Saturday 12 December 2015

Granny Square Stash Buster Blanket

Whoop Whoop, I've finished it! My long term crochet blanket project is done and just in time to give as a Christmas gift.
I started this stash buster blanket project about 2 years ago, maybe even longer. I have picked it up and done a bit whenever I've not had something else on the go that I can get on with of an evening if I'm watching TV. I like to crochet or knit when the telly is on, it feels like less of a waste of time!
I feel very happy to have made such a lovely bright blanket without spending much money at all. However I am surprised that my stash doesn't seem to be any smaller....not sure how that works!
I shared some photos of this as an ongoing work in progress back in April 2014.
Most of the yarn I used is UK Double Knitting, which I believe is something like a light worsted, the thickness varied slightly as yarn does but it all evened out in the end. I used a 4.5mm hook (although it is possible a few squares where made with a 4mm hook - the big problem with long term projects!)

I cannot tell you how much yarn I used, it really is all my left over bits and pieces, except for the sparkly grey which joins all the central squares. I brought 3 100g balls for that. Originally I planned for the whole thing to be with the grey but when the 3rd ball ran out I found I had quite a bit of black in my stash so gave it a border of black instead of buying more.

The whole thing is made from granny square rounds, joined with the "join as you go method", no sewing the squares together - bonus!

For a border to finish it off nicely I did 4 rounds of UK trebles (that's US doubles) As you can see in the photos I just joined a new colour as the last one ran out, I like how this adds to the "stash buster" effect.

This blanket was inspired by this bea-u-ti-ful blanket from One Dog Woof.
photo courtesy of One Dog Woof
I pinned this when I first started using pinterest, it's just so pretty! ChiWei from One Dog Woof has a brilliant step by step tutorial on how to do this "join as you go" method. This was a really game changer for me, I was always a bit rubbish at getting the tension right when sewing crochet squares together.
The person we're giving this to is not on the internet so I'm quite safe sharing photos of it here. The other handmade Christmas gifts we are giving this year will have to wait so as not to spoil any surprises! 
 
Actually it looks quite nice on our sofa... maybe I need to start another one to keep! 
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Hello, I'm Julie. I love making things and this is where I share my enthusiasm.

36 comments:

  1. wow so pretty! what an achievement and feeling to finish something that was 2 years of love and detail in this - well done xx

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    1. Thank you Jenny. Yes, 2 years is a long time, I honestly thought 6 months when I started it but other projects just kept on getting in the way!

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  2. It look absolutely beautiful! Great to have that satisfaction of finishing :)

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    1. What a lovely this to say Shaz, thanks. I am very pleased to have it finished at last.

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  3. Looks FAB!! - The colour switch to black was actually quite brilliant and gives it just the right amount of "pop"!

    BTW, a true "STASH" *never* decreases!!
    ;-}
    #BuilderOfStashMountains

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    1. Awh, thanks Auntie Shan, I'm glad you approve and like the black border. I don't normally like working with black for crochet as it's so hard to see but the contrast is great.
      I am starting to see what you mean about this stash business - it must be something to do with the way lovely yarns just fall into my basket in the shops!

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  4. Julie, this crocheted blanket is beautiful!! I made a smaller stash buster quilt once. It feels good to use up those little bits and leftovers. Your blanket is wonderful! Great job!! I'm sure the recipient will love this beauty!! :)

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    1. Thanks Keri, it has been a great way to use up really quite little bits of leftovers.

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  5. Looks everso pretty. I like the dark squares around the border.

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    1. Thanks, what started as a "don't need to buy any more" idea turned out for the best I think. I'm glad others seem to agree.

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  6. So much work and love in there, simply stunning #CreativeMondays

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    1. What a lovely thing to say.
      It was a lot of work but then I didn't rush it!!!

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  7. It does look very good on your sofa! I really must learn the join as you go method as I hate the sewing up at the end if it's a big blanket. Yours is really lovely.

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    1. You do still have all the ends from colour changes so it doesn't eliminate all sewing but I haven't used another method since I learnt this one which says it all really!

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  8. What an awesome blanket. I love the black outline with the grey inlay. it makes all the other colours really pop! What a great present to receive!

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    1. Thanks Katie, I am pleased how the darker border worked in the end too.

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  9. Love your blanket - it turned out great. I am sure the person you are giving it to will love it.

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  10. Beautiful and I have got to learn crochet

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    1. I'd recommend it Carolee, I learnt from a book about 15ish years ago, it's really easy and very quick compared with knitting, plus there are so many great tutorials on you tube nowadays.

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  11. That is so beautiful, Julia! Hope it will keep you warm over the Winter, and I'm sure it will be a wonderful heirloom to pass on :) Happy Christmas!

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    1. Ah, I've given it away now Ang! I do have a much older one I made when my kids were young which we drag out when it's really chilly - it's just not quite as pretty as this one.

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  12. Like Carolee I really need to learn how to crochet, your blanket is so pretty, I love the black around the edge and I'm really drawn to the bright pink. It goes so well on your sofa.
    Best wishes x

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    1. Thanks, the bright pink is one of my favourites too, I tried hard to use up the "boring" colours too by mixing them up with the brights that I really love.

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  13. So pretty! I hope to find the time to make one of these someday!!

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    1. Thanks Bethany, granny squares are the easiest thing to crochet for sure, how long it takes depends of your time and how big you want it to be!

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  14. Wow it looks great, I love all the colour. I'm working on my own granny square blanket but it's a long long way off from being finished. Seeing yours as inspired me to keep on hooking !

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    1. It's the perfect pick up now and again project, I don't think it really matters if it takes years to complete does it??!

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  15. I love granny square blankets. Would love to make one with my bits and pieces, but the grandkids are always asking for them so they can make something. I need to just buy the yarn I need and get started.

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  16. It's really pretty, I would love to be able to crochet but it just never sticks in my head.

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    1. Thanks, It's really very easy and you tube is full of great tutorials. But actually the best way to learn is to sit next to someone who can crochet, ask them to slow right down and then just copy what they are doing!

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  17. I do like your colours on your blanket and the pattern. It does look nice and cosy on your sofa......keep it! haha

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  18. This is a beautiful blanket! I might just have to make myself one! Blankets are one of the most fun and rewarding projects to work, but I tend to avoid anything larger than a baby blanket because they take sooooo long. Props to you!
    You'll be featured in the July's Granny-Spiration Challenge as one of the most clicked projects. Next challenge goes live tomorrow (Friday 6/30) at midnight EST.
    Alexandra
    EyeLoveKnots.blogspot.com

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