I've had a lovely time knitting this blanket - my great thanks to Kay for inspiration and practical help. The last time BB had a course of chemo, I knit her a shawl - admittedly in cashmere - but an undoubted shade of grey. I thought at the time that something colourful would have been better so I've put it right with this cotton blanket.
I used Anchor Magiciline which is randomly striped throughout so I can claim no credit for the colour combinations of each mitre.
I used a little discretion in placing two of each colourway within each 'four' square - I think it makes the colours hang together better.
I mattress stitched the four mitres together which gave the best finish.
It became a little more problematic when sewing the four larger squares together - mattress stitch looked messy plus the seams became bulky and heavy - not what I wanted for a soft blanket at all. I ended up crocheting the long seams - I guess it was just a single crochet chain through the cast-on loops of each square for want of a better technical description. Seemed to work well.
I picked out a couple of colours from my basket of Rowan Handknit cotton for the border. I like the way it brings everything together.
The edging was done in the round using two circular needles and markers for each corner. I increased either side of the corner stitch on every knit row. I guess I could pin it out to be entirely straight but I'm happy with the way it looks. (And yes, that is my camera strap in the corner of the picture - iphoto just would not play nicely at that point.)
I love the way that the placing of the squares gives new surprises when it is sewn together. Other squares and combinations appear.
Sitting in the sunshine outside - the BB (who is blind, remember) has pronounced it "soft and full of triangles and squares".
Job's a good 'un.
Posted by Anita at May 1, 2008 05:28 PMGosh it is absolutely wonderful - what a fabulous colourful blanket - as you say you can see so many different shapes and colours in it! Fantastic job.
Posted by: sarah at May 1, 2008 07:55 PMGreat blanket, full of sunshine/
Posted by: India at May 1, 2008 09:00 PMJob's definitely a good 'un - it's gorgeous: full of sunshine, ice cream, strawberries & mango...
yummy!
xxx
Cute!!
Posted by: colleen at May 1, 2008 10:50 PMOhhh, its wonderful! I especially love the border - colours and knitting : D
Posted by: homelyheroine at May 1, 2008 11:05 PMWow - love the colors. Congrats on a fantastic FO.
Posted by: Jennifer at May 1, 2008 11:35 PMIt's just the thing for a bright summer's day!
Posted by: Ali at May 2, 2008 12:40 AMIt's fantastic, and so summery. I wonder if we'll get a summer this year! BB is sure to love this.
Posted by: dawn at May 2, 2008 10:05 AMProper job - it is beautiful. You are truly a lovely person to knit something with such love and care.
Best wishes to you and BB,
Claudia
Such a beautiful blanket ! Did you tell BB it has the colours of tulips in the sunshine in it. I always loved the silkiness of tulip petals as a child.
She will be wrapped in the warmth of sunshine and your love. There is nothing better.
I hope the chemo went well. As well as chemo can, anyway. Roll on summer and the bright echoing sounds of hot days. Don't you just fancy a picnic on the beach ? Too cold and wet right now. :-[
Shut up Emma, and go to bed ...
:0)
xxx
Posted by: Emma at May 3, 2008 04:12 AMThat blanket should help to brighten anyone's day.
Posted by: Alyssa at May 5, 2008 06:40 PMWhat a lovely colorful blanket! I'm pretty sure I can feel the happiness radiating from the blanket through my monitor.
Posted by: monica at May 5, 2008 07:03 PMIt's so beautiful, zingy is the word that springs to mind, lovely hot, cheerful colours, perfect.
Posted by: Rebecca at May 5, 2008 07:17 PMIt reminds me of a kaleidoscope. It's really beautiful. And it obviously feels lovely for your little girl too. Bravo!
Posted by: Claire Birtles at May 9, 2008 12:10 PMWhat a lovely, cheerful blanket! Cheers one up just seeing those colours. Best wishes to you and BB.
Posted by: Anne at May 17, 2008 03:16 PMThis is a beautiful blanket! I love the colours you have put together. Beautiful work...
Posted by: francoise at May 19, 2008 11:25 PMWhat a great description the BB had for it - triangles and squares :0) I spent my life finding ways to describe visual things to my parents so it's lovely to hear her description coming back.
Colour was always an odd thing. Mum lost her sight age 5 and Dad was registered age 7 so they both had a child's memory of colour (hence Mum's choice of a bright red wedding dress !)but it's the strangest thing to have a conversation about with a blind person. :0)
Hope things are going well for the BB and all the family.
Heather x
Posted by: Heather at May 20, 2008 08:44 PMIt radiates happiness and is perfect for this time of the year. And there's nothing better than being wrapped in handknitted love - a hug made of yarn.
Posted by: Amelia at May 26, 2008 02:44 PM thank you now i know the colors
of yarn the brand of yarn i need
to make my very own rainbow blanket
hi bb i am a breast cancer survivor
8 years this very month of may
i wish you well liz
Checked your blog several times over the last month but no new posting - hope things are going well for you all and the BB is enjoying her blanket.
Take care
Posted by: Sarah at June 2, 2008 07:33 PMWhat a stunning job. It's gorgeous and made with love.
Posted by: kirsty at June 4, 2008 10:05 AM