Even typing the word 'autumn' feels a bit sad, but its imminent arrival is the only way I can explain my motivation for knitting on a big grey blanket, possibly the warmest thing I've ever knitted, and certainly the largest.
I finished it a couple of weeks ago, and finally managed to get a couple of photos of the whole thing. It's a good size for a queen bed and comprised of 9 panels, which are each made up of 4 squares, knit in alternating stocking stitch and reverse stocking stitch. So, it couldn't be easier! I wrote a bit more about it here, and you can find more details on my Ravelry project page. The project was one started by my Mum nearly 20 years ago, from a pattern in an old Erika Knight homewares knitting book. The grey Rowan yarn was discontinued a while back, and I realised I wouldn't have enough to finish it. A very kind Ravelry user from California let me buy 3 balls from her stash! After knitting the 9 panels, I began the long task of blocking each square to the same shape, weaving in the ends (there were many, many ends) and mattress stitching everything together as neatly as possible (don't look too closely – it's really not that neat).
The blanket edging was a bit rough looking, so I picked up around each side and knit 6 rows in garter stitch, using a different yarn. I'm quite happy with how it looks now it's all finished, and I know it's going to be an Extremely Nice Thing to have on the bed when it gets a bit colder. It almost makes me look forward to winter! Though I know I'll get over that nearly straight away…
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I took the last two photos on a recent weekend away to visit friends at their place in the country. It was really beautiful: dry and hot, with a soundtrack of cicadas. We swam in the river and picked many wild blackberries. I had to take a photo of the small cabin we slept in, which was furnished with an excellent collection of vintage bedspreads, pillows and curtains. A dream!
I hope you're well, dear reader.
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tiny happy 
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