My First Blanket!

After making my first scarf, poorly I might add, I decided it was time to make something for real. With my internet being down at the time, I skimmed through my "I Taught Myself Knitting" book. I wanted something simple to start out with that I wouldn't be embarrassed to show people. That was a difficult task since apparently this book was published in the early '80s. It's full of big poofy hats, sweater vests, and some BIG hair. About the only easy thing in there was "Baby's First Blanket". No babies on the way for me, but I figured I'd eventually have a friend expecting should it turn out nice enough to give away. I headed for Wal-Mart because there are no craft stores close by and settled on Red Heart Baby Pink. Okay so it's a bright baby pink, but I was in a pink mood.

I had to hit the local Hancock Fabrics for the size 13, 29" circular needle I needed. They carry Lion Brand, and as I'm sure you all know is a plastic needle with a dull tip on it. It cost me $9 and I was not happy. I prefer the Boye needles at WalMart, and they are cheap to boot! Needle complaints aside, this is a really easy blanket to make! It consists of just knitting and purling and it goes REALLY fast. I finished the first one in about two weeks. Not bad for a first project if you ask me. I will say thought that the Lion Brand needle I used slowed me down, and made my hand hurt because of the extra hand movements I had to make to make sure I obtained the proper gauge.

To date I have made two of these blankets. I made one a few weeks back as a baby gift for a friend. If you don't mind the simplicity of the design I highly recommend this blanket if you want to make something hand made to give and don't have much time. Blanket 2 (now that I have more experience) took only a week to finish. Still complaining about that needle though!

This blanket is approx. 38" x 38" and uses two strands of yarn throughout. I kept blankie 1 because I am more attached to it than I realized I would be (seeing as how it was my first real project) and it is incredibly warm. It is the perfect size to cover up with while I'm sitting on the couch knitting. It did fade out after washing and drying and I actually like the muted color better. It has also held up well to abuse from a 7 year old and a multitude of cats and dogs that apparently find it quite comfortable. I may revisit this pattern yet again should I need a heartfelt,handmade baby gift, but only if I can get a better needle. Photos of blankie #2 below.