Mods:

• Crochet edge instead of picking up stitches to knit.
• Used C crochet hook for one round of SC and two rounds of DC, then G hook for one round of TC for a ruffled edge.

ETA:
Center panel = 2 1/2 weeks.
Blocking = 5 days.
Crocheted edge = 2 1/2 weeks.

Result:
Whew. This was a laborious project. Lost about four days of work ripping back two rounds of crochet edge to space the SC round better.

I’m debating adding more TC rounds to make the edge more substantial, but I’ll wait a few days to see if my opinion changes. If I do more rounds of crochet, I’ll switch to a larger hook, maybe an “I” to make the round looser and softer. I have less than two skeins of pink yarn left, which is enough for at least one more round.

The blanket is medium-weight, but isn’t too dense or heavy. The fabric is warm, smooth, and stretchy. The directions are very easy and the design looks great. I would definitely make this project again.

This design, including the ruffle, would make a fun & girly poncho.