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Main | How much is too much color? »
Thursday
03Aug2006

Warming Up to Crochet

crochetmag.jpgcrochetmagpic.jpgAs I was helping a customer pick out her Koigu for the blanket featured in Interweave Crochet’s spring 2006 magazine, I started to fantasize that maybe I could make it too, that it could be ME picking out Koigu colors!
I had once crocheted an edging on something knit, but that was about the extent of my crochet knowledge. I’m really glad this blanket came along to inspire me to learn a little something more about crocheting.
Two co-workers, Leah and Faye, both gave me some pointers, and, pivotally, a crochet-fanatic customer, Lindsay, actually showed me how to make the basic square that forms the foundation of the pattern. Plus I was aided by a great book called “Kids' Crochet” by Kelli Ronci which is written for kids, but worked for me. --Whitney

Posted on DateAugust 3, 2006 Authorpurl bee Print ArticlePrint | Comment14 Comments

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Reader Comments (14)

Oooh, that is one lovely blanket! Is this one yours or the one from the book? Gorgeous colours - bit 'klimt' too.
August 4, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMICHELLE
The blanket in the photo is from the magazine. The brilliant colors definitely have a Gustav Klimt thing going on.
August 4, 2006 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
The Babette blanket to me is the most beautiful thing I have laid eyes on. I am working on it myself but not with koigu...I could not come up with all their colors at the time I started. Even so it's very pretty.
Thanks purl for your site. I love seeing all the yarns for hours and hours daydreaming about what I can do. I sooooo wish I could knit. I am so envious of all you knitters out there!!!
August 8, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterMandy
Hey, all. I am the maker of the Babette Blanket.
I cannot tell you how honored I am that folks at my favorite yarn store on earth like it enough to make one!
I had a great time making that and was so happy and flattered that Kaffe Fassett and Liza Prior Lucy, who inspired it, liked as well.
Are you doing different colors?
I thought it would be nice also in chalky blues and greys-totally different look.
August 8, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterKathy Merrick
Kathy,
And we are so honored to have you posting on our blog! We think this blanket is one of the most beautiful projects we've seen in a long time. Whitney is making a really beautiful version of your blanket, you'll see it develop right here. Stay tuned!
August 8, 2006 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
Wow! I am so impressed that you are actually undertaking this project. In the colors you chose, it will be amazing.

I will be checking up on your progress!
August 24, 2006 | Unregistered CommenterLindsey, the crochet fanatic
Hi all,
I am very much interested in making this blanket also. I have backordered the magazine. I was wondering though, are there any other yarn substitutes that will look just as good. As beautiful of a yarn as it is, Koigu is a little pricey.

Thanks,
Michelle
January 10, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterMichelle
Hi Michelle,

The great thing about this project is that, since it is a blanket, the size of each block and finished size are both flexible. There are many wallet-friendly yarns you could use that are close or a bit bigger than Koigu. Here are a few:

Cascade 220 http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarndetail/649

Rowan Cashsoft 4ply: http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarndetail/801

Louet Opal
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarndetail/587
January 10, 2007 | Registered Commenterpurl bee
I have a question. I've seen the supplies list - do I really need 22 skeins or did I count incorrectly? I love this and want to make it, I just want to make sure that I have enough yarn before I start. And since the magazine is still not in my hands, I wanted to double check before I started buying. Thanks!
April 13, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterKahne
So beutiful!
I love it.
August 17, 2007 | Unregistered Commenterupa
How much yarn do you need for a full blanket?
October 2, 2007 | Unregistered CommenterBonecos e Tintas
It would have been handy if I'd found this before I started my rug!
May 24, 2008 | Unregistered Commenterlittle.red.hen
Hey, what a wonderful blanket is it! I wish I could do that my self too...Unfortunately, I have no talent for that. Keep doing beautiful things!
I love it!
October 1, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterNancy Rencontre
I'm going to tackle this blanket as my first project (wish me luck!), now isn't wool itchy? I'm wanting a real soft blanket. What would you recommend?
November 30, 2009 | Unregistered CommenterMelissa

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