Woodland Blanket CAL :: Part 7

Wow, this Woodland journey has been one of the best things in my life during the past couple months and has kept me buoyant and happy on even the hardest of grey days. The pleasure it's given me has been amazing on so many levels, and I can honestly say that the therapeutic quality of this kind of soothing, repetitive crochet is not to be underestimated. 

I finished making the border last week whilst the Little People were home from school for half term and was so glad of the distraction they provided at the time. The end of a blanket journey is always a bizarre combination of elation and bereavement, and honestly I was seriously adrift once my hook was no longer busy on the edge of those beautiful ripples. So I've been reeeeeeeally looking forward to today, to sharing this last installment with you all and having a quiet little visual celebration that I know you will understand and (hopefully) appreciate. I've given up expecting the family to be wowed by my latest blankety makes, I'm fairly sure they have Blanket Blindness and don't even notice when one more joins the nest. Their loss!

Mind you, we've all been using the Woodland blanket here for a good many weeks now, way before it was finished. It reached a size where it looked suitably blankety and it was immediately pulled into the big chair and used for afternoon film watching (Little B) and morning nap times (The Kitty). I've delighted in seeing it draped over the chair, telling its gentle Woodland story, bringing dancing light and leafy colour into our living space.

I wonder how you've been enjoying your own Woodland journey? Do you regularly spread your blanket out and drink in those colours? Do you chat about it with your family? Do they pay attention when you do????!! I've grown used to my family being non-chatty about my creations  and am OK with it (to a point). It certainly makes me really, really appreciate that my blog (and Facebook/Instagram) gives me a blessed window out to those of you who do get it and enjoy sharing with me. I appreciate you all so much! 

As we've gone along during the last part of the Woodland blanket, I don't mind telling you that I fretted a little about the yarn quantities. I meticulously weigh and measure my yarn throughout the designing/sampling stage as well as all the way through the making of a blanket, to be sure that there will be enough. I hop up a couple of hook sizes to try and achieve an average tension for myself (I naturally crochet quite tightly), and I try and give as much guidance about size and tension as I can. I hope that you've managed OK, and that you'll have the 10-12g of yarn needed for each edging row. 

So this week we are going to chat about the business of creating a border for our Woodland Ripple, and the first decision to make is about the colours. If you remember, we used Lime yarn to make our foundation chain and first row, and this was done so that it would form part of the border. You will need to pick three additional colours to add to the Lime (or whatever colour you started with) - you can follow my choice or pick out your own. I've gone for Gold, Spice and Tomato - I deliberately chose very Autumnal colours from the bottom half of the blanket, so that when they are worked upwards and around the top half of the blanket, they provide a strong, visual surround for the sky. It helps to add a little bit of earthy balance to the airy lightness in the top part of the colour story, tying it all together as a whole.

The edging I've designed for the Woodland Ripple is very slimline, so whatever colours you choose won't have a massive impact on the overall look of the blanket. It's more of a subtle approach, so please don't agonise too much over the colour decisions! I reckon that pretty much any combo would look great, especially as The Woodland colour palette is very harmonious and well balanced. 

The first round of the edging is worked in double crochet, and to be honest it can look a teensy bit rough and ready as you work into those wibbly ends-of-rows along the sides. So long as you take your time and try to keep an even tension as you go, all will be well I promise you.

I love these curvy, undulating ripple stripes very much and decided that for this particular blanket I didn't want to loose those curvy ends. So rather than flattening them out I've kept them intact, allowing the narrow border to follow the curves. I'm really pleased with how this worked out - the edging did need a little bit of blocking at the end as the ripples curled very slightly, but all was fixable with some gentle puffs of steam. 

Looking more closely, you can see that using slip stitches in the back loops creates an almost woven, braided look, with the narrow lines of colour blending really well together. You will need to consider what your fourth/final colour will be as this has the most visual impact. Personally, I love the bright pop of the Tomato shade, but if it's too shouty for you, then do feel free to jig them around or choose your own colours.

The reverse side of the slip stitch edging looks different to the front side - the chains are replaced with running lines on the back. It's a very neat finish on both sides, and strong too. One of the main reasons I used slip stitch is because it creates a very durable, robust edging that doesn't stretch. The Woodland Ripple pattern makes a pretty stretchy crochet fabric, so this type of border will help the blanket keep it's shape over time and with frequent use. Certainly needed in my house, where blankets are regularly pegged up to make dens!

