A good friend is expecting in May, and having a lovely baby shower this weekend. However, I can’t make the shower (boo), but decided instead to make it up by giving a handmade gift of my own. Presenting, Rowan’s Odette Blanket!
I’ve been itching to make this blanket. The pattern book shows it in a light blue, but I thought it would look more precious in a soft pink. Here are a couple close-ups of the top edging and the stripes:
All folded neatly and ready to be wrapped!
I hope the mother likes it as much as I had fun knitting it. The yarn I used was Rowan’s Soft Baby, and it is SO INCREDIBLY soft. However, it isn’t machine washable. In fact, when it hits water, it can stretch and grow, so it’s important to dry flat. So yes, it’s going to be a high maintanence type of blanket, but I couldn’t resist such a girly and precious looking (and feeling) blanket. =)
This is a completely different topic, but today I went to my third quilting class. My first class was exciting and overwhelming at the same time. My second class was disappointing and discouraging (due to a substitute teacher’s attitude and teaching style). I was dreading the third class, but was pleasantly surprised that the original teacher (from the first class) was teaching it and I learned alot and was encouraged once again to try it again and not give up!
We practiced on making squares and triangles:
I used to thinking the 1/4″ seam was too difficult to accurately sew, but in a couple weeks, I overcame that. Lately I’ve been thinking that the most difficult part was accurately measuring and cutting, but after this class, I’m feeling alot more confident with my skills. I’m still making mistakes, but I know how to correct/fix them and I feel that I’m capable of not repeating those mistakes. This could actually work for me! =)
Have a wonderful weekend!
23 Comments so far
Leave a comment
Wow! what a gorgeous blanket! I’ve never seen that one. It is sure to be cherished.
By lynda on 03/22/07 7:28 pm | Permalink
I love the baby blanket and don’t think the mom will care about the washing. I knit a blanket for Morgan and another for Billy. We never really used them for day to day things. Texas and California babies aren’t cold that much anyway. But, I had each blanket on as a part of the decor in the nursery and then, packed them away for the kids when they are grown. The love these and look at them from time to time.
I’ve never tried to quilt. I’m with you on fear of the 1/4 inch seam. I never mastered my sewing machine that well. It looks like you are off to a great start.
By Donna on 03/22/07 7:44 pm | Permalink
This blanket…is…..WOW….AMAZING!! it’s SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!
i’m proud of your quilting skills. :)
By Jen da Purse Ho on 03/22/07 9:10 pm | Permalink
The blanket is beautiful.
By Michelle on 03/22/07 9:27 pm | Permalink
I love the blanket - so precious for a sweet little baby! Enjoy your quilting - looks great so far - all of the sewing I have been seeing on knitting blogs lately has been inspiring me to get back to my sewing machine:)
By Stacey on 03/23/07 3:42 am | Permalink
I’m kinda curious as to specifically what was the problem with the teacher of the second class. Was she too picky? Not enthusiastic? How did the other girls in the class seem to react?
By catsmum on 03/23/07 5:21 am | Permalink
I love Soft Baby. What a gorgeous gift.
Amy
By Amy on 03/23/07 6:43 am | Permalink
The blanket is sooooooooooo gorgeous — I think Priscilla will love it!
Your quilt block looks great. I’m impressed at how well you lined up those triangle tips!
By caitlyn on 03/23/07 8:35 am | Permalink
The blanket turned out great - it is beautiful!
I’m so glad that you had a better experience in your last quilt class - your blocks look wonderful! I ended up canceling the last two classes because I had such a bad experience in the last class. The shop was great about it though, very understanding. Now I’m wishing a little bit that I had taken the third class because your blocks are so cool. Oh well - I’m sure it’s something I can figure out on my own. (or maybe you can show me!) :)
By Cyndi on 03/23/07 9:18 am | Permalink
The blanket looks adorable! Nice going on the quilting too.
By Rain on 03/23/07 11:13 pm | Permalink
I love your Odette, its beautiful. After making my first one for my friend, I loved it so much I made one for myself in blue.
By Estee on 03/24/07 12:25 pm | Permalink
What a sweet blanket! I’m sure the softness (and its beauty!) will make up for the high maintenance.. and the color is so “baby” :) good job!
By Ayelet on 03/25/07 12:16 am | Permalink
A lovely blanket and the top edge makes it more beautiful. Oh, u are learning quilt, your work is nice.
By handknit168 on 03/25/07 6:30 am | Permalink
It’s so beautiful, definitely an heirloom. I’m sure your friend will be so pleased with it!
By erin on 03/26/07 6:39 am | Permalink
The blanket is soo sweet. I love the edging.
The star looks great! I knew you’d get the hang of it. ;)
By Jes on 03/26/07 7:20 am | Permalink
Oh my that blanket is gorgeous!! I want it and I’m not even pregnant! Hehe.. Such fantastic workmanship. I like the quilt pieces too. Did you choose this fabric? You have great crafting taste and talent!!
By LaBean on 03/26/07 10:27 am | Permalink
oh, your friend is going to absolutely love this blanket. it’s gorgeous! the top-edging is beautiful. such detail! i’m glad to hear you had a better experience during your third quilting class..having a teacher whose teaching style doesn’t fit into your learning style sucks so I’m glad your teacher from your first class came back and revived your desire to keep at quilting. I’m sure you’ll get it. :)
By rhoda on 03/26/07 10:40 am | Permalink
Hi Ruth! :)
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving me your kind comment. :)
You are such a crafty lady, I enjoyed seeing your finished projects! I think the baby blanket is adorable!!! Love the colors, and I think you knit beautifully.
Also, I’m jealous of your sewing skill!!! :D I have been wanting to sew bags too, but I just don’t know much about sewing… :(
By Chie on 03/26/07 2:28 pm | Permalink
Ruth, the blanket is beautiful! I see why you were anxious to make it. The detail in the edging is so feminine and soft. Great job!
By Judy on 03/26/07 4:07 pm | Permalink
That blanket is so sweet! Love your quilting piece.
By lauray on 03/26/07 8:22 pm | Permalink
Your baby blanket is gorgeous!!!!!…the new mom is sure to be thrilled. Your quilt block is pretty…learning something new can be frustrating…I find this with my cello lessons alot!
By Maggie Ann on 03/27/07 8:51 pm | Permalink
That’s a lovely blanket.
I have always been keen on quilting but like you, have been daunted by the prospect of having to sew and cut!
By Emy on 03/28/07 10:54 pm | Permalink
Ruth, that is a gorgeous baby blanket! I am so impressed! Your friend’s baby will look absolutely adorable wrapped up in it.
I also wanted to comment on the purse you made for your friend who’s getting married. The fabric choices look terrific together and the I liked the toggle idea. Beautiful.
By Lynette on 03/30/07 4:38 pm | Permalink
Leave a comment