Friday 14 November 2014

Eleanor's Ripple Blanket

I've finally finished edging Eleanor's Ripple Blanket so I'd like to share a few photos of it, though I should apologise first of all because the photos aren't all that good. The light just lately has been awful and as it's raining again today, there's still no chance of getting any better ones. I'm having to make do with these which I took earlier in the week.

I'm really pleased with the size of the blanket. After making Daniel's Ripple Blanket, I knew that I wanted this one to be a little bigger, and it's turned out just right.


It's a good size for Eleanor's single bed. I started off with 213 chains (15 X 14 + 3).


There's a good overhang on each side of the bed, something which is missing with Daniel's blanket which was started with only 171 chains.


Eleanor chose the colours for the blanket herself, Khaki, Meadow, Spring Green, Pomegranate, Fondant and Candyfloss. They work well together and compliment each other well. It matches her bedding perfectly.


Lucy from Attic 24 wrote a Ripple Blanket Know-how which I followed to straighten the top and bottom edges.


Trebles are used up the sides to match the colour of the top and bottom of the blanket before edging.


I used Stylecraft Special DK, the same yarn I've used for all my blankets so far. It makes really snuggly blankets which wear and wash well and it comes in such an array of delicious colours.


It's a year since I started this blanket but I've really enjoyed every stitch that's been put in to it. I like having long term projects, something which can be picked up and put down again. The ripple is so relaxing, there's a rhythm to it and once you get going, it just seems to flow from the hook.


Eleanor's really pleased with her blanket and she's already putting orders in for more, she's got lots of ideas. I'm not sure what I'll start on next. I was bought a pack of Stylecraft Special DK for Christmas last year which I wrote about in my Christmas Yarn post. I haven't used that yet, though I'm still debating what to use it for. I also have my Yarn From Skeggy which I haven't broken in to yet either. I'd like to start another blanket but I'm not sure what style I want to make. I think it's time to put my thinking cap on.

44 comments:

  1. Super blanket, I really love the colour combination, no wonder Eleanor loves it. Fun to chose your next project, look forward to seeing what it will be xcx

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    1. I was unsure about the colours when Eleanor chose them but I think she did a good job, they work so well together. I'm not sure what I'll start next but I'm itching to get going with something so I need to decide quickly.

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  2. I love rippling so relaxing. I'm sure Eleanor loves it.

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    1. I'm quite sad to have come to the end of my ripple journey as it is so relaxing. I've made two now so I think I need to start something different but there's no doubt that I'll make another ripple in the future.

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  3. It looks good, and it sounds like you've plenty to keep you occupied through the coming months once you've decided what to make next. Flighty xx

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    1. The problem is that there's so many things I'd love to make, it's just deciding which to start first as there aren't enough hours in the day to make everything I want.

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  4. It is beautiful Jo. I am sure that Eleanor will love and treasure it for many years to come! xx

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    1. Eleanor's thrilled with it. I'm sure it will get plenty of use this winter, and hopefully last for many more winters too.

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  5. Jo Eleanors blanket is lovely and she really picked well with her colours didn't she. I've still not attempted a ripple blanket yet. I like the fact I can make up quite a few squares of evening time allowing and at last I have learnt to sew in the ends before starting the next square saving so much time at the end. I am using Stylecraft at the moment on a baby blanket by Little Tin Bird Blog which is all the colours from the film Frozen and they look really well together I can't wait to see it finished. I an equally as eager to see what your next project is going to be.

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    1. The colours are perfect together, though I was a little unsure when she first mentioned wanting pink and green. You must try a ripple, it's so relaxing once you're in to the rhythm, I'm sad I've finished this blanket in a way. Your Frozen blanket sounds lovely and it's definitely a good idea to sew in the ends as you go, I always do that as I'd never finish a blanket if I'd got them all to sew in at the end. I've got so many ideas for more blankets, it's just making a decision on which to start first.

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  6. The ripple's gorgeous I can see why Eleanor is so pleased! Good luck choosing the next project :)

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    1. I'm so glad that Eleanor's pleased with it as you never really know how it's going to turn out when you start a project, but I have to say that I'm pleased with it too. Now on to the next thing.

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  7. Smashing bed cover, such lovely colours. It looks very Missoni.

    Jean
    x

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    1. I've shown it on the bed but in actual fact, I think it will be used more as a snuggle blanket on the sofa. Eleanor does like her home comforts.

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  8. just beautiful and I love the edging!

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    1. The edging is always the part of a blanket I dread but it does finish it off nicely.

