This has turned into a sentimental project when I thought of it for a gift initially. I was inspired by the free Bendigo Woolen Mills Bloom Blanket pattern and initially intended to do some patches of various colours. The initial sample might have used a single shade of Bloom, I think. Anyway, I knitted sample squares in about 12 colours and became obsessed with rhubarb crumble, just in time for it to go out of stock! I had two balls, I purchased 1.75 balls on Facebook, yet am still running short for my 36 squares- I think I’m on square 33 and running down the yarn quickly. Not happy with any of my other options for a square or two!

So, my Nana (Ruby), who taught me to knit, was on hospital for some heart related issues. We spoke about my most recent project and she knew the pattern as her Lifestyle worker at her swanky older persons accommodation had a group working on the pattern. I committed to completing the project somehow/ anyhow I could with rhubarb crumble.

In August, Nana sadly and suddenly passed away. It was our last project we chatted about. I have worked from home and sat in remote meetings, sat in her recliner at night and persisted. It’s an easy knit, a nice, no stress project PROVIDING you have enough of your chosen colour. I’m running short, so if you have any to spare, please let me know!! If not, just watch for how I resolve this yarn shortage. I’m not promising a miracle, hopeful of a rescue but it could get interesting trying to forge the last squares. I’d hoped to go to twelve x4, but that is entirely out of the question!

Update- Rex, our eldest cavalier dog (a Ruby cav) has joined Nana to wait for us in the eternal afterlife. Our old boy contributed much fur and sat snoring whilst I tried to stay sane knitting this and monitoring Rex’s increased needs.
These two cheeky spirits played a small practical joke of hiding my 12th square. I searched everywhere at the point of construction, and resigned myself I had mis-counted. The day after Rexi’s passing, with a clip worn to Nana’s funeral, was my original 12th square wedged into the couch Rexi loved. So, my boy, I cannot incorporate 13 squares, but I guess you have your own odd square, you willfull, brave, sweet and bossy little diva-darling. Hope you and Nana are back in her lounge by the heater, with you at her feet after she’s stuffed you with roast lamb!