What better way to spend a day of 105*F (the third out of four) than cozied up in your purple chair, crocheting the border around a throw blanket? I couldn't think of anything I'd rather be doing in the midst of this thick, oppressive heat than putting the finishing touches on the marvelous Sunburst Granny Blanket.
I traded my usual mug of coffee for a glass of cool white wine (Pinot Grigio, I highly recommend it) and got to work. I sipped and yarned over and pulled through and frogged and began again two- three times before I felt the border to be to my liking. The voices of NPR murmured in the background and, mixed with the heat, lulled me into a rhythm. Suddenly, I joined and fastened off.
I was done. It was done.
Immediately, I snagged my camera and took a picture of Sunburst just as it lay in a crumpled heap. Fresh from the finishing.
 |
| I keep looking and looking at this picture, trying to figure out what's off about it. And now I see it. I didn't rotate. Ha! |
 |
| A favorite square. |
 |
| The center-most square. The blanket is 7 rows wide and 9 rows deep. |
 |
| The perfect size for a toddler bed, or for one person to curl up with a glass of wine and some NPR. |
Wow. Just wow.
Sunburst will be packed up and shipped off to the lovely Stephanie early this week as a housewarming/you're-such-a-good-friend/just-because/your-daughter's-turning-2-on-Saturday kind of gift. These reasons for gift giving don't come around every day, ya know. ;)
And as thrilled as I am about sending it off, I do have a sinking, empty feeling... like when you finish a book so incredibly good your heart got wrapped up in it and it can't possibly be over?!!? Sigh. (Ahem, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, Pride & Prejudice, The Harry Potter Series, The Lord of the Rings, The Time Traveler's Wife.... just to name a few). Rereads are never quite as epic. What will I do without Sunburst in my life anymore? =\
To answer my own rhetorical question, I guess it's time to focus on Little Boy Blue's 2 Year Old Blanket. Check back for updates! Hopefully it'll be done by the end of the week!
((((Want to make it your own? Follow this link for the *FREE* Sunburst Granny Square Pattern!))))
Have a Lovely Day!
~Jess
***
~Jess
***
I just love the "sunburst" pattern. I've had it on my to do list for awhile now. You've made a GORRRRRGEOUS blanket! You inspire me to move that pattern closer to the top of my to do list! I'm soooooo sick of this heat! I don't have a purple chair...but I'm doing just about the same as you to stay cool! The storm clouds are building right now...I dread the violence of the storms, but we can sure use the rain and the temperature shift that's promised! Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler...yaaaaay! I don't think we've been under 98 in the daytime for the past two or three weeks! (Probably the same for you too.) Icy hugs, Annette
ReplyDeleteThank you! I plan to write out this particular pattern and will share it when I do, of course. :) I have it in my head to make a pillow cover for myself with this pattern-- I don't have it in me to make another blanket.
DeleteThis week is supposed to be 70s and 80s for us (Richmond) and I am thrilled! I can do anything under 95*. Beyond that I start to wilt.
Stunning! Love the colors you used... What a gorgeous gift! Just stumbled upon your blog... Looking forward to using the tutorial you provided for this particular granny square. Thank you so much! :)
ReplyDeleteGood news: the pattern is available! http://purplechaircrochet.blogspot.com/2012/08/sunburst-granny-square-free.html
DeleteEnjoy! :)
Hello, I love this blanket! It seem from one of your photos that it was 7 X 9 granny squares, am I guessing about right? Also I wanted to know what kind of joining technique you used. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI used this tutorial for joining: http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/joining-asyougo-sqaures.html
DeleteAnd I believe I did 7x9 squares, but I honestly can't remember for sure... and the blanket is on the other side of the USA or I would check it for you. :) It was a slightly bigger baby size blanket- a great size for one adult on a couch, or a spread for a toddler bed. Hope that helps!
An absolute stunning job you did! A sunburst blanket is my next project to complete for my baby girl (4 months) but I'm having trouble finding the right yarn. I want something durable that won't pill and easy washing and drying without melting fibers like some acryllics will do after being dried in the dryer. I like the clean appearance of the yarn you used. What is it? Where did you get it? The dusty rose, coral, and teal colors are exactly what I am looking for, for creating a shabby chic color palette for my girl.
ReplyDeleteMost of the yarn is either cotton or cotton/acrylic blend. I used a lot of "Cotton Ease" from Lion Brand ( http://www.lionbrand.com/ ) for this one, and some Lily's Sugar & Cream (if I recall). Hope that helps!
Deletewhat kind of border is surrounding this piece of "art"?? It goes so well with the blanket itself and would love to also add it on mine.. if I ever finish it...LOL
ReplyDeleteI did something similar to this: http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/granny-b.html . I wanted something on the simple side, so it didn't take away from the rest of the blanket, but the shells gave it a finished look.
DeleteI was wondering what type of border you put on this beautiful star burst blanket. I would love to add it to mine... If I ever finish it..LOL
ReplyDeleteThis is just beautiful! You did such a great job! I am currently on my first sunburst granny square blanket...4 squares in!! Haha how long did it take you to make? I'm new to crocheting, picked it up last week. How many different colors did you choose for this? Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It took a couple of months to complete. Not actually sure how many colors I used- I really just grabbed from my extras, as long as they were cotton, and went from there. :)
DeleteI just found your sunburst pattern today, it is just lovely. I haven't crocheted since I was a girl (just a short while ago....) I am now very tempted to pick up a hook again - thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteLiz x