Sunday 19 July 2015

Crochet Progress and Using Wool Warehouse Bags

It's hard to believe, but it's over a year since I started my king size crocheted cotton blanket. In fact, details about the yarn I'm using were in my very first post. There have been some updates on the progress since then, from the first squares at the end of this post, a whole row done at the end of this post, some more here (at the end) and great progress made here.

Of course, I've taken breaks from my blanket since it was started. Many breaks! To make lots of other things. Some big some small. Now, at last, the blanket end is in sight. It has never been a project that made me feel under pressure to get it finished. I have enjoyed working on it and then putting it away while I did something else. Now that is is nearing completion I'm really feeling the impetus to get it finished. How do you think it is looking?


More has been done since this picture was taken. I have nine more squares to crochet and that will make a total of 132 squares! Now, if you crochet (or knit), you will know that finishing the last square is not finishing the blanket. There are hundreds of ends to be sewn in. In fact, it's likely there are more than a thousand ends to sew in! There's also a border to be done; something which I still haven't decided on.


Do any of you order yarn from Wool Warehouse? If you do then you are bound to have noticed the way they now package the yarn in these lovely bags. I thought they were bound to be useful for something once the yarn had been used. So, I removed the Wool Warehouse ribbons and substituted some of my own for pulling the bag closed. You could use very colourful ribbons or ribbons with a message printed on them (like Happy Birthday or Hand Made with Love; you know the sort of thing). A very useful bag for all sorts of things. I have used some already to pack items I've made to give to someone else.


I might as well let you see one of the little makes that has kept me from blanket. This is a dishcloth made using King Cole Bamboo Cotton yarn. It's lovely to work with; very soft although a little bit splitty. It's 50% bamboo and 50% cotton so ideal for using to make washcloths and dishcloths. I used the full 50g ball for this dishcloth so it's a good, generous size. My dad was impressed with it! 


If anyone would like to know how the dishcloth is made I can write it up for you; there's not much to it. It's so easy I've made another one in blue.

Best wishes to all of you for now. I'm sorry that I haven't had much time for reading other blogs this week and for leaving comments. I've had technology problems but really it's just a case of not enough time.

26 comments:

  1. I love your blanket. The colors are fabulous! Those dreaded ends :)
    Shan

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  2. I just LOVE that blanket, I think it's turning out amazing!!
    I also really like the dishcloth, especially the stitch you used, so yes, if you're planning on sharing some instructions out there, I'm among those who would be interested... xx

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  3. What a wonderful blanket! It looks brilliant!

    I used the wool warehouse bags for collecting left over yarn which I give to charity. Very useful!

    Take care
    Anne
    Crochet Between Worlds

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  4. The blanket is beautiful! I likely would never get around to weaving in all those ends...Ugh.

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  5. Your blanket is looking good, good luck sewing in those ends they're an absolute pain aren't they?

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  6. Your blanket looks great, but oh I feel for you with all those ends to sew in, it's the part I like least. The washcloth is lovely too, bamboo cotton has a lovely feel to it, thanks for offering to share the pattern. Hx

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  7. Your blanket looks fantastic! Oh gosh though, the ends! They are the worst aren't they. Good luck with it as it looks so good! xx

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  8. Your blanket is lovely, I have to weave as I go I can't stand all those ends at the end. Yes I like the wool warehouse bags too I always find a use for them. :)

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  9. That blanket is absolutely gorgeous. You are doing a fantastic job getting it finished. Love your dishcloths.
    Meredith

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  10. Lovely blanket and dishcloths! The dishcloths look far too nice to use though! :-)

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  11. Love your blanket! It's so pretty!! And your right all those ends and borders do take forever. Sigh, but it's so worth it in the end. Your dishcloth is very nice!

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  12. Tut tut at not doing the ends as you go, naughty hooker! I'm impressed at your Dad being impressed with the dishcloth, not sure my Dad would even know what one was! I'm using that exact bamboo/cotton for some facecloth edging, I love that colour :)
    Jillxo

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  13. I love the colors of your blanket ! Stunning ! I should crochet dishcloths too once ... have a creative day !

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  14. Hi Gillian - just checking in after a bit of a blogging break. Lovely blanket - wish I had your patience and skill to tackle things like this.

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    1. Hi Doris - welcome back! I'm looking forward to reading your next post. Hope you're enjoying our 'summer'.

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  15. The blanket is looking fabulous but those ends, urgh! I'm looking forward to seeing what you do for the border. I love the washcloth too, such a pretty pattern.

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  16. Gorgeous blanket, Gillian! It is nice to have breaks from such a big project and make some smaller things too. Such a good idea to use the Wool Warehouse bags in that way...changing the ribbons is a great idea!
    Happy new week.
    Helen xox

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  17. Your blanket looks brilliant, it is a good idea to take pictures outside on the lawn. The colours really 'pop up'. And your dishcloth looks beautiful, as well. I never made one because I just can't imagine to use something I made with love for cleaning. But maybe I should try once. Viola

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  18. Wow what a gorgeous blanket.

    Hugs Diane

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  19. Your blanket is stunning! I love all the vibrant colors.

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  20. The blanket is coming along beautifully, Gillian, what brilliant colors.
    Amalia
    xo

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  21. I wonder how you will feel when you finally finish your blanket after it has been a 'reliable friend' for so long now. There is something comforting about returning to a familiar project time and again after taking breaks to try new things. Do you agree or do you have a different experience? Your blanket is so colourful! :-)

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    1. I hadn't really thought about it but have been kind of dreading being finished with the blanket. That must be why. I have started a shawl so hopefully that will help!

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  22. Wow, fantastic! ♥ This blanket will become a treasure :-). Have a nice day! Nata xxx

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  23. Hello Gillian! I really LOVE your blanket, all those beautiful colours!!!
    I know how you feel about the ends, I am the same...
    And your Dishcloth looks great, just goes to show how a nice stitch pattern can add interest.
    Which stitches did you use?
    Ingrid xx
    Myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be

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    1. I posted the pattern for the dishcloth here: http://hookinayarn.blogspot.com/2015/07/dishcloth-pattern-and-framed-quaker.html

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