When a friend or family member announces their pregnancy one of the first thoughts that pops into my head is what sort of blanket I will crochet them. For Amy and Nic’s Savannah it was a raspberry toned granny square, for our youngest niece Madeleine it was a unisex stripey number, and for Matt’s cousin’s boy Rufus it was a large granny in the round with navy, grey and mustard.
My best friend’s little girl, Claire, has had to wait a little longer for her special blanket – I quite simply ran out of the critical white wool I was using and had to order more from America! Claire was born in early November, so her blanket became a Christmas gift. Elisha and Dan didn’t know the sex of their baby so I stuck with a rainbow of colours (yes, there’s still pinks and purples in there, I thought this was fine for a boy, but I just knew they were having a girl!) Nevertheless, actually knowing it was a baby girl confirmed the more feminine scallop edge border in purple for me, which I completed after Claire was born.
You can never underestimate the time it takes to make one of these – you initially think you’re going really well, granny squares are so quick and easy, you tell yourself! They pile up quickly, then it comes to joining them together…then joining the rows…then the weaving in. Oh my goodness, the weaving in, I’m still getting over it, it’s traumatic stuff. Then the edging. Then finally, you finish and stand back and think ‘that wasn’t so bad!’ Sort of. It might be a little while before I embark on another granny square blanket, I’ll tell you that much!
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Claire’s blanket was made using a variety of wool I had in my stash – more expensive designer yarns like Spud & Chloe, and cheaper acrylics from Spotlight etc. The best part of a granny square rainbow blanket like this is you can use up lots of odds and ends. The main white yarn I used was Berroco Vintage DK which I buy from Shop In The Making. I used a 4.5mm hook.
Bruna says
I love crotchet and love what you make. I must get learning to crotchet book out and really learn on doing more and becoming proficient.I have wanted to start a blog for a while but never had the courage until now. I truly find you inspirational.
Emma says
Thank you so much! I found youtube videos the most helpful when learning to crochet, I had to see someone actually doing it to understand. The hardest part is starting, and the same goes for blogging. Good luck!
sharon says
there’s obviously a reason why my granma just made the one big granny square in the round, changing colours every third go round. She was prolific. Must have been the quickest way ever to do a blanket!
Emma says
I’ve done them like that too, and it is a bit quicker but I don’t enjoy them as much, gets a bit monotonous!
Katie says
So beautiful – what a keepsake present. I received a knitted blanket when my little babe was born and it was such a sweet gift – something I treasure much more than a store bought item. I have never had an interested in crocheting (thought it was just something old ladies did!), until I started blogging and saw all of the awesome fun things you can make.
Tina says
Hi Emma, I’ve just taught myself to crochet and my next project will be a blanket. It’s a bit daunting though isn’t it to start such a huge project, deciding colours, patterns etc. I have been getting my wool from bendigo woollen mills. I’ve been so pleased with the quality and colours and the delivery is super reasonable. Congrats on your pregnancy too. Just had my fourth so I’ve been busy crocheting lots of things for her. Tina (the rogue sparrow)
Emma says
Yes love Bendigo Woollen Mills! We’re going to Bendigo this weekend so I’m hoping to stock up 🙂
Sophie says
So gorgeous, I love it! After seeing this, I totally want to learn how to crochet!
Emma says
I taught myself off youtube a few years ago – a bit of patience and you’ll get the hang of it!
Kathy says
It looks beautiful and the edging really finishes it off. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia