It's always a bitter sweet time when we come to the final part of a CAL blanket. On one hand I bet there are many of you who are like me and get ridiculously excited about creating a beautiful border to finish off all your glorious stripes to perfection. But on the other hand, we are facing the end of a truly wonderful few months of creativity and achievement and I know that personally I don't want it to end. It's been so much fun to share this blanket with you over the past 8 weeks, and I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for being such fantastic meadow companions. I've loved having you with me for this summery jaunt amongst the flowers and grasses - thank you, thank you so much for your company.
I'm going to chat to you all about the border today, I'll keep it quite brief because honestly I'm a bit all over the place and words are not coming easy at the moment. However, at some point there will be a final Meadow hurrah as I'm working on a Ta-dah post to share with you.
I had my usual long-winded deliberation over what exactly to do to the edge of the Meadow blanket, and to tell the truth I changed my mind many times along the way. At first I was going to simply repeat something like the narrow edging I made for the Moorland colour story blanket, a thin ribbon of colour to wind around the stripes. But in the end I felt that the floral element of the Meadow blanket called for something just a little bit more frilly, and so this Mini Bobble edging was born.
The first five rows are worked in the same way as a simple linen stitch, ie the double crochet stitches are worked into the gaps between stitches creating a series of compact rows which work brilliantly to blend and merge the colours. The difference with this variation is that the double crochet stitches are worked in pairs, so it's a bit like a double-linen stitch if you like. There are no chain spaces between the stitches so the rows end up being very compact and neat without the usual stretch that linen stitch has. You might have noticed that the body of the Meadow blanket is very stretchy, so creating a compact border definitely helps the blanket to keep is shape.
But it's the final round that really gives this border it's character - oh, how I LOVE it!!! I didn't want anything too flouncy, but I most certainly wanted something pretty-pretty. The mini bobble edging looks complex, but trust me it is so simple, you won't believe it.
This stitch is made up of repeating treble crochet stitches and slip stitches, one after the other on repeat. Treble, slip stitch, treble, slip stitch. I know!!! How crazy easy is that??!!! The simplicity of it kills me because the resulting weeny bobbles are ridiculously lovely, honestly, I could not love this edging more.
When choosing colours for the border, I decided on the above combination. The first colour of any border should generally be a medium shade, something that will blend in and not stand out too much. The first round of a border can often be a little rough and ready as you work into the ends of the stripe rows, so it's best to use a colour that blends well.
The final round of the border should be a colour that you love, or that speaks well to the general body of the blanket. This outer round will be dominant when the blanket is complete, so it needs to be a colour that makes you feel good.
Creating six rounds, I used approximately 20g of each colour - the wider you go with your border, the more yarn you will need for subsequent rounds but you should certainly have enough left after making your stripes to complete the border of your choice.
I am more than happy for you to choose your own border colours if you wish - I love the ones I selected but you may well have your own preferences. It's also worth mentioning that you can vary the width of your border too - make it just a few rounds and keep it slimline and minimal, or maybe go all out and use all fifteen shades to create a wide colourwash border. It's up to you - this is a wonderful opportunity for some colour play.
I had a little play with my yarn pegs and put together a few alternative colourways for you.....
Duck Egg, Lincoln, Pistachio, Buttermilk, Parchment, Pale Rose
Wisteria, Lavender, Cloud Blue, Lincoln, Duck Egg, Mushroom
Lavender, Cloud Blue, Lincoln, Meadow, Pistachio, Buttermilk
Duck Egg, Cloud Blue, Wisteria, Lavender, Grape, Pale Rose.
Remember you could reverse any of the above suggestions too, so for example in the photo above, you could start out round 1 with Pale Rose and make your mini bobbles with Duck Egg.
I know the first row of any border can be a bit of a chore sometimes, especially as you go about working down those long sides. But it's also very therapeutic in a way, and once that first round is done and dusted, the following rounds will feel easier.
I made a full photo tutorial for the border - I named it "Mini Bobble Edging" and you can find it in the usual place in the left hand side bar. Click on the following link to go straight there >>
I also made a simple written pattern that you can download/print if you don't need the step by step help and prefer to have a traditional printed pattern to pop in your bag. You can find it by clicking on the following link >>
DOWNLOAD MEADOW BORDER PATTERN
I hope you have fun creating your Meadow border, please do share photos on social media so I can see, either in one of the Attic24 facebook groups, or on Instagram using the #meadowcal hashtag. I'll be back next Friday to share my Meadow Ta-dah post with you all.....I can't wait!
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Here are the CAL links if you need them
🌸MEADOW PRINTABLE BORDER PATTERN
Can someone explain to me how to do this "linen stitch"? I'm lost.....
Posted by: Charity | May 24, 2022 at 01:31 AM
Dear Lucy, thanks so much for your CALs I just love them even though I make them after the CAL in January usually. So relaxing! I get carried away and all my cares disappear. Although sometimes the housework gets left behind too. I made meadow with the crosstitch inserted from behind so my stitches look a little different but I still love it. Take care. Dune will be my next one 💓💓
Posted by: Edie Sousa | August 17, 2021 at 06:58 PM
Hi Lucy, just sending you a gentle hug for strength (❤️) take care ⭐️
Posted by: Marian Mahon | May 23, 2021 at 04:53 PM
Welcome back Lucy. I am thrilled with my completed Meadow blanket. Thank you so much for your CAL’s
Posted by: Janette Peterson | March 19, 2021 at 11:17 PM
Glad to see you are back. I was worried about you. I look forward to the Meadow Blanket Ta-Dah!, but i am patient and hope you will take your time and work on putting it together as you have the energy without feeling pressure. I am glad to hear that as nature is waking up, you are finding your energy again. The wonderful colors and combinations you choose for all the projects you share with us bring great joy.
Posted by: Lilinah | March 19, 2021 at 06:28 AM
Love the simple border with the cute bumpy last row. Hmm, love bright colours and the last colour is gorgeous with the blanket and the preceding blending colours.
Pat
Posted by: Pat | March 19, 2021 at 03:14 AM
We missed your ta da post!!!! Glad you are feeling better. Loved the Meadow VAL and it is going to my younger daughter.
Posted by: Jo Firth | March 18, 2021 at 09:33 PM
Just want to sent a virtual hug from a long time reader of your blog. No pressure to come back but just letting you know we are all thinking of you
Posted by: Olivia | March 18, 2021 at 03:32 PM
Hello dear Lucy, I've been worried about your absence and lack of allowing comments. I hope you're okay. I'm here for you if you need me. Your longtime blog friend, ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | March 17, 2021 at 11:25 PM
Hello Lucy, Hoping to hear all is well with you in the UK. I'm missing your cheerful colourful therapeutic posts and looking forward to your Meadow Blanket Ta-dah!
Cheers from Canada. Beth xx
Posted by: Beth | March 17, 2021 at 06:16 PM
Dear Lucy, hope you are ok as your days slip into spring and we here in Australia witness the joy of the first glimpses of autumn. Missing your blogs so hope it’s not too long till you feel ready to post . Lorraine x
Posted by: Lorraine Carlton | March 16, 2021 at 08:00 PM
Is this blog finished now?
Posted by: Mary | March 15, 2021 at 09:50 AM