Last November I happened to take a look at the shit show of leftover yarn I had stashed behind my easy chair in the front room. I had dozens and dozens of balls of different colored yarn, in various sizes. I had anywhere from almost full skeins of yarn, down to small balls the size of a golf ball. They were stacked up in totes and small bags and they were getting out of control. One night I had a brainy idea - I'd take the scraps and use them to make a blanket.
I started by using a "P" size hook and grabbed 3 random colors of yarn. I chained 120 stitches and then just started single crocheting row after row. Any time a strand of yarn ran out, I reached down, grabbed a new color, tied it on, and kept going. Since all the balls of yarn were different lengths, the yarn colors would run out at different times, so there was always new color combinations going on. I liked that because I get bored easily so I was always excited to add in a new color.
I just kept crocheting row after row until it got almost as long as I wanted, and then I began to crochet around the entire blanket until I had added a few rows all the way around.
I liked the contrast of the lines running around the outside of the blanket...
So there it is - the perfect yarn busting project. I did a couple of rows almost every night while watching TV, so this took me about 8 weeks to finish. See, I told you I was slow! This blanket will probably get taken down to the lake house and put at the end of one of the beds. And believe it or not, I still have a few more balls of left over yarn. Looks like another project for next year maybe.
Linking up with....
DIY Sunday's Feb 7, 2015
Simple Saturday's Feb. 7
Thoughts from Home # 45
Catch as Catch Can 199
Craft Frenzy Friday # 77
DIY Sunday's Feb 7, 2015
Simple Saturday's Feb. 7
Thoughts from Home # 45
Catch as Catch Can 199
Craft Frenzy Friday # 77
Really beautiful, Kim, makes me wish I knew how to crochet! I have a pant load of yarn, too, but never would have thought of making a blanket! Love love love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gail!
DeleteIt turned out beautifully! I love the colors and it will go with anything. What did you call your leftover yarn? hahaha! Enjoy your day sweet friend! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWhat? My Shit Show? ROFL!!!! xo
DeleteWOW! That's gorgeous! You are so smart, always thinking!! By the look of the pics on facebook you will need that beautiful blanket to stay warm!! Good Job!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheri - yeah, it will definitely keep a person warm.
DeleteBrilliant! And perfect right now to keep you warm with all the snow falling on you!
ReplyDeletexo
Thanks Cathy - did you get any of that snow out your way?
DeleteLovely blanket,the colors look fantastic. I have lots of scrap balls of yarn spread throughout my house as well,looks like I'll be trying my hand at something like this. You're such a talented young lady! Hugs to you Kim.
ReplyDeleteThanks Diane - I've been thinking about the lake all weekend. Did you get any snow this weekend?
DeleteVery beautiful, Kim! You are talented in so many ways
ReplyDeleteThanks Moi!!
DeleteLove the blanket! What a great way to use up your extra yarn scraps.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda - Plus I got the added benefit of cleaning up the area behind my chair. :-)
DeleteBeautiful! I so love what you've made and how you did it! It is a piece of art, it really is. This is a show piece. It even looks braided at times. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet. This is my standard, go-to blanket pattern. It's easy, quick and the chunky texture, because of using 3 strands at once, is cool .
DeleteVery pretty - yet another project - don't know how you find time for all of them
ReplyDeleteThanks John - I multitask very well.
DeleteA scrappy, happy blanket, Kim. Great way to use up the yarn. However I would just go buy more.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible my dear friend. It will keep you warm in that weather you're having. I want to make one just like it from my stash. Well done!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Liz - I consider that high praise coming from you. You just made my day! xo
DeleteI love this one-of-a-kind blanket, Kim ... mostly, the obvious fun you had creating it! (.... I wish I had paid more attention when mother tried teaching me.)
ReplyDeleteThanks Myra - I'm so happy I made it. It was totally worth the time.
DeleteHi Kim! Oh, this looks wonderful and you did a great job. Your piece looks like it's woven. Thanks for popping in to see me.
ReplyDeleteBe a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
Hi Shelia - thank you so much. I see you've been super busy with all your sewing projects. :-)
DeleteYour blanket is just gorgeous, Kim! Isn't it incredible what you can do with scraps, time, and talent? Just love it! Great job!
ReplyDelete~Heather @ My Overflowing Cup
Thanks Heather. I don't know about talent, but I muddle through. LOL. Thanks for taking the time to come by and leave a comment.
DeleteVery pretty. I would love to do that too but all my yarns are not going to blend as pretty as that one did.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - you'd be surprised at how well they blend. I just tried to use mostly yarns that were about the same weight like Lion Brand, Vanna's Choice and Red Heart. And I didn't realize how pretty it was blending until I was half way through and could really see how the rows were developing. You should give it a try. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
DeleteYour crochet blanket is gorgeous! I love all the colors, you did a great job. With a single crochet that was a lot of work. It looks nice and warm. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by - I appreciate that!
DeleteSimply beautiful! Thanks for linking up to the Vintage Inspiration Party!
ReplyDeleteThanks Becky!
DeleteLove the idea of using up what you already had. The colors all blend together and it sure does look warm and cozy. Thanks so much for sharing at Vintage Inspiration Party.
ReplyDeleteI used up a lot of the yarn. I'm already eyeing the pile I still have left.... :-)
DeleteSo very very awesome, I LOVE it!! I have been an avid crocheter all my life, taught by my mom and I love what you did. And envious...I want that for my bed! Posting your entry into our pinterest board for Simple Saturdays Blog Hop and hope to see you this week!! ~Kat
ReplyDeleteThanks Kat! I'm actually starting another one - such a fun way to stay busy and use up yarn.
DeleteI'm catching up on some back reading... It's been a busy year!
ReplyDeleteAnyway... I love this! Great use of stash! It is lovely and colorful... And very artistic.
2 thumbs up!
Thanks Pat. I've already started another one. :-)
Delete