the blue blog archives: ready for baby

We've seen our next finished project for this week before. And looking pretty much like it does now. With one small difference: no more pins! The hemlock ring baby blanket I started for Shannon's baby-on-the-way has had its last blocking and was sent off to the expectant parents last week.

sniff, sniff, it's all grown up and gone out into the big world
(click for the BIG version!)

Who knows how long the cotton/silk blend will hold the blocking. I hope that baby will like the blanket enough that it'll acquire that dragged about stretched out look that all well-loved blankies get and no-one will ever care whether it lies perfectly flat or not. Baby blankies aren't meant to be wall-hangings anyway, right?

Flat or puckery, I just can't get enough of that center flower design! It's perfect for the first day of spring: blooming flowers, newborn babies, it's lovely.

posted by alison at 10:25 am | in baby hemlock

Comments

It's gorgeous! I'm sure it will be well loved.

Posted by: Valerie at March 20, 2008 11:20 AM

What a generous gift! It is simply lovely.

Posted by: Vicki at March 20, 2008 11:24 AM

You do beautiful work. I am sure your friend will treasure it.

Posted by: Danetta at March 20, 2008 11:30 AM

So beautiful! I always keep on the look out for the right yarn for this project for me. I want to make a substantial lap blanket, so I'm torn between using something like a worsted weight or going a little more airy.

Posted by: Iko at March 20, 2008 11:46 AM

Yes, Iko, I agree that on this project finding the right yarn is key. It's got to be large enough to make the blanket the right size but not be too bulky or heavy. And it's got to block well enough to at least let some of that lace work really show. I think you're doing the right thing to take your time to think about exactly what you want.

I had to do cotton on this one because of allergies and that led to some serious color issues - cotton just doesn't come in quite as many sophisticated colors as wool does. Plus, the weight of the cotton is an issue. I did see a lacy swatch of this Classic Elite Classic Silk that I used and it showed off the lace quite well without getting all bias-y or too stretched out. And the colors were much better than most of the baby baby, primary, bright bright colors that cottons usually come in. So that's why I went with it. Luckily, it was meant to be a smaller baby blanket, so I could go down needle size and not have to worry about the weight or bulk issue.

Best of luck with yours!

Posted by: ALISON at March 20, 2008 11:54 AM

I love your blanket and am inspired to knit for my granddaughter. My only problem is my firewall at work won't let me open your chart page. Could you email it to me? I would be forever grateful.
Keep up with the beautiful knitting. You inspire us all
Thanks, Dee

Posted by: Dee fm KS at March 20, 2008 12:14 PM

The blanket is hanging over the edge of her bassinet right now -- it's the perfect size and I foresee lots of cuddling and dragging around. It's gorgeous!

Posted by: shannon at March 20, 2008 12:36 PM

Gorgeous!!!

Posted by: Kristeen at March 20, 2008 12:53 PM

It is so beautiful! I definitely have to make an adult sized one!

Posted by: Lindsey at March 20, 2008 1:18 PM

Beautifully done!

Posted by: AJ at March 20, 2008 1:42 PM

That blanket is really gorgeous and an awesome baby gift!

Posted by: Jenna at March 20, 2008 1:59 PM

What a great gift for a new baby!

Posted by: Petra at March 20, 2008 2:16 PM

That might have to be my next BIG project...you know the one that does not travel but sits in the baskets next to the couch. I really like the look of it in cotton. I can see it as a great occasional table cover.

Posted by: Darci at March 20, 2008 2:39 PM

Gorgeous doesn't seem to adequately describe the blanket.

It's definitely a work of art.

Posted by: Anita at March 20, 2008 3:08 PM

beautiful - and lovely to look at on the first day of spring when the forecast is for 3-7" of snow!

Posted by: Donna at March 20, 2008 3:19 PM

It looks lovely!

So here is my question -- is this a hand-wash only blanket? If it goes in the machine, do you need to reblock and dry flat? I've always made babywear fairly machineable, even if it's a wool-cotton blend or whatever, but I'm wondering if you'll lose all the lace definition the first time it goes through the wash. Inquiring minds want to know! It's such a lovely pattern, and yours looks terrific!

Posted by: Jen at March 20, 2008 4:56 PM

Gorgeous! What a gift of love. What a lucky friend.

Posted by: Jennifer at March 20, 2008 5:59 PM

This is so wonderful. It is on my list of things to make. I'm making this one to stay on my knitting/sewing chair though. Great job.

Posted by: Marcia at March 24, 2008 8:06 PM