Please don’t judge me on the colour scheme. My yarn choices were very limited!
Don’t get excited anyone, this is not a proper professional pattern post. More of a ‘this is how I made it work for me’ kind of thing.
A little while ago I posted about making dog blankets for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home. Well, I started the blanket pattern that could be downloaded from their site, but I was having some issues. My ‘squares’ were anything but square and the different paw patterns were yielding different sized rectangles. Obviously I assumed it was my fault, that my tension was off, or varying wildly. Also perhaps the cheap acrylic (Battersea state they want acrylic) was not helping. It felt like the thickness varied a bit. But, seeing as I was going to have to sew the 25 knitted squares together, quite large discrepancies in size was going to be tricky.
Then the amount of sewing involved was putting me off a bit. I wanted a kind of ‘zone out’ project, where I could just knit and get back into the rhythm of needles and knots again. Without wishing to seem uncaring towards the eventual owners, I would rather be able to make three ‘no brainer’ blankets than one thing of beauty. Bearing in mind the thing of beauty might only last a week or two, it might be chewed, or thrown up on…well it seems to me that less finagling and more bulk would be a better option.
After speaking to my mum, who had already made the paws blanket, I found out she had exactly the same issues and, coming to the same conclusion, had made a simpler striped one as her second.
I decided to make a striped one too. And I wanted a border around it, to stop that curling up thing that happens otherwise. Please remember here that my knitting knowledge was never vast, and it is old and neglected. But, in a rare moment of knitting optimism, I decided to work it out for myself.
So, here we have the blanket that I actually wanted to make, if you ignore the colours that were dictated by the minimal array of shades in the shop.
Not many close-ups as my edges were a bit dodgy at first!
Now, I can’t write it up as a proper pattern, but should you want to make such a thing yourself, this is what I did, and what I used.
5mm needles
Baby yarn (thinner than DK, that is all I can tell you): two 50g balls of white, and three 50g balls of other colours. You will have plenty left over and don’t need two full balls of white, but my method of knitting made it easier. If you don’t know how to work different coloured yarn in, it is probably best if you go find out from a professional. YouTube will do the trick. Basically I just wrap the two colours of yarn around each other either side of the changeover stitch.
Cast on 100 stitches*
K rows 1-10 in white
Row 11; K8 in white. Work in colour choice as described unhelpfully vaguely above. K to last 8 stitches, change to white and K last 8
Row 12: K8 in white. Work in colour choice and purl to last 8 stitches, Take a second ball of white yarn, work in as per intarsia method and K8 in white.
Continue rows 11 and 12 until work is desired length, ending on a purl row of colour.
K 10 rows in white and cast off.
Weave in all ends.
That is pretty much it. I just changed the colours and stripes as I fancied – basically trying to make it a bit less like an object that can be seen from space. They will have no problem finding this blanket’s pooch in a power cut!
*As for the number of stitches, I was being guided by the paws blanket which knitted up to 50x50cm sq. I figured this must be a minimum size requirement for Battersea so just aimed for something a bit bigger. The finished blanket is 62x55cm so I could have used less stitches.
I will still finish the knitted squares blanket, as it is a nice diversion and the paw pattern does look really cute. I am in no way criticising it, this is just an honest opinion. I think it is brilliant that the designer allowed their pattern to be used in this way. I thought the intention was to give knitters an interesting project achievable for all skill levels, and it definitely is.
I have now come across a few more proper patterns so am going to use up the rest of the yarn. Maybe I should include some sunglasses when I post them off?
Finally, a gratuitous picture of my lovely Photographer’s Assistant, having a quick bit of shut-eye in the props after a hard afternoon napping…
Love the colors of the blanket. And that cat is so cute 🐱
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I quite like the colours! But then, I do prefer bright colours to anything subtle 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
The colours are growing me. Slowly!
LikeLike
I think it is Wonderful!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How sweet, Gillian! I do like the colors, too. Would look lovely against a black dog! Did the photographer’s assistant approve of the blanket project?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Kathy. He has done his best to make it smell of cat. Not sure what that means, other than I will need to give it a wash before it gets given to a dog!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cosy/cozy kitty photo! I like the blanket you knitted, great colors/colours 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. He does like to bundle up in any blanket that comes his way.
LikeLiked by 1 person
OH I think the colors are perfect! Your knitting looks great! Hey napping is a very difficult job, one must be appreciated for their talents. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I do sometimes wish some of the sleeping skills would rub off on me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely blanket Puff! I’m sure the new owners won’t mind the “Ruff” edges at all!!! 😀 You’re cozy kitty just reminded me that there is just enough time for me to have a nap before it’s time to make dinner!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
HaHa! Enjoy the cat nap!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My eyes! My eyes! Oh my goodness – my vision will never be the same!
