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Johnathan's Blanket

I made this for in memory of my husband Johnathan

Created by: Karen P

  • Project Details

    About

    My husband died in March (aged 57). About a week before he asked me to make him a blanket so I started this while sitting with him in hospital. I had made about 5 large squares by the time he died.
    It’s been quite a challenging journey so far. Emotionally it’s been rather sad but the repetitive work has been soothing and calming. Getting the colours right has been difficult - I switched out three of them, two after making all the squares ... And as for tension - I gave up on that early on!
    Johnathan would have loved to help me with choosing colours and he would have particularly enjoyed the best bit - laying out the squares and getting the combinations right before stitching it all together. It would have been a real team effort, which is what we were all about. I haven’t got to the laying it all out stage yet. I will miss him when I do.
    EDIT: layout now done after lots of fiddling about. A ladder was required to get the photo.
    EDIT 2: now finished! I think he would be pleased

    Yarns

    Needles & Hooks

    • Crochet Hook 7.00mm (US 10.75)

    Measurements

    122cm x 170cm

    Notes: Tension for this has been challenging. My big squares are too big and the small squares are too small but that’s not surprising as the number of stitches in the two sizes don’t add up. On top of that the yarn weight is not consistent across the colours so some have taken up more yarn, and come out bigger, than others. I think that once the small squares are sewn together I will try adding a round of double crochet stitches to see if that makes them the right size. Because of these issues I’ve had to order quite a lot of extra yarn.
    EDIT a fiddly round of extended dcs after stitching the small squares together seems to be solving the problem of the small squares being too small.

    Tags

    • Blankets
    • Home
    • Men
    • Women

    Craft

    Knitting , Crochet

    Skill Level

    Intermediate

    Status

    Complete
    Started on: Mar 12, 2019 Finished on: May 12, 2019

  • Comments

    Join the Conversation

    16 Comments

    • Michelle M

      • Queensland

      Hi Karen,just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you as well, your blanket is beautiful such lovely calming colours, your husband would love it. I see your wee dog is not leaving Mums side isn't it amazing how they know and just want to be close to you. Keep in touch. I honestly find my knitting helps me,it just seems to relax me.(can't say the same about sewing up.)😊
      Reply
      [0]

      • Karen P

        • Bishop’s Stortford

        Thank you Michelle, I appreciate it - and I know what you mean about sewing up! The blanket took AGES to sew together!
        Reply
        [0]

    • Jayne V

      • Henley in Arden

      Hi Karen the blanket is beautiful I can see you have a cheeky friend to cuddle up with too -well done on sticking with it and finishing, it was definitely worth it - have you decided on your next project yet ?
      Reply
      [0]

      • Karen P

        • Bishop’s Stortford

        Thank you Jane. I agree, it was worth it although now the weather is turning warm there isn't the same need for it! Next project - that would be more sheep cushions - so many people like them and they are a great way to say thank you to the people who have helped me over the last weeks. And I have a new niece on the way, so lots to keep me busy!
        Reply
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    • Alison B

      • Portsoy

      The blanket is absolutely gorgeous,the colours are lovely and the way you have them placed is beautiful, I’m sure your husband would be very proud of how this lovely blanket has turned out, your dog obviously approves. Hope you are doing ok and life is treating you kind . Take care , thinking of you and your wee dog 😊
      Reply
      [0]

      • Karen P

        • Bishop’s Stortford

        Thank you Alison, I appreciate it!
        Reply
        [0]

    • Jayne V

      • Henley in Arden

      Hi Karen just thought I’d check in to see how you and your blanket are getting on, please post when completed - hope you’re okay J
      Reply
      [1]

      • Karen P

        • Bishop’s Stortford

        Ah thank you Jane - that's very kind. I'm okay thank you, more or less ... The blanket is coming along nicely - one more row of squares to sew together and then attach to the rest of it, and then the border. It's going to be huge!
        Reply
        [1]

    • Karen P

      • Bishop’s Stortford

      Thank you everyone for all your lovely and encouraging comments. Am now onto sewing up - think that will keep me quiet for a while!
      Reply
      [0]

    • Diane W

      What a huge challenge for you, and so sad, wishing you best wishes. Your blanket is beautiful, maybe just take your time with assembling it when you feel ready. Hopefully your (very skilled!) knitting and crochet continues to provide a bit of calm and comfort, your work is lovely. Look after yourself. X
      Reply
      [1]

    • Lynne T

      • Chippenham

      Thats so sad, but your lovely blanket will be a wonderful memory and the colours are such a relaxing mix.💑
      Reply
      [1]

    • Alison B

      • Portsoy

      So sad to hear of your loss, this blanket will become a tribute to your loving husband and you will remember all the good times you spent together, god bless 💕
      Reply
      [1]

    • Jayne V

      • Henley in Arden

      Oh Karen, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, this must be the hardest project for you which will then become the most rewarding one too as you complete it
      Reply
      [1]

    • Vix

      • North Walsham

      Sending you a big hug! When you have finished this and wrapped it around you I think and hope it will give you comfort.
      Reply
      [1]

    • Michelle M

      • Queensland

      Oh Karen I am so sorry to hear of your loss,it will be so hard for you continuing with this blanket as he obviously enjoyed helping you with your knitting, choosing colours etc. Maybe making this and having it to snuggle up in when times are hard will help in some small way. I see you have a gorgeous wee dog that will be there to give you lots of cuddles too.
      Reply
      [1]

    • The Lonely Sea - Heather C

      • Portsmouth

      So sorry for your loss. The blanket will look lovely and I love the colours.
      Reply
      [1]
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