Yes, I am finally knitting on Widdicombe Fair, aka the Carousel Baby Blanket. I’ve put it off as long as I dare: there is a baby shower happening as I write. (It’s not actually a show-her; it’s a show-he put on by friends of the father. I know. I’m rolling my eyes, too.)
I have finished four of the five repeats of the pattern so surely this will be ready by the time Baby X is born and able to receive visitors. One reason I have been a little slow on this project is that I’ve already knit one exactly like it in the same colorway (see Gallery at right). My husband, one of the show-he hosts, just loved that particular blanket and so when I offered to knit a blanket for this baby, he stated a strong preference for this pattern. Alrighty then. But it’s not quite as fun as knitting a new one.
Here are some progress pictures (do you detect a blue and gold theme? this is my husband’s favorite room in our house):
Here’s a close up, which shows both the steek and the miniature carousels:
Finally, for those of you who like to peek at the inside, here’s a close up of the raw side, which also includes the wrong side of the steek:
From Susan to Surly: If 4 of 5 repeats are done, just call it good! Babies are known for their short stature!!
Comment by lv2knit — July 14, 2007 @ 2:55 pm
You girls amaze me!! I am relatively new to your blog-by way of the kauni cardigan. I have looked at your gallery and everything you knit is fabulous. Keep in mind sometimes I am a little slow-my boys say dense is more like it :)but am I seeing correctly- this blanket is knit in the round? If so I might attempt one- my youngest brother age 38 and wife are expecting their first baby in January. I think the blanket is an heirloom. When you knit a blanket like this for a gift what yarn do you use? and do you include washing instructions in large bold type?
Comment by Tonia — July 14, 2007 @ 3:01 pm
It’s fabulous! What a lucky little tike. I hope the parents-to-be GREATLY appreciate the heirloom gift they are about to receive.
Comment by Michelle — July 14, 2007 @ 3:06 pm
It sure is a beautiful blanket. Indeed, it is always much more fun to do a new pattern rather than a repeat of one you’ve done before. Your fortitude in doing a fairisle again is to be admired – I am not sure I could have managed it.
By the way, the fabric on that sofa is a delight. No wonder it’s your husband’s favourite room.
Comment by Gale — July 14, 2007 @ 4:45 pm
Gorgeous! Another repeat won’t take more than a day. You can do it! And with time to spare.
Comment by Marina — July 14, 2007 @ 5:13 pm
Sally- How would you feel about making a third one? I think your
DH wants one too. And it’s perfect in your room.
Are you using Hebridean? That’s what it looks like in the photo.
Comment by Lorraine — July 14, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
Thanks for the close up. Those tiny horses are just too cute! Your project looks great, inside and out.
Comment by LaurieM — July 14, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
Beautiful blanket. And I agree with your husband about the colorway. Lovely.
Comment by kmkat — July 14, 2007 @ 7:48 pm
It’s gorgeous!
Comment by Romi — July 15, 2007 @ 1:59 am
That baby is going to have a nice heirloom. I love the horse pattern.
Comment by Charm — July 15, 2007 @ 3:06 pm
Amazing. This is absolutely one of my favorite baby blanket designs.
Comment by Marti — July 17, 2007 @ 12:20 pm
Your floats are gorgeous. Wow! I have a question about the Kauni as well as the Carousel… Did you change needles back and forth for the plain -straight, one color- rows? Is that what you mean by using 4’s for straight and 5’s for the stranding? Does that help the floats and stitches stay so flat and nice?
I’m curious because I want to do a Kauni as soon as I save up the $ for the yarn. So I’m reading as I can and filing away tips.
Thanks.
Your work is SO beautiful!
Happy Knitting.
Comment by jeannie — August 2, 2007 @ 10:09 am