Just kidding! The blanket looks great and even though the colors aren’t what you’d like to pick, I think they still look fine. I’m glad your mum had the same problems with the modular blanket; those always seem like a good idea until I start them and realize how much sewing/seaming is involved. Your blanket is a much better mindless pattern and once you’re done, you’re done (aside from taking care of the ends). You may say your knitting skills aren’t that great and never were, but they look perfectly fine to me! Good job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HaHa! Sorry about the eyeballs! Thanks for the encouragement. I will definitely be sticking with blankets that can be knitted in one piece I think. And maybe shopping further afield too. But it is fit for purpose, which is the main thing I guess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved to read this knitting story! Thanks for sharing. I also like to knit – sometimes and made up some easy patterns for friends who learned to knit and wanted to knit only easy things. 🙂 Your blanket is very nice and I like the soft colours. I guess it would also be perfect for cats. 🙂 Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, you are very kind!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like these colours and I think that they work together beautifully in this lovely blanket – I’m sure it will be gratefully received 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Karen. I think maybe “serviceable” is the word I would use. But it will do its job!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A cat at hand to help is a must for any serious crafter…Lovely blankets and I know they’ll be much appreciated 😺🐺🐶🐩
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes everything needs a bit of cat fur in there somewhere, just for good luck!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🎵And you’re never fully dressed without some fur….🎶
LikeLiked by 2 people
Or sometimes quite an impressive, if selective covering. I am sure Riley thinks I look better with furry white calves and ankles.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whereas I am usually adorned with a sash of tabby stripe fur…maybe they just want us to blend in…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kitty camouflage!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Feline fur-tiveness…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need my doffing cap again….
LikeLiked by 1 person
🎩🎓👒👑!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos, fabulous ‘story’ of THE BLANKET and how it came to life…. and totally wonderful, soft and snuggly blanket!
You is soooooo clever Puff. I think you’re bwilliant.
Please send cat. (this is my second request).
Love and squidges ~ Cobs. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would send cat but he always wriggles out of the envelope. I could send you a fur ball? No?! Sure? Thanks for the kind words. I am at least enjoying knitting again, which is nice. Yarn burn instead of paper cuts…. Did you get any of the Poundland pearls?
LikeLiked by 1 person
no… apparently all gone. Not surprised at that price.
How your mum? Is she out of plaster now? (I wanted to ask: Is she still plastered …. I knew you’d laugh, but was unsure if someone reading might think… well, you know. I didn’t want anyone to think of your lovely mum like that!)
The blanket really is brilliant Puff, and I really like the colours you used.
Well done you clever thing you!
Squidges ~ me. xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I will see if there are any next time I go into town and get you some if you like. I might just clear the shelf! Mum is out of plaster and doing ok thanks. Still aches bit of course though. She’d laugh at the plastered joke! Glad you like the doggie warmer. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh what a great story! I haven’t knitted for a couple of years, but do so love it. Love the blanket! Thanks for sharing your pattern. On my previous blog, I did have a photo of a blanket that I made…took some time, but I was happy with it. http://nanceecrafttime.blogspot.com/p/knitting_7.html
LikeLiked by 1 person
I just looked – amazing! A really fun pattern too. Are you brilliant at everything?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No I would just say a lot of years if practice makes things look 👀 a little better. 😂. I’ve been knitting for over 50 years, so I’ve had a LOT of practice!
LikeLiked by 1 person
True. It still is a pretty special blanket you made though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Gillian!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a lovely blanket, baby dk is so nice to work with too. I’m not sure about your assistant’s work ethic though, I’d be having words about break entitlements… (his cuteness would help evade such things as written warnings though!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, and the lack of opposable thumbs would make a signed agreement tricky. Paw print, I guess? The blanket isn’t great, but it is fine. It’ll keep a dog warm, or at least make him wonder why it smells of cat….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Paw print would work! I think your knitting looks really neat 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re very kind to make this for a needy pooch! I totally understand the want to just “zone out” and knit. I’m working on a pair of lace socks at the moment and the yarn overs are driving me loopy (pun intended) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha! Yes, I can’t do lace knitting unless I have a competent un-knitter around for when I mess up. Good luck!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think the blanket is wonderful, I also love the pale colours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh thank you. One down, rest if my yarn purchases to go!
LikeLiked by 1 person
adorable-and the colors are great!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, thank you!
LikeLike
The blanket looks lovely! I am sure any doggy that receives it will be most grateful! I think I am going to start my blankets in the next week or so! I am not worrying about colour too much either though. Dogs and cats dont see colour in the same way as us anyway!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hadn’t even considered that – you are right. Just today I found out that cats see mostly in Grey’s, but blue and yellow are more distinctive. Never knew that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I quite like all the soft colours, makes it feel real homey, and no doubt the doggy who gets it will be highly grateful and Mr Moggy was doing his bit too by adding his scent, in case you take all the credit! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Or the dog might be driven nuts by the smell of cat with no kitty to chase! Thanks for the moral support though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This blanket looks very nice and I like soft colors!
Your Photographer’s Assistant looks very cute and cozy in his blanket. Our dog prefers fleece blankets over anything else.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Funny how animals have preferences, isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, they seem to be more like humans, than we think they are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great blanket, Gillian. I find the colour scheme very nice and calming. I’m sure your blanket will provide lots of warmth and cozies for a furry friend – just beautiful. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. It’ll do the job, hopefully!
LikeLiked by 1 person