Category Archives: baby blanket

BABY BLANKETS Round is the New Square

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The more I look at these round blankets, the more I love them! It’s amazing how changing the shape can shake up a concept as simple as a blanket. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just refine the shape a bit!

The Yarn

Berroco Vintage Chunky is a bulky weight yarn that’s great for just about everything: babies, kids, men, blankets, afghans, etc. It is machine washable, soft, easy to work with and come in a spectrum of great colours, both solid and heathered. It’s a blend of wool and high-end synthetic fibres, but it isn’t shiny (or squeaky), and doesn’t feel acrylicy. 40% Wool, 52% Acrylic, 8% Nylon, 100g/125m (136yds). Made in Peru, machine wash, lay flat to dry. 

Pre-Order

Please note, while these kits are a special order, we stock the yarn all year round, and generally the chances are good that we will have your colour in stock and your kit will be ready quickly. 

These kits as a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis – you have the option to order it any time (it will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

Knit from the centre out, Cecelia is a botanical blanket that’s perfect for cuddling a baby, wearing as a shawl or simply decorating the home. Stitch pattern is charted. The finished projects on Ravelry for this pattern are beautiful, and people seem to make it over and over again!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skills: knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends, centre double decrease, cast-on (provisional), yarn-over (double), lifelines, K2tog & SSK, stitch markers (in lace)

Prerequisites: You should already have tried some basic lace knitting and knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 48” across (piece is circular)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

Solaria Baby Blanket

To make this cheerful circular blanket, one cable pattern is repeated sixteen times, resulting in a profusion of texture. Diamonds and cables intertwine, forming negative spaces that are as interesting as the raised design. Cable pattern is charted, blanket is worked from the outer circumference and decreases into the centre. The finished projects for this pattern on Ravelry are absolutely GORGEOUS!

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skills: cables, knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends.

Prerequisites: You should already have tried basic cables and knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 36″ across (the piece is circular)

Kit Includes

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Key Lime Baby Blanket

This simple, fresh baby blanket is created by combining two-by-two rib and garter stitch in concentric circles. Worked from the centre outward, all the increases occur on knit rounds, which makes the counting easy to manage. The off-white centre and border mimic the look of a sliced lime. This blanket would also be adorable as a lemon (colour 6122) or a watermelon (colour 6123 for the interior, 6101 and 6135 for the rind, and 6125 if you want to throw in some seeds).

Skill Level: Advanced-Beginner to Intermediate

Skills: cables, knitting in the round on double-pointed needles, reading a chart, weaving in ends.

Prerequisites: You should already have tried knitting in the round on double-pointed needles.

Size: Approximately 36″ across (the piece is circular)

Kit Includes

Kit DOES NOT include

4 Retro Inspired Baby Blanket Kits

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The Yarn

Most of these projects are made with Berroco Vintage, a soft, worsted weight machine washable wool/synthetic blend. A knitting store staple, it features a wide color range, an incredibly soft feel and yardage that goes on and on. Its unique fiber blend makes laundering a breeze and perfectly suited for easy care garments for both children and adults. 52% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 8% Nylon, 100g/199m (218 yds). Made in Peru, machine wash inside out in cold water, gentle cycle, lay flat to dry.

Pre-Order

These kits are a special-order and we aren’t stocking them in the store on a regular basis, but you have the option to order them any time (they will be available to purchase as long as the manufacturer makes it available to us). That said, we Berroco Vintage in stock all year and are always reordering, so if the yarn is in stock your kit will be available very quickly. Your kit will ship or be available for pick-up once it arrives, and we will contact you. If you need your kit for a specific date please let us know and we can find out if it’s feasible. 

High Fidoodlity Crochet Blanket Kit

This colourful depiction of sound waves makes a cheerful blanket (and a great tent). If you’d like to make a grown-up sized throw you should purchase two kits. This piece is worked in blocks and sewn together. If you don’t have it in you to do that you can try using the instructions from the wavy blanket. I’ve played around and worked out some colour palettes that are harmonious with the design, but you can also choose your own colours if your inspiration leads elsewhere.

  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Size: 38″ wide x 46″ long
  • Gauge: 16 sts & 20 rows = 4″ (10cm) in single crochet stitch

Kit Includes:

  • Berroco Vintage: 2 skeins each of 4 colors, 1 skein in one colour of (total
  • of 9 skeins).  Shown in colourway 01: 5104, 5121, 5125, 51180, 5107.
  • Pattern

Kit DOES NOT include:

Vintage Baby Blanket Kit

The Vintage Baby Blanket is a retro-inspired sampler of color, texture, and cable stitches. The design is closely tied to the mustardy yellows and browns popular in the 1970s. We’ve sat down with the yarns and come up with a the colour combinations that match just right and will make your project pop. You can also choose your own colours if your inspiration takes you in another colour direction (I love seeing what other eyes come up with!).

