The finished blanket!
Knitting Christmas gifts is a lovely thoughtful idea that should fill you with generous Christmas spirit. But oh my goodness, you have to give yourself enough time!
Unfortunately, I’m no stranger to knitting on a deadline. It’s not my favourite way to knit, but boy, it helps me get stuff done. I started this one with three weeks to go - so I intentionally picked a simple pattern to maximise my chances of finishing it in time. I’m pleased with my choice - the On the Porch Blanket by Fifty Four Ten Studio. Even though it’s clear from the photo what needs to be done, I bought the pattern as I wanted the simplest smoothest route to success. Incidentally, I’d say it’s a great pattern for beginners as it’s really clearly written!
Foolishly, I ordered the wrong yarn first, and lost time waiting for the new yarn to arrive. I’d accidentally picked a non-superwash yarn. Imagine making a baby blanket that’s handwash only! (On the plus side, I decided to keep the extra yarn, so now I’ve got another project for myself in the queue.)
I finally started on the 7th of December. The actually process of knitting went smoothly - it is a basic pattern after all - I just really had to go at it. This translated to about a week of hardcore knitting (3+ hours a day), but my pace tapered off as I got closer to the finish line, through sheer knitting fatigue. I finished it on the 22nd, giving me time to wash and block it before wrapping it.
Looking at the finished piece, there are a few errors here and there. They’re mostly because the yarn was splitty and I had to ladder down to tidy up a split… but messed up the ladder. I’m viewing these errors as a maker’s mark, as signs of the blanket being handmade, with love. And on the flip side, I just knitted a 32" x 37" blanket in 2 weeks! (While juggling the rest of my life and Christmas planning too!)
The blanket was really well received, which makes it all worthwhile! I hope the little one feels wrapped in love when she snuggles up under it.