I took the above photo to show you both ends of the blanket so that you can see how the edging colours stand out/blend along with the colour story. You can hopefully get a feel for how good the richer Autumnal colours look around the sky - I love how it holds the colour story together somehow, and makes the blanket feel whole. And of course, those same colours blend really well around the bottom half of the blanket, adding just the right amount of detail without too much distraction.

I've called this edging "Slipstream", as a reference to the slimline look of it as well as the use of slip stitches. I've created a full tutorial with plenty of photos which is over in my list of patterns in the left hand sidebar........

SLIPSTREAM EDGING TUTORIAL

When you hop over to the tutorial, please do note my advice about hook size for working this edging - slip stitches are funny things and tend to misbehave if you don't watch out. They can seem as if they're doing fine, then after a while you notice that everything is pulling too tightly and the stripes are starting to look all ruckled up. The answer is to be mindful of your hooky tension as you work (deliberately keep your loops/yarn on the loose side), and to increase your hook size if you need to. It's OK to go up a whole millimetre hook size for this edging, it will make all the difference to the finished look of the blanket.

The tutorial also gives advice about blocking the blanket - I found that even using a larger hook size my edges did pull and curl very slightly and definitely looked loads better after a little bit of steam treatment. 

One of the most delicious things about working a CAL blanket is the huge amount of interaction that it generates on social media, not only whilst the CAL is taking place but often for a year or more afterwards. We are all part of a very vibrant, generous, caring and inspirational crochet community here on the world-wide-web and I can't tell you how much joy it brings me to be a part of it. I know that a good many of you have appreciated the friendship and support that goes hand in hand with a CAL project, and for me personally, it's been wonderful to witness so many amazing creations inspired by my Woodland yarn palette.

As I've done in previous weeks, I'd like to share some images that have really caught  my attention on Facebook. I hope you find them inspiring......................

Helen shared her random Woodland ripple stripe and it's the first glimpse I've gotten of the whole random stripe blanket in all it's glory. I think it looks fabulous!

You may remember in the CAL part 4 I showed you Doran's hexagon colour map? She has worked like the clappers and managed to make 180 hexagons (12 of each colour), isn't this impressive? As you can see she has already started to join them and when the blanket's finished the hexies will be ordered in a stunning colour wash, as her colour map describes. I am so impressed by this, and absolutely can't wait to see it when it's finished.

Stephanie chose to use Stylecraft Batik yarn to make her Woodland Ripple, do you remember me showing you the start of it in the CAL part 3? I love the results, especially the way the Batik yarn almost looks like it's bathed in dappled woodland sunlight. Beautiful work.

Judy's Mandala Blanket has gained a whole lot of admiration on Facebook, and no wonder - just look at all those stunning rings of pattern and colour! Truly a work of art, and one of the loveliest mandala blankets I've ever seen.

Carlyn Ann shared this gorgeous photo with us, and I swooned over all the beautiful Autumnal goodness! I love it when blanket projects have leftovers that are immediately put to good use rather than just becoming Stash, and the Blooming Flower cushion is a great way to use up yarn. You can download a printed pattern for the Blooming Flower cushion free from my blog (it's in this post, scroll down towards the bottom for the "Waterlily Cushion" link).

You might also remember my Autumn Garland which was made from Woodland yarn colours (in this post) - there are lots of things to do with any oddments you have left over.

Sonia in sunny Los Angeles worked a truly beautiful Autumn Wave blanket, then made an adorable Woolly Sheep to go with it. I love the colours of the flowers against that soft green, in fact, I would really love a floral jumper like that for myself! Woolly Sheep pattern is free on my blog (here).

This lovely four-legged model is called Hazel, and she is looking super cosy wearing her extra yarny layer. 
B made her Woodland blanket using the Neat Wave pattern - she also used two strands of DK yarn with a larger hook size to make an extra squishy, warm winter blanket. Doesn't Hazel look pleased with herself?!

Kathryn in super sunny Australia shared this fabulous picture of her finished Woodland Blanket.....can't you just feel the heat radiating out of the photo??? And in complete contrast.......................

............Marijke lives in northern Sweden and showed us her Woodland Blanket in the wild - don't the colours look incredible against the white snowy backdrop?
Marijke only crocheted half of parts 3 and 4 to suit her tension and make a shorter blanket , with very successful results. 

THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who has shared photos during the past few months, it's been an amazing visual journey and I've absolutely loved seeing you meander along with me. 

