crafts & knitting

me old china, finished

Julie (little Cotton Rabbits)

 

Oc6

 

In some ways I'm a little sad to have fastened off the last stitch in the edging of this blanket.

 

Oc7

It has been a pleasure to make; rhythmic, undemanding and soothing.

 

Oc9

After a bit of a false start (when I had a crisis in confidence about the colour choice and unpicked 20 squares) I started again and I'm now very pleased that I did take out that yellowy colour.

 

Oc4

 

The colours to me are rich and comforting and it has turned out just as I had hoped.

 

Oc10

In fact I am ridiculously pleased with it.

 

Oc3

So here it is, all finished (though it's not easy to photograph)

 

Oc1

 

And here are some stats:

:: Started on August 31st 2011 and finished on January 27th 2012

:: Worked with a 3.5mm crochet hook in 10 colours of DK yarn:

5 balls of Rich 911 (red) Rowan wool cotton (including 2 for the outer edge),

3 balls each of Geranium 976 (dark pink), Tender 951 (pale pink), Antique 900 (cream),  all in Rowan wool cotton, Basil (green) in Rowan Belle Organic DK and Mirage (pale blue) in Rowan Classic cashsoft DK

2 balls each of Cypress 968 (aqua), Clear 941 (silver grey), Blue Wash (dark blue) all in Rowan wool cotton,

9 balls for the main background Celandon 979 (pale green/aqua) in Rowan wool cotton

:: There are 99 squares (9 x 11) and it measures 133cm x 163cm

:: Each square is a traditional granny square (there are lots of tutorials on the internet such as this one) and each square has 6 rounds of different colours. There's a sort of checkerboard pattern, alternating between squares with red near the centre and those with it near the edge but it's fairly random.

:: Each square is surrounded by a round of the background colour and I worked 3 rows of this around the 99 squares.

:: The edging is worked as follows: 1 row of single crochet, 1 row of double crochet, another row of single crochet and a row of picot edging.

 

One a day

I've got used to working on a little crochet in the evening so now I'll have to ponder what to make next as my one a day project, though I think I'm a little blanketed out.

Any ideas?

(part of the one a day project)

91 thoughts on “me old china, finished”

  2. It’s so beautiful Julie and I understand your sadness at finishing it. Isn’t it funny how some projects are relief to be finished with while others you want to go on forever. I love the pale green yarn it’s so very pretty.
    How about some cushions to match then you can continue with it in a different way!
    Have a lovely weekend Julie,
    V x

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  4. My two favorite colors. Red and blue so of course I think you chose well on your color selection. 🙂 It turned out great!!
    Hmmm, what to do now…… socks anyone?? 😀

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  15. Now all you need to do is snuggle up under it & enjoy a celebration ‘toast’ to it’s completion!
    Thank you for adding the link to the Making Winter Project…I think I’m beginning to get Emma to see the positive side of Winter!

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  17. That’s gorgeous….you did a great job! I can never get over blanket making, and as the current one is nearing an end I am planning the next….I suggest? Another blanket, how about a nice ripple!

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  19. gosh it’s beautiful julie…those colours are just divine, will be a family treasure x
    I need to get back on the crochet wagon!
    have a lovel weekend
    love jooles x

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  20. Actually, my daughter had tons of fun making toys. Her link: http://lifekunst.blogspot.com/ But don’t go there because her search is disabled (arg) and you’ll never find her brilliant work. I’ll chase her down and fix that, dang it. Anyway – you know what I have to say about these images and your work. I know how you hate it when I repeat myself. ;0)

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  22. It is a blanket of beauty….and personally between you and me and the gate post…even if you had left the yellowy colour in….It still would have been a blanket of beauty.

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  23. It’s beautiful Julie – and the colours are so very you!
    Someone at my needles and natter group has made a glorious crochet scarf/shawl thing with different colour flowers (it’s from a Japanese crochet book – think Lucy at Attic 24 did a version). I think it might appeal to your colour choosing fun side!

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  30. What a beautiful blanket, as with all things it is the colours that make it so pretty. Completely understand your sad feeling, the same as coming to the end of a good book.
    With such a gift I look forward to seeing what you decide to make next.