  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Size: 30” wide x 36” long
  • Gauge: 20 sts & 27 rows = 4″ (10cm) in stocking stitch

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Kit DOES NOT include:

Moderne Baby Blanket

This blanket is inspired by the colours and geometric construction of mid-twentieth-century artwork. It’s made of twenty garter stitch blocks – some blocks are knit in a solid colour and others are worked in multiple colours. It’s an easy project to tackle, one square at a time. The small squares also make it easier to work on in warmer weather, and make it easy to pop in your bag. I’ve worked out some additional colour combinations, but like always you are welcome to choose your own colour adventure!

Kit Includes:

Kit DOES NOT include:

Glamping Blanket

The Glamping Blanket was extremely popular when it was first came on the scene, so much so that the company ran out of the suggested yarn colours and had a hard time getting more because of COVID. Now that the company is starting to catch up, I think it’s a viable option again, especially for a fun baby blanket.

The Glamping Blanket is a graphic combination of colours and textures. The yarn, Berroco Vintage Chunky, is the PERFECT blanket yarn – it’s soft and cozy, it knits up quickly, and it’s easy to wash – ideal for comfy snuggling for all ages. I went to town, working on new colour combinations that will work in balance with the design, in including (but not exclusive to) grown-up palettes, and I even came up with a few Christmas colourways (for those of you who go all-out at the the holidays). Like all our other kits, please feel free to choose your own colours!

Skill Level: Intermediate (trying different stitch patterns)

Sizes

  • Cat Blanket: 18″ X 22”
  • Baby Blanket/Small Dog/Portly Cat: 24″ X 36”
  • Dog/Lap Blanket (or a larger baby blanket):  35″ X 44”
  • Sofa Blanket: 46″ X 58”

Kit Includes

  • Berroco Vintage Chunky: colour A. 1 (2, 3, 5)hanks, colour B. 1 (2, 2, 4) hanks, colour C. 1, (2, 2, 4) hanks, colour D. 1, (1, 2, 3) hanks.
  • The sample blanket is done in: A: 6121 Sunny (yellow), B: 6101 Mochi (off white), C: 6110 Fondant (pink), D: 6104 Mushroom (beige).
  • Pattern

Kit DOES NOT Include

PROJECT First Blanket

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I’m sorry I haven’t written a proper post in a bit, I’ve been tied up with helping you guys in the store, humidity and life. Luckily, life works for us, and gives us little breaks where we can breathe, and contemplate, and write inspiring things!

I wanted to thank those of you who write, call, and stop by to tell me how appreciative you are – it means the world to me, and I’m very grateful for your feedback, it keeps me going! It’s the most rewarding thing in the word to know that I’m helping and inspiring you. It also helps me know that I’m on the right track, and when it’s time to make a change – both of which are incredibly valuable.

Thank you for connecting with me, it helps me connect with you. ~ Haley

First Winter Blanket

This pattern popped up on Ravelry last week and I think it’s absolutely brilliant in its simplicity. It’s a baby blanket that turns into a bunting – genius! It uses 3 skeins of one of my favourite yarns, Malabrigo Rios, an incredibly soft, hand dyed machine washable merino wool from Uruguay. The knitting is pretty basic, just garter stitch and seed stitch, so it’s accessible to knitters of all skill levels. The pattern is FREE, so Yay!

Plus, the manufacturer, Malabrigo Yarns, is committed to employing women who lack job opportunities, ecological sustainability and ethical animal husbandry. These things are important, and while it may sound kooky, I increasingly think that all the parts of the manufacturing process end up *in* the product. Trendy isn’t enough for me – I want more, I want JOY.

Materials

  • Malabrigo Rios: 3 skeins (1 in each of 3 colours)
  • 5mm needles (straight or circular)
  • stitch markers
  • row counter
  • tapestry needle
  • 11 buttons (15mm to 25mm)
  • FREE Pattern

CANADA DAY & FREEBIE Long Weekend Store Hours

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Canada Day Long Weekend Store Hours

Friday June 28: 11 am to 6pm

Saturday June 29: 11 am to 6pm

Sunday June 30: CLOSED

Monday July 1: CLOSED

Photo: purlsoho

Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket

Does anything say Canada to Canadians more than the iconic Hudson Bay Blanket? It’s simple design is timeless and a hand-knit version would make for a super-special baby gift. The pattern is beginner friendly (it’s just straight knitting), and makes a great low-brain activity, summer project. And it’s FREE, so that’s a bonus too!

Yarn Options

The Hudson Bay Inspired Baby Blanket is made with worsted weight yarn, so you’ve got several great options to choose from! I’ve colour combined and art-directed the colours, so you don’t have to worry about which shades match and balance together – I’ve got you covered! Working with the palates available from each yarn line, I tired to create as many combinations that looked good as possible. I also tried to go for different aesthetics, the classics are closest to the iconic blankets sold by the Hudson Bay Company, and feature clearer, brighter colours. The subdued combos are a more modern, grown-up take on the hues, and are darker.

Cascade 220 Superwash

Cascade 220 Superwash is an affordably priced, machine washable Peruvian wool yarn. It’s soft enough for baby garments and blankets, knits easily, and has been a staple around here for a LONG time. If you aren’t into synthetics this is a great choice!

  • classic colours: six skeins of 817 Aran, and one skein each of 251 Evergreen, 809 Really Red, 877 Golden, 1924 Midnight Heather
  • slightly darker colours: six skeins of 817 Aran, and one skein each of 1950 Hunter Green, 893 Ruby, 877 Golden, 854 Navy.

Berroco Vintage

Berroco Vintage is a super soft, machine washable blend of wool, acrylic and nylon. It’s easy on the hands and the pocketbook, and is another very popular choice for babies and kids. This yarn is also a longstanding resident around here.

  • classic colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5152 Mistletoe, 5151 Cardinal, 5121 Sunny, 51182 Indigo Heather.
  • somewhat subdued colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5193 Yukon Green, 51181 Ruby Heather, 5127 Butternut, 51182 Indigo Heather.
  • grown-up heathered colours: six skeins of 5101 Mochi, and one skein each of 5177 Douglas Fir Heather, 5181 Black Currant Heather, 5192 Chana Dal Heather, 51182 Indigo Heather.

Malabrigo Rios

Malabrigo Rios is one of my favourite yarns. It’s a hand dyed, machine washable, 100% merino wool that’s made in Uruguay. The colours are darker than the classic blanket combo, but no less beautiful.

  • subdued colours: six skeins of 063 Natural, and one skein each of 138 Ivy, 33 Cereza, 35 Frank Ochre, 150 Azul Profundo.

Other Materials

  • 4.5mm/US7 – 29″ circular needles (or longer)
  • tapestry needle
  • FREE Pattern

PROJECT Meadow Lane Baby Blanket

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Meadow Lane

Last month we showed you my friend Jo’s Meadow Lane baby blanket in progress, and it was so inspiring that we made one for the store! We used 4 skeins of Urth Uneek Worsted in colour 4010 and it positively SINGS (although I LOVE Jo’s blanket in colour 4009)

The FREE pattern is worked in a broken garter stitch, it’s a very simple knit, and definitely beginner friendly (you only need to know how to knit and purl in the same row). If you have a hard time ‘reading’ your stitches you’ll want to use Stitch Markers to separate your knits from your purls.

Size

The pattern offers several sizes (I ADORE designers who do this, they deserve a standing ovation), from a baby size to a full sized lap blanket. We made a size “small” and after blocking it came out 28″ wide by 39″ long (more than sufficient for a baby blanket):

  • Baby: 29.75” wide x 32” long
  • Small: 32” wide x 42” long
  • Medium: 36.5” wide x 43” long
  • Large: 41” wide x 48” long
  • XL: 45.5” wide x 50” long
  • XXL: 50” wide x 56” long

Materials


FINISHED Chevron Baby Blanket

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Chevron Baby Blanket

Mallory finished our Chevron Baby Blanket made with Urth Uneek Worsted and it’s just a beautiful as I thought it would be. Our turned out a bit smaller than expected, but we only used 2 skeins of yarn. I’ve done the math and adjusted the number for larger sizes for you, including suggestions for the yarn required. Urth Uneek Worsted is a really special yarn – it’s a gorgeous, hand-painted, self-striping, machine washable super-soft merino wool, and their colourways absolutely GLOW with life.

