Whit's Knits: Pixie Dust Lap Blanket

This is a where-did-you-get-this?! kind of blanket. Big, loopy stitches; hand dyed, extraordinary color; and smatterings of sparkly "pixie dust" all conspire to make this no ordinary blanket.

The yarn comes from the incredibly creative yarn company, Knit Collage. We used their super funky Handspun Yarn to knit up the Fun Kid's Hat last spring, and now we're turning our attention to their more subdued (relatively speaking!) Pixie Dust yarn. A blend of wool and mohair, Pixie Dust is a handspun, ultra bulky yarn that really sparks the imagination. I'm transported right into the land of fairy tales. With this color (Lemon Meringue), I can't help but think of Rapunzel and "Let down your golden hair!".

You won't be the only one who thinks your new blanket is awfully cuddily. While I was making the Pixie Dust Lap Blanket, my cat Butterfly stalked my every move, waiting for the moment I would set down my needles so she could finally claim her rightful place deep inside the blanket's soft stitches. Now that the finished blanket is at Page's house her cat Sylvy has taken up right where Butterfly left off!

I can't think of an easier way to makeover a room than to whip up this show stopper. Provided you can wrest it from your cat, it may even keep you toasty warm all winter! For instructions on how to make one, please visit our Pixie Dust Lap Blanket Project Journal. Thanks! - Whitney

Comments

[alexia]

Wow, I love this blanket! It looks almost surreal in the first pic-very alice in wonderland :)

[blandina]

Beautiful pictures and colours. This blanket looks warm and cosy, perfect in a Winter afternoon with a good book and a cup of tea!

[Maya]

oh my! It looks so soft and inviting, I really want to make one : )

[Virginia]

That looks really lovely. My cats would probably live in that blanket all winter.

Love the photos. They're gorgeous.

[Lou @ Little Green Shed]

Wow, I think I am in love! Such beautiful colour and yarn. I love the wooden bench and bowls... ahhh so cute all of it! I am loving the new look too! Lou x

[Ankita]

it looks so lovely and cozy. it would feel so good to cuddle up inside it just like the cat has!

[lindsay]

The color and texture are perfect! I can't imagine a more perfect blanket to warm up a cold dreary day.

[Aly]

God, that's a good looking blanket.

I don't know if I've ever felt such a rush of love for a picture of a blanket. I may have to try this out, because my cat would love that blanket!

[Shelly]

It looks beautiful! But is this yarn $35 a skein? Unfortunately that's a little pricey for a knitter with my budget. Is there a more economical alternative to this yarn that might work?

[purl bee]

Hi Shelly,
A very well priced alternative is the Magnum from Cascade. Same needle size. You'll need a total of 245 yards.
You can find Cascade's Magnum right here:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/650-Cascade-Yarns-Magnum
Enjoy!

[Bonnie@WhatAboutPie]

That blanket is absolutely delicious! I am in LOVE with that yarn! Thank you for this post!

[Notes from Holly St.]

this is gorgeous...i'm in love!

[Erin]

This is beautiful!! Great job and gorgeous yarn!

[ana @ i made it so]

oh that looks insanely cozy!

[Jeanne]

Help! Maybe I am misunderstanding the needle size. It is calling for #36 circular needles??? I can't imagine how big those are and I looked up needles on your site and couldn't find that size. Am I goofy or is this the correct size?? Thank You. This blanket is gorgeous and I can't wait to knit it!

[purl bee]

Hi Jeanne,
Yes a size 36 circular, they are giant! We've temporarily sold out of these needles due to the popularity of this project but we have more on the way. If you'd like us to email you when they are back in stock you can do so at this link:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/contact

[Aimee]

wow... i'm just *sigh*ing my heart out right now! This is positively GORGEOUS. And it looks EVER-SO warm and soft and cozy! *sigh* the colour is just crazy! i love that shade of yellow. ;D
yay!

[Angie]

Went to my lys and asked them to order 36 circular so I can start this beautiful blanket. Had to convince them it really was a US 36 needle!! It was all the buzz at the shop for quite a while!

[Jennifer]

Any idea when the pixie dust yarns will be restocked? I had mango in my cart and someone snatched it before I could to checkout ;)

[purl bee]

Hi Jennifer,
The yarn is on it's way right now so hopefully we will have it by next week. If you'd like us to let you know when it's in, please email us at the following link and we'll be sure to let you know!
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/contact

[Andrea]

Very unique project! Here's my finished blanket:

http://web.me.com/andrea.hungerford/On_Blueberry_Hill/Blog/Entries/2010/10/17_Pixie_Dust_Lap_Blanket.html

[Eleanore]

This is absolutely gorgeous! Wow...marking your blog for future reading.

[Mia]

Since it's a mohair blend, does the yarn shed at all? I'd like to make this blanket as a gift, but I don't want to give her something that will shed all over her sofa and clothes. Anyone have experience with this yarn?

[J]

Mia, the yarn does shed quite a bit. Be warned.

[CrochetNCrafts]

wow that looks super cozy for a day like today when its snowing and blowing. TFS! :)