it's a start.
I was griping a bit back about having some lovely Debbie Bliss cashmerino and not getting a chance to do a thing with it. My first thought was granny squares, then I thought, no, a ripple baby blanket, and then, realizing that, um, I actually have never crotched anything before and don't really know how, a single crochet baby blanket seemed like the wisest choice. (okay-see that typo?! my god. mariko made me promise not to change it. awesome.)
I had crocheted a bit, so I told Alicia when she was teaching me, but then I realized that it was back when I was about 10. . .and it was just a chain. So, on her bed, we giggled like 4th graders and I promptly learned that I was a tight crocheter, used way too small of a hook, can't see anymore in low light, and can't seem to talk and learn anything at the same time. I left with a big smile on my face, but not getting past the chain point again. . .
So, a day later I pulled out some books, and after a good night's sleep, started figuring it all out. Whew. It was almost getting embarrassing. So, this is for baby. I am looking at this photo and it seems clear to me now I really do think I am having a boy. I have no idea what we are having. Perhaps a tomboy girl. The blanket is wider than this now, but I don't know if i will get it done. It could be a long scarf. Oh, I really want to finish my first crochet project, I need to stay focused and not let this go. . .
On a very important cake note-the girls and I made this vanilla/chocolate marble cake in a loaf pan and it was sooooo good. Not too sweet, for a cake, and perfect for snacking. I would show it but they did the "swirling" part and it was not at all a photogenic result, but a good time was had, and that's the most important thing. Somehow the loaf shape makes it seem more healthy. I am delusional. I did bake if for a lot longer (about 15 min) than it called for, and didn't have buttermilk, so I used plain yogurt, just a FYI.
Oh my gosh, I really, really love the colors for your baby blanket. So beautiful. And Debbie Bliss Cashmerino? Swoon.
We made that same marble cake some time ago, and I agree with you that having cake in a loaf shape makes it seem "healthy."
Posted by: Grace | April 30, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Hello from Scotland!
Your blanket looks most impressive. I was going to go home today & try & make brownies for the first time but I think I will try the marble cake instead. I'll see if I can take a picture tonight before it's all gobbled up!
Posted by: curlycustard | April 30, 2007 at 09:08 AM
I think the colors are beautiful...no matter what you are having.
I taught myself to crochet from a book & a little extra help from my mother-in-law. My first project was an ADULT-sized afghan! Yikes! I don't know what I was thinking. Now I design my own dolls & creatures.
You can do it...stay focussed & you'll come a long way. Just envision your new little one all cuddled up in it :]
Posted by: comfits | April 30, 2007 at 09:33 AM
I just started chrocheting again for the first time since I was probably about 10 too. I am crazy though, and am doing a ripple. It is acctually quite easy (or at least the pattern I picked is).
That marble cake sounds divine, and I am sure the girls did a good job swirling it. I also feel that loaf cakes are healthier. BUt that is mostly because a)I don't feel like they are naked with out frosting, and b) it is smaller so if I eat the entire dang thing by myself, I eat less.
Posted by: courtney | April 30, 2007 at 09:52 AM
It's awesome, baby. You got it going on.
Posted by: Alicia P. | April 30, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Those colors are so pretty!
I always crochet with a hook that's larger than recommended because I'm a tight crocheter, too.
Hook on! ;)
Posted by: Sonja | April 30, 2007 at 10:57 AM
for what it's worth, i think it's a boy too.
Posted by: melissa f. | April 30, 2007 at 11:20 AM
The colors are lovely you off to a great start.
Posted by: Kristi | April 30, 2007 at 11:23 AM
Ooooo...thanks for the link. I might have to make that. I am on a huge BAKING kick right now. Trying lots of recipes that I have wanted to try but never have. I'll have to add this to my list =]
Posted by: Rhonda | April 30, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Getting someone (patient) to teach you is the key. I'm now doing three blankets concurrently, one as a gift - bewarned, it's addictive. The gift is using Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora, it's lovely and soft!
Posted by: Flibbertygibbet | April 30, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Good luck with your project! Looks fabulous.
Posted by: kellysime | April 30, 2007 at 01:03 PM
I love the blanket. A simple project is good for a first one.
That cake sounds yummy. I might have to make it, since I make everything I read about on blogs. But what is Dutch process cocoa powder? Can I just use plain old Hershey's?
Posted by: Anina | April 30, 2007 at 02:15 PM
I really want to make a ripple blanket but am in the same boat--never crocheted a day in my life! Maybe I will take a cue from you and start with something easy like that. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Molly! | April 30, 2007 at 06:06 PM
I love this project. It's so beautiful. I'm a knitter as well, but lately I've been in a crocheting mood. Could you please tell me what yarn and what pattern you are using for this blanket? I love it!
Posted by: Beth | April 30, 2007 at 06:37 PM
that is gorgeous....I tried to learn crochet at a class at a craft and quilting fair....it was so embarrassing that I had to sit with 8 or so other women and was the only one not to get it! just after I'd been telling them how I love to knit and am quite good at it! I think yours is lovely...well done!
Posted by: corrie | April 30, 2007 at 07:02 PM
Nothing like a bit of crotching to make friends with the PETA people ;) ! Quite fitting really, when it's cashmerino you're using... Looks great, and good luck maintaining the focus a project like that needs.
Posted by: Bel | April 30, 2007 at 08:28 PM
love the blanket and the typo.. My husband reads "crocheter" as "crotch-a-teer" like the Mouse-keteers & Musketeers..
Posted by: jennifer. | May 01, 2007 at 01:43 AM
Looks great to me...
Posted by: shula | May 01, 2007 at 02:17 AM
Ohhhh.. I am so glad your trying! It looks great! I just finished a cashmerino ripple thanks to the inspiration of Alicia.. the pic is on my blog... it so looks like an Easter Egg! ~smile~
Posted by: Lea | May 01, 2007 at 05:59 AM
love the colors!
Posted by: Melissa | May 01, 2007 at 07:57 AM
I was going to do a ripple or a granny, too- am just learning crochet, too- so decided on a blanket like yours - very nice. See this http://belladia.typepad.com/bella_dia/2006/11/vintage_vertica.html
thanks!
Posted by: kate | May 01, 2007 at 08:49 AM
good luck with the blanket! i dont seem to have the attention span/patience required to knit/crochet.
Posted by: Dacia | May 01, 2007 at 12:35 PM
What a great start to the blanket! I love the colours, makes me think of crocheted bunnies (if only I could).
I had a crochet lesson from my grandmother and am doing borders. Once I have mastered all the loops I can't wait to start on my own blanket...oh and I now have a yearning for cake!
Posted by: Cornelia | May 01, 2007 at 01:13 PM
The blanket is great! I love those colours - and any concerns you have about a (third) girl - see that lovely red material behind it, that kind of thing totally makes it say girl, if that's what happens ;) You're almost making me want to try crochet....
Posted by: Alison | May 01, 2007 at 03:18 PM
Love the typo!!!! tee hee
Posted by: Jill | May 01, 2007 at 04:27 PM
I've never crotched anything, either.
Posted by: Anna | May 01, 2007 at 05:06 PM
I just finished my first crochet project, a hat! this morning before sending the kids off on the bus. Unfortunately, it doesn't fit anyone I know. Crotching is addictive and I need more yarn NOW. BTW, I "knew" my second was a boy. Good luck with everything!
Posted by: Amy | May 02, 2007 at 01:22 PM
Another sumptin-sumptin I wanna learn. *sigh* Lovely!
Posted by: Starlagirl | May 04, 2007 at 08:37 PM