on the crest of a wave

I'm ending 2006 on the crest of a wave. On 5 December I wrote a post in which I gave myself four weeks to crochet a ripple stitch blanket. And here I am, 24 days later, a very proud hooker.

There was the slight hiccup of a week's false start, but then I got back on the board and really started surfing. I've been going strong since and haven't fallen off once, and now I have my first crochet project ready to snuggle under (in fact, I had to do the last row or two of crochet around Phoebe as she's already been snuggling).

I loved the stitch as much as I thought I would and it became quite addictive. Crochet is remarkably easy to put down and pick up and I find I don't have to sit up straight all the time. I can slouch, sit on the floor, put my knees up - all of which is impossible with knitting needles. Crochet brings out the inner slob in me, obviously.

As for the making details, I started off with a vague colour idea (bright, Matisse-y colours) and two-row stripes. I didn't want a repeating pattern and nor did I want the result to be so random it lacked cohesion. So every two or three rows I would line up the potential yarns for the next few rows to make sure that I didn't get any big gaps between colours or any conspicuous pattern. Tom had to be consulted on this - he has great spatial colour awareness and his vision really helps. And then I just crocheted, and crocheted, and crocheted.

One thing I hadn't really realised was just how much yarn crochet can guzzle. My initial purchase was far too meagre for a decent-size blanket, and it didn't take long before I was manically searching out all the DK wool yarn in the house. In the end, I used 925g of yarn in masses of colours and brands, and virtually wiped out my DK yarn stock. The blanket is made mostly with Rowan 100% wool DK yarn, plus various bits of Jaeger, Debbie Bliss, Anny Blatt and several other French yarns, and there's even one stripe in red Blue Sky Alpaca.

I stopped when I felt it was large enough (it measures 115cm/45" x 130cm/51"). If I'd carried on until the full 28 days had elapsed I would have run into murky stripes (I have no more brights left) and, anyway, I wanted to finish before 2006 did.

The pattern is 'Soft Waves' in 200 Ripple Stitch Patterns by Jan Eaton (Apple, 2006) using a 4mm hook and approx 200 stitches.

I'm planning on making more waves in 2007...

Comments

[Jill]

It's beautiful, Jane. As a confirmed knitter, who hasn't picked up a crochet since I was a little girl, you have inspired me. I have bought the book and am scouring my stash for colourful scraps of yarn. A very, very Happy New Year to You and Yours.

[hPNY Knits]

gorgeous colors!

[May]

This looks absolutely fantastic. Great job and a super finish for 2006!

[Krawuggl]

It´s a wonderful blanket, I love the colours so much, so bright and cheery. Fantastic one. I also wanted to finish my crochet blanket before New Years Eve, but sadly I am feeling not very into crochetting this time after finishing my Christmas presents. Have a Happy New Year!

[Kelly]

This looks just gorgeous, the colors are lovely rows of color upon wavy color, congratulations on finishing it before the new year!

[Allegra]

The blanket looks great! Very snuggly and I love all the wonderful colors! It makes me want to learn how to crochet.

[karen]

what a beauty Jane !
congratulations on your fantastic work.

I would see a matching pillow case if you still have enough yarn ;o)...

Have a wonderfull new year.

[Scoutj]

That is amazing!

[Jan]

What a nice jolt of color on a gray winter's day!
Happy New Year, Jane!

[Bunny]

The ripple is beautiful. So bright and comphy looking. What a great project to end the year with.

[sooz]

Wow! It's stunning! And so jolly! I want to make one now! :)

[julie]

Fab blanket, one day I'll learn how to crochet - I too have an inner slob itching to get out so it sounds like crochet would be the perfect pursuit.

[June]

How wonderful--I adore the waves of color, so cuddly and cheerful. I think it's wonderful that you set a goal and then accomplished it--you have much of which to be proud. Thank you for sharing your beautiful project.

[chawne]

What a beautiful blanket! I love the colors and the pattern. Did you put a border/edging on the sides at all?

[Carrie S.]

This is so unbelievably inspiring - thank you so much! I am working on my very first crochet afghan just using a simple double crochet, since I am crochet challenged. I love the colors and pattern of the waves you used, as well as the scrumptous yarn (I'm using cheapo stuff since I am such a novice).

This will definitly go on my to-do list! Thank you for sharing! It's spectacular!

[Michelle]

I love it! So many blankets to make, so little time.

[hoyan]

This is a wonderful blanket! Now I'm inspired to finish the zig-zag shawl for my mother (it's been in the making longer than 24 days, let's just say).

[Cara]

Beautiful! What a great, colorful way to end the year.

I wanted to tell you, too, that I just reread When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit and it was everything I remembered. Thank you again for sparking the memory. Happy New Year!

[Jan Eaton]

Ooooh! Nice blanket; fab colours.

[Ulrike]

The colours are awesome. And I love the waves ... This is such a beautiful blanket!

[laurie]

congrads! your first project looks fab. my mom is a crocheter and from the little bit i have done i do know it is so easy to put down and pick up. no more "just let me finish this row". and as for the much needed yardage, i had hear that. but you know what they say about those "hookers" they are so over the the excessive!

[Nonnie]

It's absolutely gorgeous.I want to learn to crochet next year but I can't see myself achieving anything so lovely to start with. I'll be happy to manage a small square!

[Mira]

It's awesome! I can't belive you finished it so quickly. Definitely a spirit perker for grey rainy days.

[Nadia Lewis]

So fun and happy! My eyes keep rolling up and down the waves.

[littlejennywren]

Well done, looks great and you finished on time AND you will have to go and buy some new yarn. Perfect.