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  34. It is a beautiful blanket. I’ve recently started teaching myself how to crochet. Being able to crochet a beautiful blanket like yours is what I aspire to. I’m working on it one dishcloth at a time! lol

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  42. your blanket, as everything you do, is stunning. It looks just right for snuggling under. I’m surprised Amy hasn’t got it already. You make me feel ashamed-I still haven’t started my one-a-day, and here we are, on 28th Jan. Liz Phillips xx

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  44. It’s perfection! I just purchased a hoard of yarn and will attempt to crochet an afghan. I have never crocheted before, but have been told it is fairly simple-here’s hoping:) Thanks for the inspiration!!!!!

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  46. The blanket is wonderful and I absolutely love the color choices. You are a very talented lady. Keep up all your good work … Now your next project should be … tutorials for clothes … I love the clothes you make for the bunnies! Would you consider some EASY tutorials? Thank you for all the pictures you post!

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  50. Woo Hoo! How good does that blanket look and so soft…I am going to have to get some of that wool/cotton it looks gorgeous. I can just imagine you snuggled under that softness. Perfect colours too! I’m with Rachel….socks anyone 😀

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  54. Julie it is beautiful! The red really pops, yet the finished project is very peaceful and comforting. You have been extremely productive this month, finishing this and all those gorgeous mittens you posted earlier – I’m so impressed! I wish I could get out so many finished objects.
    Enjoy dreaming what to make next.

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  55. Wow that’s gorgeous. You do such amazing work. I love coming to your blog and seeing your crochet. I’m more of a knitter, but am taking some small steps into crochetland and hope to someday be able to make a blanket at beautiful as yours.
    I also thought of you when I came across this blog the other day. Not sure how I found them, but I love it. I think I might use it to pick out colors should I ever get started on some blocks for a blanket. Seriously – lovely stuff. http://design-seeds.com/

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  58. It turned out absolutely beautiful. Congrats!! You should feel really chuffed about it. Lets face it, a blanket like that is a big committment- especially if you rip some of it out! Again you have inspired me to try crochet. For some reason I can wrap my brain around any knitting, you name it. But when it comes to crochet its like I have some kind of block in my brain! I think I just have to have the courage to get on with it, so thanks so much for sharing the journey and sharing with us all. Take care.

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  62. It was beautiful before, but the edging makes it even better!! Ok, you got me knitting again and one day I might have to start crocheting again too. Only if I can find wonderful colors like you choose. Thanks for the inspiration. I hope you get to use it when your daughter hasn’t grabbed it. 😉

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  63. Each square reminds me of the butter mints.. in those soft pastels. Not to sound like a lemming but you did an amazing job, this is gorgeous!!

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  71. It looks absolutely beautiful, the colours are so restful and pretty. I am making a bag for my new One A Day, I can’t face another enormous project at the moment either.

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  72. Your blanket is beautiful. I just love granny squares, I think they’re the best. Looking forward to seeing your next project.

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  74. How about a beanie? I bought a pattern for a men’s beanie and I could use some help as I learn to crochet.
    I love your blankie. I think you made the best decisions about the colors. It is perfect.

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  77. Hi Julie, just discovered your beautiful site for the first time and have given myself neck ache reading the archives! Totally love your bunnies and have enjoyed reading your warm, wise words – will be a regular reader from now on 🙂

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  78. The blanket is amazing! I was wondering if you have heard about weighted blankets for autistic kids ? A friend made one for her grandson. He loves it. It is made with poly pellets sewn into fleece fabric tubes. I guess the weight of it helps the kiddo sleep better. Perhaps this would help Toby!

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  81. The blanket is absolutely gorgeous and the colours match perfectly. I’ve nominated you for the versatile blogger award so others can read your brilliant blog. Sam xx

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  83. Wow – it’s absolutely gorgeous! I’m not really into crochet, I only ever made the Babette blanket, but I certainly do love knitting every night!

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  84. Hi Julie, you new blanket has come up lovely, I hope you are ok during the terrible weather England has forecast, it has been on the news here in Australia, they are saying it is going to be terrible, I shall be thinking or you, hoping you are warm and dry. xxBrenda

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  85. oh its gorgeous and you were right (and brave) to ditch the yellow – the colours are dreamy. i too am blanketed out a bit (have just finished a cot sized ripple ‘ghan – yet to be blogged) and wonder what to do next. wearable blankies? i really like having one on the go as it is always there to pick up and go. mmmm………….
    have a lovely weekend xxx

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  89. Beautiful inspiring work. I’m sorry that Christmas was difficult. Just remember that there are people rooting for you and loving you and your family every day that you haven’t even met, yet. All the best, Jill

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  90. Hello! Doing the Tuesday Tally rounds. This is my first week. So many of you are done or getting done. What an inspiration! Your blanket is beautiful!

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