Notes

  • The pattern is straightforward (and free), and the yarn is soft and stunning, so I don’t think you can go wrong with this project.
  • If you are looking for a similar look but can’t handle the price-tag, try using Berroco Comfort Print. It’s soft, machine washable, self-striping, costs a third of the price, and the yardage is the same as the Urth Uneek Worsted. If you go with this option be sure to choose the colours that are labelled ‘stripes’ – it also comes in variegated colours.
  • I highly suggest you use stitch markers to demark the pattern repeats, it will make so much easier and hep you keep track of where you are in the row.
  • I also suggest putting in a life-line every now and again, just in case you make a mistake and have to rip a few rows back.
  • We blocked out blanket using the Knitter’s Pride Knit Blockers and I AM IN LOVE with them! They made blocking a million times easier and faster!
  • As noted above, our project came out small, so I’ve laid-out the numbers for larger sizes. I also thought it would make a gorgeous and easy wrap, so I included the numbers for that, as well as for a larger throw blanket.

Size

Our blanket came out 24”(61cm) wide by 28.5″(72cm) long after blocking. The pattern is written for one size, but based on our tension I’ve drafted some suggestions for larger sizes, a wrap and a throw blanket.

  • Baby Blanket – 24”(61cm) wide by 28.5″(72cm) long: cast on 121 sts
  • Baby Blanket – 28.5”(72cm) wide x 34”(86cm) long: cast on 145 sts
  • Baby Blanket – 33”(84cm) wide x 39”(99cm) long: cast on 169 sts
  • Baby Blanket – 37.5”(95cm) wide x 45”(114cm) long: cast on 193 sts
  • Wrap/Shawl – 19.5”(49.5cm) wide x 60”(152cm) long (or longer): cast on 97 sts
  • Throw Blanket – 51″(129cm) wide x 60″(152cm) long: cast on 265 sts

Materials

PROJECTS Urth Baby Blankets

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Some yarns have so much potential, but people have a hard time visualizing what they can be … that’s ok, I’ve got the vision, it’s my job to show you which caterpillars will become the prettiest butterflies! When I first came across Urth’s line of self-striping yarns my brain said SO MUCH YES, and a year down the line and my virtue is still easy when it comes to them. The only problem is that you can’t see the stripes in the skeins, so the magic is kind of hidden until they’re knitted. Enter store samples ….. the Urth Uneek Worsted is especially suitable for babies and kids – it’s machine washable, crazy soft, colourful, and just the right thickness. That said, we’ve been experimenting with baby blankets ….

Chevron Baby Blanket

I knew the marvellous striping in the Urth Uneek Worsted would be perfect for a chevron pattern – it’s so evocative of Missoni chevron stripe patterns, but without all the work of constantly changing colours or weaving in yucky ends. This pattern is worked in stocking stitch, so the yarn is actually going pretty far and I think it will only need 3 skeins (less knitting, less money, it’s all good).

The pattern is free (rarely a bad thing), and I think the chevrons are suitable for an intermediate-beginner to advanced-beginner skill level. Definitely, use stitch markers to mark out to your pattern repeats, it will make your life SO MUCH EASIER!

Materials

Meadow Lane

This isn’t actually our project, it belongs to my good friend Jo, but I wanted to show you how pretty it is (plus I played cupid pairing up the pattern and yarn, so I figure I get some credit). The stitch pattern is dead easy, but it creates a super impressive prismatic effect. I know Jo’s niece will love anything Jo makes for her, but I doubt she has any idea of the gorgeous baby shower-gift that’s coming her way! In fact, I liked it so much that we’re making one for the store in colour 4010 (that’s the same colourway Rosie was using the make her Adrift Cardigan and we used for our Stripe It Cowl).

The free pattern is worked in garter stitch, which uses up more yarn than stocking stitch, and Jo’s tension tends to run tight, so I think her blanket will require 4 skeins. Liane is making our sample, and her tension tends to be loose so we might be able to get away with 3 skeins. It’s a very simple knit, and definitely beginner friendly (you only need to know how to knit and purl in the same row). If you have a hard time ‘reading’ your stitches you’ll want to use Stitch Markers to separate your knits from your purls.

Materials

P.S.

I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH! to the many people who send me compliments and thank me. Sometimes I don’t get a chance to reply because the note comes in when I’m babysitting my niece & nephew or re-ordering needles or helping someone with dropped stitches, and then a week has gone by and the nice feeling is still there but my sieve of a mind has lost the memory. Anyway, It’s nice to sell things and pay my bills ‘n stuff, but it means a lot to know that I help people. The validation that my unique view is valued doesn’t hurt, but my own ego and insecurities aside, it’s helping you that makes what I do really, really satisfying and keeps me in this industry. When I grow, you grow … and when you grow, I grow. All relationships run both ways – we’re in it together.

