Finally ready for her close-up and blushing with red-purple pride, may I present
Log Cabin Blanket #3, aka Olivia's blanket?
At home just about anywhere, whether casually hanging over the banister
or neatly folded in a corner of the couch, waiting for a lazy afternoon to be wrapped over a human body
or, even better, following its calling and turning a bedroom into a cozy and wooly place.
Yes, it is big, way big. I know O's dorm room is awfully unlikely to accommodate a double bed, but she, like me, prefers a blanket with the potential to wrap its owner from top of the head to a couple of inches past the toes. This results in a pretty heavy blanket and I am already puzzled about the best way to make it travel cross-country safely without dealing with an overweight luggage charge.
Meanwhile, the specs: KnitPicks Swish Worsted superwash wool, in the following colorways: Bordeaux, Lava Heather, Clamatis Heather, Indigo Heather, Lemongrass Heather, Wisteria, Fired Brick. I used so many skeins of each I lost track of the exact count, probably around 7 skeins of each color except the Lemongrass which was used sparingly.
In the past I found that a blanket knitted in Swish tended to stretch in the first wash, so I knitted this one more firmly, with a #7 circular needle, to keep the fabric denser. Much as I love the look of an i-cord edging, I balked at the task of tackling one on a blanket this size. Instead, I did a one-ridge log on each side, by picking up stitches all along, knitting one row, then binding off. I picked the color of the border solely by elimination, based on how much yarn was left in my knitting bag.
I must say that these various colors grew on me after a while: I wish there had been a greater range to pick from; greens were limited, purples too, there were no pinks to speak of, which is why I added dark browns to the mix. Overall I much prefer having a lot of colors to play with, because it makes the selection for each log easier but also a bit wilder. Still, a monochromatic log cabin would also be intriguing. I'll have to pull all my reds and give it a try sometime. Not now. But one day.
Stunning!
Posted by: Eprairiecat | June 04, 2009 at 04:49 AM
I'm sure the blanket will provide a lot of comfort during her semesters away. As far as transporting it, I'd use one of those plastic carriers that you get when you buy comforters, mattress pads, pillows, etc. Some of them are made of thick plastic and have handles. I've always thought they'd do for luggage, especially if the contents weren't fragile.
An alternative is just to pack things in large plastic storage bins and duct-tape them shut. I've done that and they traveled quite well as checked luggage. Of course, now that they have weight and size restrictions on luggage, you'd have to make sure it is within limits.
Posted by: Luni | June 04, 2009 at 08:02 AM
The blanket will make all her friend jealous. It truely is a work of art.
As for transporting - you can put it in one of those bags and suck all the air out and it will weigh next to nothing.
Posted by: Lisa | June 04, 2009 at 10:20 AM
WOW! Really nice! Great colors! I've never thought of adding an edge to my blankets. I'll give that a try next time.
Posted by: Cathy | June 04, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Just lovely.
Posted by: Ruth | June 05, 2009 at 03:50 AM
Wow, it's a knock out! I love the color choices and the lemongrass gives an unexpected zing to the composition. At first glance I thought you had done an i-cord edge, it's so neat and tidy-an idea I'll have to try. That blanket will be a warm hug from home when most needed!
Posted by: Barbara | June 05, 2009 at 04:26 AM
Wow, what a gorgeous blanket. You must be very proud of it.
Posted by: Tania Hrziwnatzki | June 05, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Laura, I agree that is is gorgeous, one of your best imnsho. I love the tightness of the color palette and being a brown fan love the way it works as a neutral to hold the brighter colors together. The Lemongrass accent is inspired. Fabulous! I think I will have to do a log cabin as my next slog-along. Congratulations to you and the girls.
Posted by: maggieross | June 05, 2009 at 01:11 PM
Just wonderful! And I love the beginning of your next one - Happy Knitting!
Posted by: Barb | June 10, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Your log cabin blankets are fabu! Each one is a masterpiece. I am inspired. Love it! Love it! Love it! (That's one for each you've made so far.) Looking forward to the next and the study in scarlet as well.
Bona Fide Knitter
Posted by: Marilyn | June 11, 2009 at 06:00 AM
This is stunning!
Posted by: Annhb | June 11, 2009 at 09:39 PM