Blackberry Salad Bobble Blanket

Ta Da!  I finally after just about 2 years, finished my bobble blanket!

I found the pattern here:  http://www.mooglyblog.com/free-pattern-blackberry-salad-striped-baby-blanket/ 

After going back and forth with the affordability of wool yarn, I finally decided to try a blanket made out of "economy" wool yarn (that's fancy talk for cheap).  I was hooked (no pun intended) on wool.  Having tried several acrylic brands and only really liking one (Stylecraft Special dk), I figured that if I am going to spend so much time and effort on a project, I want it to be made from something I enjoy working with.  Truthfully, there is over a hundred dollars worth of wool in this blanket but that only works out to 5 dollars a month in wool for the duration of the project so I can live with that!

I didn't work on this constantly for two years but I liked having a blanket packed up in a work bag ready to take in the car, or do a few rows in between other projects, or maybe grab a half an hour of crochet time before bed.  It is fun to have a big project to work on in spurts when I feel like it with no deadlines or pressure to finish.  And what immense pleasure in finally getting it done!

The yarn is Alpaca Love by Stitch Nation.  It was on close out sale so I stocked up on the colors that were available.  This is a heavy, aran weight yarn, recommended to be worked up on an I hook.  I used an H hook because I like tighter stitches.  I was completely inexperienced when I started this blanket and probably did all the wrong things including choosing such a heavy yarn for such a heavy patterned blanket but I love the way it turned out!  The blanket is lap sized (it is pictured on our queen sized bed and weighs...drum roll...5 1/2 pounds.  That is one heavy blanket!!  But, it is probably the warmest coziest blanket I have even snuggled up underneath.  

Completed blanket 

A simple border  

Texture 

Stripes 

Stripy texture up close 

Look at those raised rows 

Folded up 

Waiting for storage.  I think I may have Phil build a special coffee table/shelf system where I can store lap blankets when they are not in use. 
Snuggling up before bedtime

I will probably be pretty protective about this blanket's use.  It has to be hand washed and I have no idea how to dry something so heavy because it will need to lay flat to retain its shape.  But, when in proper use, I will take great pleasure in seeing the Kelly's cozied up with it!

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