This heirloom-quality baby blanket, based on the Rose Arbor Shawl, uses both knitting and embroidery for a sweet and charming effect. Combining lace and entrelac techniques, it is for the intermediate to advanced knitter; some previous experience with entrelac, lace, and embroidery is recommended. Instructions are included for a mini-blanket on which to practice the lace patterns and embroidery.

Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash Sport (136 yds/50 g sk). The yarn you choose should be smooth and firm in texture and have enough body to provide a base for the embroidery that gives this blanket its striking appearance; soft yarns such as are often used for baby blankets will not provide a solid enough base.

Yardages given are for Cascade 220 Superwash Sport—other yarns may vary quite a lot in the amount required, depending on your gauge, so be sure to get plenty in case yours takes more. If the mini-blanket and full-sized blanket are done in the same colors, together, they take 6 skeins of color A; 5 of color B; 1 each of colors C and D; and a few yards of color E.

For Full-sized Blanket:

Color A (base color for the blanket center): about 725-750 yds
Color B (leaf lace border plus stems and leaves of roses): about 400 yds
Color C (blossoms): about 40-45 yds
Color D (buds): about 20-25 yds
Color E (for butterfly): about ½-¾ yd per small butterfly
If the blanket is embellished with a butterfly or other insect for fun, it can be done in the
same or a similar yarn as the blanket or with embroidery floss.

The shade of green you choose should be on the yellow side (such as Green Apple) if you are making yellow roses, but a little on the blue side (such as Lime Sherbet) if making pink or lavender ones.

For Mini-blanket:

Color A (base color): about 80-90 yds/30 g
Color B (leaf lace border plus stems and leaves of roses): about 158-168 yds/58 g
Color C (blossoms): about 7-8 yds
Color D (buds): about 3-4 yds
Color E (butterfly): about ½-¾ yd per small butterfly

Size 18-20 chenille needles; scissors; blocking wires and pins; about 20 (50) small sliding stitch markers, including 7 red ones; 8” or 10” embroidery hoop; 2½ -3 yards of Sulky FabriSolvy; straight pins, needle, and thread in a contrasting color for basting. Optional: chart holder and highlighter tape; 1 yard of flannel for lining.