Friday, June 28, 2013

Finished Object Friday



No surprise here: I finished my African Flower Hexagons blanket. Once the joining was started the whole thing went together pretty quickly. After crocheting a final round on each motif with the navy blue, I used Single Crochet to join the hexagons into the final blanket shape.

This is the first time I've ever assembled a crocheted blanket from motifs that aren't square. I'm pretty sure I didn't do it the most efficient way - there were lots of ends to weave in - but I found it tough to keep track of motif order while assembling. Stupid head cold didn't help.

The individual motifs were made to use up all the scraps of Berroco Vintage DK in my stash. It's lovely yarn - a 50% wool and 40% acrylic blend that's super soft and has beautiful drape. And it comes in a wide range of colours - perfect for a multicolour project like this. Some Ravelers have remarked about pilling with this yarn. No sign of that here; it still looks good after the first wash and dry, although admittedly I hand-washed and laid flat to dry.

I had just enough scraps to make up 31 motifs which, after joining and adding borders, resulted in a finished blanket that's 34" wide and 42" deep. Not as big as I'd hoped, but not as small as I'd feared. My plan is to donate it to the Warm Hands Network. According to their guidelines they prefer blankets that are 35"x 35" or bigger, but I'm sure they'll happily accept this one.

There's an ulterior motive for getting this blanket done now. In just a few days I'm seeing my brother and sister-in-law at the cottage. Coincidentally they live just a few minutes from the shipping location for the Warm Hands Network. By handing the blanket over to them for delivery I'll save several dollars on shipping! Every little bit helps, right?

Happy Canada Day weekend to my Canadian friends! Happy Independence Day weekend to our American neighbours! Happy Friday everyone! Click through the link to Tami's Amis to see the parade of finished objects there. Lots to celebrate!

20 comments:

Andria said...

That is a very pretty blanket, and for such a good cause. You are inspiring me to crochet a blanket!!

Gracey is not my name.... said...

It turned out fantastic....still love the colors....

Frieda said...

Lovely blanket , I'm sure it will be appreciated !

Happy Canada Day weekend , hope you have blue skies and warm temps at the cottage .

laydilyke said...

I adore African Flower motifs and love your colours. Great work.

Unknown said...

I love it! How can you even give it up, it's just gorgeous! I love Vintage, have't used it for my own things, but lots of baby stuff.

Caffeine Girl said...

That is so gorgeous. It is so generous of you to donate it. Some recipient will feel very lucky!

Barbara at Knitting | Work in Progress said...

That is lovely. What a wonderful gift for some lucky person.

Renee Anne said...

It's lovely :) If they don't accept it, I'd say you have a nice little blanket for you on the couch!

Stefanie said...

Boo on the head cold. Those are always no fun and make you feel fuzzy. I hope you're able to get some R&R.
The navy blue was a splendid choice to outline each hexagon. The blanket's so earthy and grounding. I like how it's unisex.

Word Lily said...

Ooh, love the blanket! Seeing it makes me want to work grannies again!

Anonymous said...

I would have a hard time letting go of that one. I'm sure someone will enjoy it VERY much. It is beautiful.

Happy weekend.

Anonymous said...

Love the blanket and am delighted to see you got it done. The colours are great together and brilliant idea on handing it over to your brother and sil !

Spinster Beth said...

Very nice. I love doing granny squares! You chose great colors.

Wanderingcatstudio said...

It looks great - those colours are perfect for my livingroom!

...:M e d h a:... said...

Beautiful blanket with lovely colors!

Elisabeth Andrée said...

Congratulations with your beautiful blanket. Sweet of you to donate it, I know for sure someone will be very happy with it.

Stephanie said...

What a sweet gift. Whoever receives it is bound to appreciate its loveliness. Love the look of the hexagons!

Handmade by Stefanie said...

That is an absolutely gorgeous blanket!

heather said...

What a gorgeous blanket to donate! Love that idea and your work is wonderful!

wynette vass said...

Your color scheme is gorgeous!! Love the look of just leaving them as hexagons.