keeping secrets!

I couldn't post about the progression of this afghan because it was a Christmas present for my mom! (and she's the only one who reads my blog!).


I started this afghan in november and decided to piece it together like an assembly line. I made 30 squares of the pattern "Willow" from 200 Crochet Blocks for blankets, throws, and afghans by Jan Eaton. So, I made 30 of the first round of colors (5 different colors, six of each), 30 of the second round of colors, and so on and so forth. It made the squares piece together quicker (since I only had to reference the pattern for the first two of each round, I could remember it from memory for the last 28. I set a goal of doing at least 3 parts a day (ie. the first round i would do 3 a day). But I would slack off, or be too tired (or be working on crocheted coasters since my mom asked for those for Christmas - little did she know I was making this beast!). I brought it to my 3 day trip to Atlanta in November, brought it for small road trips, and worked almost non-stop until I went to bed each night. When I finally attached all the squares together, I didn't finish til the border was on! It was so much fun to make, but I'm happy to take a break and read for a bit (5 books for Christmas!!!)




















the squares finished, sans border.




















squares attached, without border





and finally, my mom enjoying her new afghan! it's not a full blanket, but more of a lap blanket!

1/5th of new blanket?

I love putting together all the squares I've made so far. I try to wait until I finish 6-7 more so it looks more dramatic (like, "YES! I only have 70 more squares to go!!".........)
So here's the progress. 21 blocks so far. I'm thinking this is around 1/5th done. I need to learn that it's okay (and will be necessary) to repeat patterns. So especially the patterns I love, get ready to be made a few times!











& of course, Mr. Peabody claims my blanket as his own....