Did a nice big swatch using worsted weight yarn held double. LOVELY!

Casting on 139 - two repeats wider than the pattern because my gauge is 3.17 sts per inch (measured over 7 inches) Will plan on 10 repeats of 28 row pattern.

2/19/2013 - Casting on!

2/20/2013 - Finished the seed stitch border and first 28 row chart repeat.

It’s moving faster than I expected. About 7” now (after first chart repeat completed) Each chart repeat is a scant 6”. I think I’ll need 10 chart repeats to get a nice sized blanket.

2/21/2013 - Second repeat of chart completed

2/22/2013 - … at about row 15 of chart, I finished the first two skeins of yarn. Looks like I’ll need to use a bit more than the 8 skeins I’d planned. I do have lots, so no problem. Finished third repeat of chart.

2/26/2013 - Used up the third and fourth skeins of yarn. The blanket is now about 33 inches - maybe 8 skeins will do it!

3/7/2013 - starting skein 7 & 8.

3/14/13 - Cast off!!!!. I think I did 10 repeats of the chart. I have a tiny bit of yarn left out of 8 skeins. Maybe enough to have done another row!

3/15/13 There is a ripple in the border - I hope it steams out. Next time, I’ll cast on fewer stitches and increase when the pattern starts. Decrease before end border.

To block my acrylic projects, I either wash them gently or give it a good spritz with water and tumble dry in the dryer. With this afghan, I gave it a good spritz with spray bottle of water and a tumble in the dryer with half of a fabric softener sheet. I laid it on a bed sheet and folded it all up and tossed it in the dryer. This relaxes the fabric.

The ripple is not obvious now - but will remember to start with fewer stitches next time.

MEASUREMENTS:
pre-blocking: 47” wide at bottom and top border - but only 44” wide in the center. That center should open up in the dryer. Previous afghans have gained as much as 5” in width. It depends on the stitch pattern.

Final Measurements: 48” x 65” plus fringe

YES! its acrylic! Easy care and eternal wear. Drop it in the washer and dryer with a bed sheet to balance out the load - no worries. Recipients have been thrilled.

Note to self: knitting is a bit wider at beginning 12” than after the afghan gets going. Consider knitting tighter at beginning of large projects

Update . . months later: decided to add fringe. The blanket just did not look finished. I tried tassels for the corners first and didn’t like the look. Then I played around with fringe and love it!! Will need to get pics! Shower is Sunday (June 2).