In August of 2012, a friend commissioned me to make a personalized baby blanket. Her only specifications were that she wanted the blanket white, the lettering green, something "Irish," and some sort of nice border. I had never done a personalized blanket before, but I knew how to change colors, so I thought, "Let's do it!"
Well, it was definitely more of a feat than I originally had thought it would be. I started it in a single crochet, which was tedious, and then when I got to the shamrock decoration, I quickly learned that changing colors was NOT a good idea, so I started to crochet over the other color.
Long story short, after about 2 weeks, and SEVERAL hours, the "Reese blanket" was born! I have to say, I love this blanket.
Well, it was definitely more of a feat than I originally had thought it would be. I started it in a single crochet, which was tedious, and then when I got to the shamrock decoration, I quickly learned that changing colors was NOT a good idea, so I started to crochet over the other color.
Long story short, after about 2 weeks, and SEVERAL hours, the "Reese blanket" was born! I have to say, I love this blanket.
I posted my new pride & joy on my business Facebook page, and was elated by the compliments. One comment that stuck out was, "That's beautiful! Is it tapestry crochet?" My response, "Is it what? I just crocheted over the other color." Ladies and Gentlemen, apparently that is what tapestry crochet is! Not only did I create a beautiful piece, but learned a new term for something I did.
A little while ago, the same friend put in another order for a personalized blanket for another soon-to-be-born niece, I was excited. This time, the blanket was to be green, the lettering white, and she wanted sheep.
So I got to work; starting with my trusty Excel program, and graphed it out.
A little while ago, the same friend put in another order for a personalized blanket for another soon-to-be-born niece, I was excited. This time, the blanket was to be green, the lettering white, and she wanted sheep.
So I got to work; starting with my trusty Excel program, and graphed it out.
Then I grabbed my materials.
I again used tapestry crochet in order to change colors. And even wen t a step further in that each sheep had it's own little ball of white and black to make it so the yarn wouldn't tangle as much.
A couple of tips
Here's the finished blanket. I'm super proud of it, and as the customer said, "Oh my gosh that is the cutest thing ever!!! I love it!"
- The colors will show through, especially dark through lighter colored yarn
- It's best to not pull the yarn completely taunt as it will skew the stitches and make the work look bunchy in places.
- This technique works best with a single crochet stitch, or half double crochet if you're using bulky yarn.
- Above all else, remember it's going to take time and HAVE FUN!
Here's the finished blanket. I'm super proud of it, and as the customer said, "Oh my gosh that is the cutest thing ever!!! I love it!"