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  9. Eleanor's blanket is just beautiful! I received a large pack of yarn today to make a ripple of sorts for my own daughter. She chose 15 colours..... Have a lovely weekend. x

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    1. It's exciting embarking on a new project. I look forward to following your progress with your daughter's blanket, it sounds like it's going to be very colourful.

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  10. Its lovely and I bet it is snuggly and warm.
    Just what we need here today with a high of 4C!
    Enjoy.
    Susan x

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    1. It's very snuggly and warm. It's getting much cooler here too now as we head in to winter so I'm sure it will get plenty of use.

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  11. Gorgeous work Jo. Makes me think of ice cream colours! All your work is so neat!
    I've yet to try a ripple, have read Lucy's tutorial but I might try the stripy CAL blanket first as a crochet newbie. I'm sure I make some of it up but I'm getting there :)

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    1. I hadn't been crocheting long before I embarked on my first blanket, and though it wasn't perfect, it's still in use. I think crochet is like anything, it gets better the more you do. I really enjoy the ripple pattern but having now made two ripple blankets, I want to have a go at something different next time.

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  12. Gorgeous blanket, really love the colour choices!

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    1. I think the colours work very well together. I like Stylecraft Special DK as there's so many shades of the same colour in the range, you can get exactly what you want.

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  13. The ripple blankie is gorgeous, Jo. The colours look fabulous together. :o)

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    1. I think Eleanor made a good colour choice. The blanket fits so well with the colour scheme in her bedroom too, though I think it's more likely to be used as a snuggle blanket downstairs.

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  14. Love it, I am nearly at the end of my sea side ripple and have the stylecraft yarn ready for the next blanket. My red and multi granny blanket lives on the sofa, often pulled into a cosy nest by and for Ben, good job it is so user friendly.

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    1. It's exciting when you near the end of a large project but I always feel a little sad too, especially when I've enjoyed working on it so much. I love Stylecraft Special DK, it's such a nice yarn to work with, user friendly as you say, and it comes in such gorgeous colours. I made Archie his own blanket for his bed and he loves it.

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  15. It's absolutely gorgeous Jo, Eleanor must be very happy with it! x

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    1. Eleanor's thrilled with it. She's been anxious for me to get it finished so she's pleased that she's now able to use it.

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  16. I "love" the colours in the blanket, especially as I'm a very pink girl myself. You've done a lovely job on it and the special way the top and side are done gives it a very professional look. Can't wait to see what you get up to next. Take care.

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    1. I suppose it is a girly blanket. I'm surprised that Eleanor chose pink as she usually goes for other colours, but her favourite colour is green. I found it easier to straighten the top and bottom on this blanket than I did Daniel's, I suppose it gets easier the more you do.

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  17. Wow, it looks gorgeous. I finally gave in and bought the Coast pack last week (from Hubby and the dog for Christmas!). It's going to be my first project of 2015. I will ripple :-)

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    1. I think there'll be a lot of Stylecraft Special DK in people's stockings this year. I like the colours in the Coast pack, though I want to start something other than a ripple now, still not sure what though.

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  18. The blanket is stunning. Well done!!

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    1. I like the interlocking ripple pattern, it makes it a little different from the usual ripple stripes. It's turned out just as I imagined when I started it.

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  19. It's really beautiful, Jo. I love working on ripples. I've had one in progress since the summer, which I'm in no hurry to finish, but it's so enjoyable to pick it up now and then and do a few rows. You did a great job and I am sure Eleanor will cherish it.

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    1. It's taken me a year to complete this blanket but I've loved every minute of it. It feels good to have a project to pick up when you fancy without a deadline, something you can really take your time over. Eleanor's very pleased with it, I can tell already that it will be well used.

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  20. Well done Jo, It's a real winner! I love the colour choice Eleanor made, they blend together so well. I'm sure it will be treasured. So snuggly!
    Lisa x

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    1. It's really snuggly, and very warm. It's already being put to good use as Eleanor's cuddling up with it on the sofa, it's a real hit.

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  21. Clever you, this blanket is gorgeous and I love the colours. I always find the colour choosing quite hard, so its nice you had someone do it for you :)

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    1. Eleanor had no hesitation when choosing the colours. Like you, I find colour choosing hard, I was unsure of these colours but they've turned out so well.

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  22. I've been having a look at some of your past projects and the colours of Eleanor's blanket are gorgeous! She has an eye for colour and the way you've blended the ripples is really clever. Best, Jane x

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    1. Thank you for taking the time to look at some of my past projects. I have to say that this blanket is my favourite of all the ones I've made and it's still in use now, Eleanor's bedroom has had a makeover since I made this so she now has it at university with her.

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