The Picnic Blanket is Ready for Action

I'm glad to say that I've finished my picnic blanket at last! Acrylic is not the nicest of materials to work with at the best of times, but it this heat it's a rather unpleasant experience. 

Having said that, Vanna's choice is an excellent choice for blankets and afghans as it comes in a wide range of colours and can be machine washed with no problems.

I've used motif #75 from Jean Leinhauser's book "101 Crochet Squares." I know I keep going on about how good this book is... but it IS a real source of inspiration and probably the favourite crochet motif book that I own.

I made the blanket 9 wide by 12 long (total of 108 squares). Each square came out at about 10.5cm using worsted yarn and a 4.5mm hook. I added a hdc border with a 4 chain picot every 4th hdc, making the final blanket about 140cm x100cm. It's not massive but should be big enough for two people.

Daughter was not the most willing of models since she's got a bit of flu and a temperature ...following 6 weeks of swollen vocal chords...so she does have an excuse for the slightly sour face!

I'm glad to finish this project and look forward to treating my hands to some luxury yarns in the very near future! In fact, I'm in the process of writing up the pattern of the top I designed and made for my daughter.

Since the weather is looking good for the next week or so, I'm also looking forward to using this blanket on a picnic.... any good ideas for picnic food recipes?