I haven't actually managed to take many photos of my finished blanket just yet - honestly I think a big part of me has been in denial as I really haven't wanted this blanket journey to finish at all!! So I'm not saying a Ta-dah just yet, not until I have some proper photos to share.

You might like to see this one though............................

.............just a quick snap of my blanket all laid out on the floor, before I folded it up to photograph the edging.

I came across these little leaves yesterday, the ones I made at the very start of the Woodland journey to show you the colour palette. I am pondering on the idea of maybe stitching them to the bottom of my blanket, not in any formal way, but more to look like they've just floated down from the treetops.................

......................I've just randomly placed these leaves on the blanket to see what they would look like, but I am really quite liking the idea. I'll show you if I decide to do this, I think it'd be a fun little twist, a bit like Sandra's squirrels.

You can find the leaf pattern free on my blog (here).

And so our Woodland journey is coming to a gentle close - I hope with all my heart that you've enjoyed stepping out with me along this curvy pathway. Or if you're still meandering along or just starting out, that you feel all the joy in these colours as you go. I know they've given me a huge amount of pleasure as I've worked my ripplesome rows, with lots of happy Woodland memories keeping me company along the way. 

I will keep all CAL posts and patterns available on my blog for always, so even if you are reading this post sometime way in the future, it's never too late to start out on a Woodland Walk. 

 The Woodland Blanket has been an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Thank you, as ever, for providing me with the most excellent company along the way.

🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂

 Here are the links to all previous CAL posts for the Woodland Ripple blanket ::

{WOODLAND BLANKET YARN PACK}

{WOODLAND BLANKET CAL : introduction}

{WOODLAND BLANKET CAL : Q&A}

{WOODLAND RIPPLE PATTERN}

{SLIPSTREAM EDGING PATTERN}

{WOODLAND CAL PART 1 : colour info for stripes 1 - 18 } 

{WOODLAND CAL PART 2 : colour info for stripes 19 - 36 } 

{WOODLAND CAL PART 3 : colour info for stripes 37 - 54 } 

{WOODLAND CAL PART 4 : colour info for stripes 55 - 72 } 

{WOODLAND CAL PART 5 : colour info for stripes 73 - 90 } 

{WOODLAND CAL PART 6 : colour info for stripes 91 - 105 } 

 🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂🍃🍂

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Frances Dent]

To all of you out there STILL waiting for the extra rows for the Random Stripes, I got fed up waiting and this is what I did.......!
Row 106. Copper. Next, Storm, Pistachio,Lime, Tomato, Silver, Lincoln, Gold, Mustard, Grey, Duck Egg, Meadow, Spice, Mocha and finishing with Row 120 which was Cypress.
Hope you like it, I do!
P.S. Can anybody tell me where you get the answers to any of the questions?

[Darlene Boone]

Hi Lucy,
Thanks so much for a wonderful pattern. I’m late to the game and ready for the last of the random colors to make my blanket longer. I couldn’t find them anywhere. Thanks in advance,
Darlene

[Frances Dent]

Hi Lucy, just wondered if you have written the colour pattern for the extra rows on the Random woodland blanket? I would like to be able to finish the blanket sometime!!!

[Joan Allan]

Loved this Autumn stroll, the colours are fantastic. Didn't want it to end so now I am making a camouflaged snake to lie across the bottom of the blanket...

[Kirsten]

Hi Lucy, thnak you so much for this gorgeous blanket! I finished it yesterday and I love the colours, the pattern, the edging, the feel, everything about it. I would like to wash it now, but how do you wash your blankets? I'm a bit worried that the colours might run.

[curvywitch]

Hi Lucy, I got your Woodland pack for my birthday and can't wait to get started - as soon as this darn quilt is out the way! I'm part of a yarnbombing knit and natter group and have noticed how each meeting is peppered with 'oh I got the pattern off Attic 24'; 'have you seen the new Attic 24 blanket?'; 'oh that's lovely. Is it an Attic 24?' or 'guess what, my Attic 24 wool arrived yesterday! That's me set up for the weekend.' You've become a real byword amongst crocheters for colour, inspiration and fun. Thank you.

[Nancy Carll]

Hello Lucy, I have finished the Woodland and am so pleased with it
This has been so much fun. Thank you so much! But my friend is doing the random colors and is waiting for you to post the additional colors so she can finish. Please post them soon!! Thank you! Nancy

[Anne]

Many thanks for all your hard work, Lucy. I've really enjoyed making my Woodlands.

[Charlotte.]

Lucy, it looks like you might be in the “snow zone”. Glad to know that you have so many extra blankets to keep your family warm.

