The blankie is done!!!

[Halex]

Absolutely lovely DJ, you should be very proud

[Bonsai]

Gorgeous 😊

[Jadey]

DJ that is absolutely gorgeous! Is this your first crochet project that you have taught yourself as you went along? I want to learn to crochet and to knit properly and how to follow a pattern. I remember my Nan knitting all the time and it's probably a better use of my time then sitting on facebook or *cough* forums *cough* when I'm watching TV

[droverjess]

Thanks for the lovely comments. Where would we be need without the marvellous net!

I could knit already Jadey and the squares are knitted. Haven't done much knitting in last 20 yrs but used to knit when young and for my own children when young.
Crochet was a new skill, the joining and the border are crochet.

JD I am planning another project, a smaller crochet one to consolidate what I've leant and possibly another blanket as a wedding gift. Thicker wool to be quicker. However I am going back to work part time from tomorrow so won't have so much time.

[Cuilidh]

What a fantastic blankie, you must be very proud of yourself.  It is a beautiful piece of art.

Well done and good luck with your job.

[mcmich]

The blanket is gorgeous DJ.  You are very clever.

Good to hear that you are going back to work, all the best with it.

[Frozzie]

Blanket looks lovely

Great news about the job ... Xx

[obbie]

Beautiful DJ, it looks so cosy

[Yvette]

Blankie looks beautiful DJ what a treasure it will be 

[trudy]

Fantastic job DJ.  They will love it!!!

[jo_nz]

It looks gorgeous!    So special
x

[cookie1]

Good luck with the job DJ.

[Aussie Brenda]

Wow. DJ that is lovely, congratulations, can you tell me how you joined the squares? .i like the look of the white around them.

[Katya]

That's amazing DJ.  I can't believe you did it so quickly. 

[droverjess]

AB I can't find the link but think these are similar.

http://gourmetcrochet.blogspot.com.es/2010/01/flat-braid-join-how-to.html and may have been crossed with this
http://rensfibreart.wordpress.com/handy-crochet-tips-tricks-2/d-joining-new-yarn-joining-fabric-squares-motifs/ please see no 3

I think I made up my own stitches a bit like these because mine seems wider.

First I edged every square in white sc crochet,
Then I did something similar to these links going from square to square.

I joined the 7 squares across singly, one by one.
Then I sewed the strips together one by one.

A few of you know already, this blanket has been my salvation.
My DH was unexpectedly diagnosed with kidney cancer at the end of January. He is now recovering from a major operation.
I shall have to do another project as my hands miss the occupation, and my mind the mediation, but I am now back doing a little nannying work now he is ok to be left recovering at home for a few hours at a time. I worked today and will be out again tomorrow for a bit.
We await histology reports at our next appt in about 3 weeks but trust and hope that it was caught in time and he will be fine.

I started the blanket as a portable occupation and have done sqaures in the car, at the hospital and all over the place, but had no idea the joining would be so challenging or take quite so long! I am very proud of it and hope that it gives much joy and warmth to mother and child in due course. 

This will be my next project as I am enjoying crochet. http://www.aestheticnest.com/2012/03/hoh-in-crochet-easy-baby-afghan.html

I also have a wedding one to do. Chunky wool, knitted squares I think, with easier or no joining or long stripes to sew together