- Home - Profile - Archives - RSS - Friends

Finishing what I start ...

Posted on Jan. 30, 2007 at 12:31 PM

For much of my life I had the terrible tendency to not finish the projects I would start. Having children made me realize that this was not being a good example. I started getting tougher on myself a handful of years ago. The photo above is of my latest finished project. It was supposed to be a baby blanket. I wasn’t following a pattern and accidentally made the beginning chain too long. Instead of tearing my stitches out and starting over, I decided to make a half size blanket. We have several that size and they really are the perfect size for one person.

Since crochet usually moves along rather quickly I thought I would soon be done with my blanket. Um … no. The stitch I used is a basket weave stitch and until starting this blanket, I had only used it to make washcloths. I had no idea how long it would take to make something of size using the basket weave stitch! Each new set of stitches is crocheted around the posts of the last stitches, not at the top of the stitch like usual. So, even though you are crocheting double crochet stitches, your work only grows the length of a single crochet stitch with each new row!

It takes twice as long to finish but does make for a nice, thick, squishy, warm blanket. My only regret is that the yarn is acrylic and not cotton. My blanket has become a sort of amusement around our house, I spent so much time on it that I have declared it a family heirloom that one of my children will have to take and keep forever!!

Beautiful blanket

Posted by Danaover40 on Jan. 30, 2007 at 1:13 PM - Link

I love your blanket, what a lovely stitch and a nice addition to one of your kiddos hope chest. I know what you mean about finishing what you begin. I've examined myself in this area also especially when I hear myself lecturing one of my kids about finishing what they begin.

I taught myself how to crochet by watching a video from the library, and lots of practice. My daugther and I have made blankets for crisis preg. centers as a fun project.

Do you know where I could find instructions on making pot holders using this stitch? I don't think I could take on a blanket just yet.

I enjoy your blog and found you even before you were FEATURED! Ha!

Untitled Comment

Posted by Happyhome on Jan. 30, 2007 at 6:24 PM - Link

Congrats on being the featured blogger! Your blanket is beautiful and most certainly should be deemed a family heirloom. I'm wondering if you need blankets in AZ? :o) I am a beginner when it comes to crochet. Is the stich difficult? I would love to learn it.

Blessings,

Angela

Good for you!

Posted by SlackerMom on Jan. 30, 2007 at 6:24 PM - Link

It's quite a lovely blanket...and the story makes it even more fun and interesting.

Thanks-

Posted by Danaover40 on Jan. 31, 2007 at 6:12 AM - Link

Thanks for the link for the basket weave stitch. I meant to ask for the washcloth pattern- arrrggghhh. But, I'll go look for one.

Did you ever make Kefir? I use the packets of grains I purchase from Urban Homemaker. We love kefir.

Have a wonderful day in Arizona. It's in the teens here in the Maryland. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr..........

Untitled Comment

Posted by foxvalleyfamily on Jan. 31, 2007 at 2:36 PM - Link

I am guilty of this as well! I have a baby blanket in my crochet bag that I started when my cousin is pregnant - her daughter is almost 2 now and the blanket still isn't finished!
Your's turned out beautifully, though!
Blessings,
Michelle W.

:)

Posted by 15Proverbs1 on Jan. 31, 2007 at 2:56 PM - Link

Perfectly lovely. :)

Love Your Daughter Bethany

Untitled Comment

Posted by tripletsrajoy on Feb. 7, 2007 at 3:45 PM - Link

Beautiful beautiful blanket! I wish I could crochet. I need someone to teach me. Doesn't it feel great to have it accomplished?