I used primarily the written instructions, even though I normally prefer charts. I moved the written information into a Word document in a font size that was easy on my eyes, and added a line-space between each row.

(update: over a year later. I’ve made several other afghans using Red Heart Super Saver and I like the results far better than the Pound of Love. This blanket was too drapy after it was washed. The Super Saver blankets washed up lovely and softened beautifully.)

I’ll likely make this one again. I think it would look better if I went down to a size 10 needle. The reverse stockinette wasn’t as even as I’d have liked. This was a fun knit. It kept my interest and was faster than I’d have expected. I think the seed stitch border looks nice but would have looked better if I’d used about 10 fewer stitches for the cast on, work the seed stitch for its 3” and increase the 10 stitches. Doing the same for the top border of the blanket.

Errata on Chart IV - written instructions, Row 24 - should read:

sl 2 instead of sl 1

4 skeins of Pound of Love was plenty for this blanket. I had lots left.

I’ve done my swatching and decided to use a worsted yarn held double. The swatch was a huge help. I started with a Size 13 needle and ultimately decided that fabric was too loose. I’m going with a size 10.5. These larger sized needles are hard on my hands and I think that if I work loosely on the smaller sized needle, I can manage this bigger project. Note: after finishing the afghan, I see that working loosely made for wonky tension.

Decided to do a seed stitch border.

Modifications: For a 9 st Seed Stitch border

Note: That single selvedge stitch that was included for use while working the bottom charts 1 and 2, is not available when working charts 3, 4 & 5 - so I had to add two stitches before doing chart 3 then remove them again after working chart 3 and the 3” stockinette stitch the second time.

Note to self:
CO 153 sts. Worked 3” in seed stitch.
Begin pattern on bumpy side of cast on - which matches the pattern better. Continue working 9 stitches at beginning and end of each row in Seed Stitch while working the pattern and substituting the Twin Tree from Tree of Life Pattern for center motif.

Note: Errata? Top of Pattern IV - I decided to continue the leaf and vine to the top of the panel. It looks like most others fixed it too.

Chart III - End on Row 9 for a close stitch count- Begin the 3” strip of stockinette here.

2/5 - Blanket is DONE! Ends woven in. Researching best way to lightly steam or block this acrylic blanket. I know it will go right into the washer and dryer - as I have three big afghans that come out LOVELY that way - but I would really like to gift this without washing it.

I pm’d designer CarolYoung3 as I remember doing a test knit for her - Lush Toque (lovely pattern and a quick knit) and her being accomplished in blocking acrylic blankets and shawls. She wrote right back to me and suggested soaking the blanket in the washing machine with laundry soap and then spin - without having agitated it. Then fill the tub again to rinse out the soap - and again no need to agitate. Allow to spin. Then toss it in the dryer.

THANKS CarolYoung3 !!!!!

WOW it worked really well. I used a teaspoon of hair conditioner to the wash water and this blanket is SO soft! The Pound of Love is a soft yarn anyway, but the wash and conditioner made it baby soft. The only think I’m not happy with is that it is a bit fuzzy. Will add a note if I get to see the blanket again in a year or two.