june at noon

Here, as promised, are the baby blanket photos. Considering what a frustrating project this was in the planning stage, I think it turned out ok.

I usually do patterns that require holding two strands together for a squishier, softer blanket. (I think the extra strand makes the stitches bigger, thus allowing the yarn to lay looser and feel softer than when worked up in a single strand.) I also wanted a pattern that would work up quickly, since time was tight.

I started by looking for suitable yarn and found the local selection sadly lacking this time ’round. Since I needed this blanket done, oh, three or so weeks ago, I had to settle for what I had, so I chose Bernat Softee Chunky Twists in Tangerine Twist.

Alas, everything I tried using two strands just wasn’t right. I experimented with patterns and needle sizes, knit and crochet, for several days and finally admitted defeat. Desperate for a finished gift, I downloaded a free pattern designed specifically for this yarn, switched to a single strand, chose a needle one size larger to get the look I wanted, and got to work.

The pattern is incredibly simple–way less complex or interesting than what I prefer to do–but it did whip up quickly, and I still think it’s pretty. Now it’s all wrapped up and ready for the post office. Whew! Better start making reminder notes about these things, as my brain seems to have turned off!