With much love,

Haley

PROJECT Welcome Relief

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blanket 1

Welcome Relief

I stumbled across this fun little stash-bustable blanket pattern and thought it was extremely shareable. It’s worked completely in garter stitch, which means it’s a great primer for anyone who’s up for learning short rows (intermediate beginner level) and knitting that’s easy on the grey matter. The yarn is Cascade 220 Superwash, which is great because it’s soft, easy to work with, washable, and it comes in a zillion different colours. yarn, you can also opt for Berroco Vintage. If you want a sturdier The pattern isn’t a freebie, but it’s very affordable and the proceeds of sales go to refugee relocation organizations (details are in the pattern notes, but there’s also some moving information on this subject in the comments).

Short Row Hack

Mark your short row turns by putting a Locking Stitch Marker or Calabash Pin in the turning stitch – it is SO MUCH EASIER to find that little stitch when there’s a plastic thingy hanging off it.

Size

40″ x 40″, but the size is completely and easily adaptable.

Materials

  • Cascade 220 Superwash or Berroco Vintage: 7(11, 16) for a blanket 40″ x 40″(50″ x 50″, 60″ x 60″)
  • 4mm/US6 – 32″ needles (or longer, depending on the desired size)
  • locking stitch markers
  • tapestry or darning needle
  • Pattern

Shop Online Button Turquoise 250w

balnket combo

 

 

CLEARANCE DMC Natural XL

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We’re clearing out some summer yarns that we aren’t bringing back, so grab it on sale before it’s gone!

 

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CLEARANCE 30% OFF DMC Natura XL

DMC Natura XL is a bulky weight, machine washable 100% cotton yarn, and is especially great for baby & kid projects, fast sweaters, blankets pillows and afghans, as well as crocheted baskets and other home decor projects.

  • Super Bulky
  • 8mm/US11 to 9mm/US13 needles
  • 6mm/J to 7mm hook
  • 100% cotton
  • soft & comfortable
  • machine washable
  • 100g – 75m(82yds)
  • Made in the EU
  • See patterns for DMC Natural XL

 

Shop Online Button Turquoise 250w

 

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Photo: Yarnplaza

DMC Natura XL Baby Blanket

 

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Instant Gratification Cardie

We just finished a VERY quick & satisfying summer quickie, our Instant Gratification Cardi! We used a thick & quick cotton, DMC Natura XL, and 8mm/US11 needles – can’t go wrong with big needles! Also, because the yarn is thicker than the one the pattern was originally conceived with, we went down about 4″ in size (we made the 34″ size and got a 38″ size). If you want the sleeves longer, definitely buy an extra skein of yarn.

Materials

Finished Dimensions

  • 18” wide at bust at underarms
  • 6” wide at upper arm
  • 17” long at back
  • 24” long at front (from shoulder to bottom tip)

 

 

natural xl cmobo

Photos: Yarnplaza, DMC

 

 

FREEBIE Ombre Baby Blanket

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To celebrate our new pattern, we’re offering 10% OFF ALL YARN on online orders, use discount code RAV17 at check out!

Ombre Baby Blanket 1

Ombre Baby Blanket

FINALLY finished, this sensational looking baby blanket is a great pattern for knitters of all skill levels (especially beginners)! It’s worked in one piece, and is made completely in garter stitch (knitting every row). It makes use of a soft and lovely, yet unassuming yarn, Cascade 220 Superwash Sport, and the colour gradations are created by holding 2 strands together and intermittently changing colours (don’t be scared, it’s EASY). All instructions are written clearly and explicitly, so beginners can tick off the rows as they go.

Size

30″ x 30″ (76cm x 76cm)

Skills

  • Cast on
  • Knit
  • Weave in ends

Materials

Cascade 220 Superwash Sport (50g/125m (136yds), 1 skein in each of 13 colours:

  • A 807 Raspberry (fuchsia)
  • B 809 Really Red (fire engine red)
  • C 808 Sunset Orange (red/orange)
  • D 822 Pumpkin (orange)
  • E 826 Tangerine (light orange)
  • F 820 Lemon (yellow)
  • G 821 Daffodil (medium yellow)
  • H 802 Green Apple
  • J 864 Christmas Green
  • K 849 Turquoise
  • L 813 Blue Velvet (royal blue)
  • M 1986 Purple Hyacinth (violet)

6mm-29” circular needles

tapestry or darning needle

FREE Pattern

 

Ombre Baby Blanket COMBO

(we reserve the right to cancel offer at any time)