I’m coming out of the weekend with an FO I’m proud of! And it’s a crocheted FO too! As simple as this crochet project was, it was a challenging project for me, as I am still a crochet-beginner. But at least by now, I can crochet in straight lines, and have an even tension. If only my wrist would stop hurting though. =(

Pattern: Tiramisu Baby Blanket, by Alicia Paulson
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 5 skeins
Hook: I hook
Notions: 5 yards of 5/8-inch wide ribbon in brown

Pattern
A very simple crochet pattern, but despite that, I had some trouble in the beginning. I wasn’t sure if it was my own human error or the pattern. As lovely as the pattern is, I suspected that there was an error, so I made my own correction (on the foundation row, do a 2 sc in 3rd ch from hook, rather than just 1 sc). And when you start on the edging instructions, they only make sense if you are starting on the WS. These things are probably nothing for an advanced crocheter, but for a beginner, I wrecked my brain trying to figure out what was wrong. Good thing I’m a knitter first, because I was able to analyze how the pattern ought to go, and that helped tremendously. (EDITED: I contacted Alicia about the pattern and she’s updated it with the corrections. So it wasn’t me after all!)

Gauge was slightly an issue as well. The recommended yarn was a heavy worsted yarn, with an I hook. I used a regular worsted yarn, and it made it smaller than what the size ought to be. So I fudged around and did 5 rows of single crochet around the blanket (to make it bigger) before I started the actual edging instructions. I think Lion Brand’s version of Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton is their Nature’s Choice Organic Cotton. I’ve never used it before, but it looks soft (and affordable!).

As for the ribbon, I’m not really into embellishments that aren’t practical. And definately a ribbon with a dangling bow is probably not good for a baby, and not good for repeated washings, but it sure makes it look elegant and pretty at the same time. I found out that even without the ribbon, it’s still looks great.

Yarn
My first time using LB’s Cotton Ease. I’ve heard about it in the past, and LB had discontinued their original line. But they’ve brought it back, and I am completely won over. It’s a smooth yarn, and holds well, and it’s machine washable! Perfect for a baby blanket. I love it. I would definately use this yarn again in the future.

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Completely off subject, but I made a quickie lunch snack that deserves some recognition (I’m saving this in my recipe book):

I know it looks gooey because of the cheese, but it was good, especially straight from the oven, all hot and crispy and gooey. I used crescent rolls, and rolled them each with a slice of ham and a piece of cheddar cheese (sharp, of course!). Baked it at 350 for 15 minutes or so. It went well with my italian wedding soup (which I didn’t get a picture of, so you’ll have to take my word for it). =)