[Sandy B (Australia)]

Lucy, your blankie is lovely and so colourful. I love autumn leaves and they will soon be here in Melbourne, 🇦🇺 Those leaves would be perfect dancing along your blanket edge...a fitting end and quite original. Enjoy the coming Spring! Sandy B

[Eleonora from Coastal Crochet]

Lovely blog post...😊💕❤️💕💚

[Susannah]

Such gorgeous blankets! I love love love that you share not only your beautiful work but that of CAL participants all over the world. I am planning to make either the Coastal Ripple blanket or the Woodland blanket later this year for ME! Not to give away (which I love doing) but for our home. I can't wait :) Thank you so much for sharing and teaching. XXXOOO

[josiekitten]

Such a beautiful blanket Lucy and lovely to see other people's versions using the same colours. x

[Linden]

Another beautiful tour de force Lucy.

[Michelle]

I am only on stripe 26, but I am so enjoying this project. And am I ever glad that I heeded your advice on using the Tomato rather than Lipstick, and since I decided to wait on Tomato, I thought I'll wait for the Lincoln as well. Thank you for excellent advice!

I do have a question on borders (I'm thinking ahead). On Sonia's blanket (the one with the sheep) did she use a linen stitch border? I'm thinking of her border and the slipstitch. Lots of time to think, but was wondering what Sonia did for her border.

[Jen]

Dear Lucy, Thank you for a lovely post. I am considering making one or more blankets for Alice's Embrace, an Alzheimer's support group in the US and your colors inspire me. The group highly "encourages" the use of one of their supplied knit or crochet patterns to avoid hurt feelings or distress for the patients, but I can use your bright color combinations for the crocheted wave. Oh boy, it looks like I have another project!

[Esther]

My dear Lucy, thank you and a thousand times thank you for what you have given us ... Still for the CAL 2 but happy. A big hug from southern Spain.

[sandra dorey]

Oh Lucy, you echo my feelings exactly about coming to the end of one of your CALs, this is the third one I've done. I so appreciate the camaraderie that builds over the course of the weeks over in the FB group. My family are usually quite interested in the blanlets as I have 3 married kids and 8 grandchildren and each blanket goes to one of them, but none of my friends are as interested in yarny things as the Wonderful Woodlanders have been!
It was such a lovely surprise to see the link to my Squirrels in your post - Thank you so much!!! <3 <3 <3
I'm excited to see if any of those mischeivous little Nutkins will be scampering over any of the finished Woodland Walk blankets.

What joy you bring! Hugs and Hygge! <3

[Julie Ashley]

It’s been a Fabulousssssssssss walk! I love your finished blanket! I’m still on my walk and will be for some time. But I wanted to tell you thanks for all your beautiful creativeness! It’s so inspiring! 🤗🍂🍁🍃

[carrie]

HI. I love, love, love, love all of this. It is so colourful and happy. And while everyone says that, I'd like to let you know, your choices in colour and brightness are so very opposite of mine. I love muted colors,simplistic designs and subtle things, so it seems so odd that I get such a kick out of your taste. But I really do. Not only do I always sit and gaze at all your photos, then i think of ways to incorporate it into my tastes and home decor on a much more reserved color palette. But I have also learned very much about crocheting from you. I have used more than one of your edging patterns and stitch lessons. So I eagerly look forward to what else you post and will happily continue to follow you on IG, FB and this blog. thanks a very big bunch. Carrie

[Carolyn wood]

Love autumn! We will be coming in to this colourful season soon here in n.z!

[Jodie]

Thank you so much Lucy for the wonderful tutorial & inviting us all along on another hooky journey. I look forward to our next one.x

[Wendy Reader]

Thankyou so much for sharing your Woodland Walk. I just love seeing all the posts from around the world and the work you put into the CAL Lucy is wonderful. I have many blankets both quilted and now crocheted so I totally understand your comment about your family not being impressed by another work of art. Can’t wait for the next creation.

[Margie]

I didn't participate in this CAL but wanted to say how much I've enjoyed watching you and everyone else as you made your gorgeous creations. Congratulations to everyone who have completed theirs. To those who are still happily working away, please share when you're done, love seeing what everyone comes up with. You've all made this Southern Indiana girl smile!

[Crafty Cath]

A-M-A-ZING!! All of the blankets are just brilliant. Thank you for the CAL's. I can appreciate just how much work goes into each one. I particularly like the colours in this one :) xx