Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Psychedelic Squares baby blanket

With just 12 hours to spare before the baby shower I finished the baby psychedelic squares blanket. It was a big hit at the shower- since the Mama and Papa to be live in upstate NY they both agreed that this afghan will get lots of love and use! Mission accomplished!

I hand stitched the knitted portion to the cotton backing after very carefully measuring and pinning all around. The stockinette still wanted to roll even after being blocked and stitched to the backing. I think the front and back look really cute together.

Of course, I just had to have the satin lining around the edges. After all, the best blankies have that oh so smooth satin to nuzzle against when almost asleep. It also solved the rolling stockinette issue. This was my first attempt at mitered corners and they were much easier than I thought they would be. The satin border was a bit tricky- especially with my inability to sew a straight line. Each side had to be ripped and resewn at least once (did I mention that my darling daughter managed to break my seam ripper the day before? Unpicking seams by hand is no fun). The satin also seemed to catch on any rough edge of fingernail no matter how minuscule. My sewing machine, of course, gave me it's own problems with all the broken threads and running out of bobbin thread and all, but it got the job done.


I am very pleased with the finished result. I think it looks fabulous, the yarn was great to work with (it did go through the washer and dryer twice and got softer but did not pill or shrink) and the parents loved it. That being said, I really do not see myself attempting this one again. I think it took as long to do the finishing (seaming, backing, edging) as it did to knit the squares....at least it felt like it.

Pattern: Psychedelic Squares Afghan 16 large squares completed.

Yarn: KnitPicks Swish Superwash 2 skeins of each color (baby blue, deep ocean, dublin, aloe)

Size US 8 needles

Finished size 30" X 30"

9 comments:

Andrea said...

You did a beautiful job. I love it!!

DAWN said...

big pats on the back, you did a great job. What a lovely keepsake for the young one.

Anonymous said...

Amanda, that has to be the cutest baby blanket ever! You did a fantastic job, absolutely fantastic. I love those colors & the backing & especially the satin (I agree with you there)...BEAUTIFUL.

knottygnome said...

wow, it looks gorgeous. i love the backing and binding idea.

sturdygirl said...

wow, that is really cool! you included so many nice details. it will be an heirloom in their family, for sure.

Lara said...

It is amazing! Such a fun blanket and I have to agree with you on the satin trim. I was a child that loved the satin edges. Glad to know the info about swish from Knitpicks. I haven't been to impressed with their yarn but I will try it.

Also, my yarn for Lemonade is still not here!!! The lady I bought it from on ebay was on vacation. It should be here any day and I will swatch and start knitting!

Persnickety Knitter said...

Love that mitered square afghan. It really is quite psychdelic in that top photo. Very cool.

I also really like those stars you are crocheting. I wonder if there would be a way to connect a bunch of smaller ones into a bigger afghan.

Anonymous said...

Hi! The blanket is fabulous!!! I need to make one!
I found your page via Magknits, I really like your Lemonade design. Congratulations to your publication!

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