Last December and January for a while I was at a loss
what to do… Lots of yarns and fabrics and pens and paper, and really all kinds
of stuff to do, to make something, and not a clue just what to make. I had a
small, new puppy who took so much of my time that it was no wonder there was
not much time to ponder different variations… but I had to have something on
the go, because I just cannot have idle hands. I don’t do well without
something to do…
I had this cutest tiny dog-person in the house and
since she was the center of my days, I wanted to make her something. (Sorry for all the dog hair in the red blanket pictures.) I started
to crochet her a little red blanket. I used all sorts of leftover sock yarns and
enjoyed making those small squares. The blanket was made in rows and there is
no sewing, you attach the next square to the previous. Very easy and really,
not heavy or cumbersome to do at all. I was afraid that in the end the blanket
would be difficult to move around, but it really was not.
It provided lots of enjoyment and there was no need to
plan anything, just crochet away one patch at a time. I loved the process, the
feeling of being inside the work, not having to worry that it would come to an end
any time soon and just kept crocheting. I made it bigger than was really needed.
It is in use, daily, and I am sure it provides a nice add-on to Piisku’s
wellbeing. It being mostly wool, it is warm. Plus, I love to look at it, I see
it daily, as Piisku’s bed is next to mine and it is nice to be looking at
something handmade. And to see her curl on the little blanket, makes my heart
curl too.
Once the little red blanket was done, again, I had to
face the empty feeling of not knowing how to occupy my hands and thus I began
my own blanket. Same technique but mostly blue yarns.
I don’t like my own blanket nearly as much as I like Piisku’s. I should have made equal squares instead of making these long strips… But, at first, I thought that I would make a piece to put on the wall, I would tack it to a background, possibly on linen and maybe add some embroidery or applique on it. The reality is, it is quite heavy, and I would have needed to sew it carefully to the background and I was afraid that it would not work out well. Then I never figured out just how to embellish the piece, so in the end I just added this small edging to it and let it go. Every time I look at it, I see it somehow as a failure… at least so far, I have felt so. But so is the creative life, one cannot succeed every time.
I am sure, I had to make it this way, otherwise I
would not have been able to get it out of my mind. I really thought it would
work out well. It is ok, fine, it is warm, it taught me a lot… and it gave me
hours of entertainment (even though in the end I sort of knew it was not going
to work out and the last rows were a pain, but I was not going to give up.)
Maybe at some point, I will figure out a good place for it… or maybe I will
continue it somehow.
It is mostly sock yarns but there are other yarns in
the mix. The most fun part was of course picking up yarns and mixing them. I
like the colors but could have used them in a more creative way. While
crocheting these straight rows I was thinking if I could make different shapes
with this method but there would be challenges. But making different size squares
would give movement to the blanket and maybe I will return to this technique at
some point and try that. I think I used 3mm hook. I remember that I had to block it out carefully to even out the edges and the size is about 140cm x 180cm (56"x72").
Long time ago I made a smallish granny square blanket
and that came out fine. (It is in Ruusu’s bed.) It has subtle colors and I am
happy with it (in the above picture it is not yet finished).
So, this is my blanket journey this far…
Wool with you,
Lene
They all look warm and cozy, just what you need in your far north home! I have to say that the last one appeals to me the most.
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle and thank you! I must say that I agree about the last one...
DeleteOh Lene, you are so hard on yourself! Your blankets are just so beautiful, I'm sorry that you aren't happy with the one you made for you! I think it's just lovely and looks just the thing to snuggle up with on a cold, snowy evening. I could see you crocheting some snowflakes to scatter across it, if you wanted to embellish it in some way. I'd love to know what pattern you used, or what method to make those blankets!
ReplyDeleteSnowflakes would look good! I did not use any pattern, but I was inspired by Sandra of Cherry Heart blog, I'll put a link on my next post!
DeleteWow! I crocheted one blanket while in college and it took FOREVER (or so it seemed). The nice thing is that my son is using it (and it is about 45 years old...my son will be 30 in a few days). I am now knitting him a cable blanket in a bright canary yellow yarn. It is fun, but getting heavy on my lap.
ReplyDeleteI love all the colors in your various blankets. Each one is so pleasing to me. Thank you for sharing.
They do take forever to make and then they are forever with us, and most likely will be here once we are gone... Thank you!
DeleteI love all three blankets. The palette of the second one reminds me of being at the beach here in Australia, perhaps more so because I am having a few days down at the coast at the moment. Maybe some embellishments on that theme: shells, waves?
ReplyDeleteYou are right there, it is beach colors...I like the idea of waves, maybe some overlay crochet?? Thank you!
DeleteLene, you have so much talent. I am in love with those blankets.
ReplyDeleteThank oy Deb, xx.
DeleteI love your doggie blanket. Can you tell us the crochet stitch/pattern that you used and the size of the squares? Thanks. Chris
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, I will tell more about the method on my next post! Thank you,xx.
Deletelovely, all!! I've been a 'blanket' person, too, when lacking in other inspiration....only with knitting squares and strips.
ReplyDeleteBlankets are good, they seem to never end, and what an accomplishment once done! Knitting a blanket is something I still need to tackle, have not had the courage to try that.
DeleteThank you Steph, xx.
They are all lovely. If the one you made for yourself isnt your favorite, then give it away and make a new one. There is no rule that says you have to keep it. I crocheted a blanket for my daughter in 1979 and we still have it. It was made with acrylic yarn and will be around longer than I will.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Maybe one day one of my daughters would like to have it... as many shawls as I have made, I don't own many, the shawls have a tendency to walk away but this heavy blanket has stayed put..
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete