Sometimes I hesitate to share accomplishments for fear people will think I’m being cocky or feeling too proud. Sometimes – today, for instance – I really want record of some of the things I’ve done! Because YAY! What a weird world to live in when it feels wrong to feel proud of yourself. 🤔
I took on a new challenge this year! Blankets! It actually happened by accident. I had NEVER completed a blanket EVER, not even a little kids size. It felt completely impossible. Also, one of those funny things from the past that sticks with you kept coming to mind, which was someone I used to know telling me crocheted afghans were useless and ugly. This year, as a couple of blanket patterns caught my eye, I decided that persons opinion didn’t matter to me anymore, and that I was going to go for it.
Twice.
I made them both simultaneously, but they are VERY different!
The first one I’ll show you came together smoothly, very symmetrical.
This one was the easier of the two because the squares were all the same. After making a couple, I knew the pattern in my head and could just work from memory. Its hard to see, but the grey, yellow, and white yarn are all sparkly, which I thought was fitting for the person receiving it, whose favorite color is “unicorn.” Hahaha! This blanket was a really good starting point, with all of the squares being the same. If I could change it now, I wish I had made a bigger border, because its still pretty wavy along the edge, and I wish it was a bit straighter. But, for a first effort, I’d say its a win!
Blanket two is less symmetrical, less polished, and uneven. That being said, I am SO happy with it!
This blanket was a much bigger challenge, and while its far from perfect, I’m excited about how well it turned out. The more complicated squares came out tighter, which is too bad but really hard to avoid! Therefore, the tension is different from square to square, leaving the lines a little warpy and some squares a little “firmer” than others. Attaching the squares was tricky with them so different in tension, gauge, and basic numbers, but it worked-ish. Its not even, but its still soft, made with a TON of love, and the style is bang on for its recipient!!
Finishing a blanket, or TWO, makes me feel excited and accomplished! I already really enjoyed the kids being along for the ride. They are SUCH encouraging kids, and were VERY excited about the results. I dream of, one day, doing ALL homemade gifts between our family members, and seeing the excitement on their faces when we all accomplish crafty things, makes me feel like it could happen!
How big of an undertaking would it be to make each kid a blanket for next Christmas? Probably a lofty goal. But hey, its December 29th. Never too early to start! 😆
Show me your homemade gifts!!! Given or received!