possible to be both of those things?

I think so.

I hope so.

Since I changed colors at the end of each row I had so. many. ends. to weave in. I hate weaving in ends. I have actually thought about hiring one of the youth in my ward to do it for me. With this blanket I decided that I would just tie them off and add a little fringe instead. I love how it turned out! I carefully stitched a V-stitch border along each side and then pulled the loose ends through as I added tassels.

This kind of border is so much more enjoyable to create than weaving in a hundred ends. I highly recommend it.

Don't be discouraged by my struggles with this pattern, it's actually very good. I learn better by watching someone stitch but since I couldn't find a YouTube video on this stitch it took me a while (and a trip to Texas) to figure it out. If you live locally I would be more than happy to show you how the pattern comes together if you are stumping along with it too.

Charlie Brown Stats

Yarn: Red Heart Soft- White and Orange, Stylecraft Special DK- Walnut, Saffron, Meadow, Lipstick
Hook: 5.5mm
Finished size: 35" Square, not including fringe
Pattern: Found on Raverly here.

January 20, 2015

Wiggly Rainbow Crochet

I finished this project months and months ago but for some reason I am just now getting to posting about it. This must have been one of the first blankets I ever bought a pattern for. I have bought a few since then, some better than others. I would definitely recommend this seller's patterns on Etsy, they are incredibly easy to follow and fairly priced. I want all the things in her shop!

I used an entire rainbow plus some for this blanket (10 colors total!) which made it really bright and wild. I think it would look great to do this in just white and gray or navy as well. The color possibilities are endless! The rows came together fairly quickly even though I was using a smaller hook than usual. This blanket is so dense and soft and the fringe on the edge gives it a little something special. Plus, when you make fringe like I did, using the ends of each row, you don't have to weave them in at the end! I detest weaving in the ends when I finish a blanket, it's really the worst.

For how many blankets I make, I rarely keep them for myself but this one is definitely going into the stash for my future kids. I am sure it will be barfed on and the fringes will be pulled out or stuck up noses but that's okay. Blankets are meant to be loved.

Wiggly Rainbow Stats

Yarn: Style Craft Special DK- all colors, Red Heart Soft- White
Colors: Too many to remember? I made this a long time ago...
Hook: 4.25
Finished size: 38x36 inches without fringe
Pattern: Here

January 14, 2015

2014 By The Numbers

I like making lists. On our drive to Canada the other week we made a list of all the things we could number about 2014, a little list of counted blessings and adventures.

Visited 7 countries while traveling- France, Monaco, England, Spain, Germany, Canada and the US.