crochet heaven - my very first striped blanket

It's so good to be back on line and I have been having so much fun catching up with everyone in blog land - I have so missed all the creative inspiration on offer.

Everyone will be glad to hear that I have moved on from my crochet coaster phase (my daughters were fearing coaster Christmas presents for the next ten years) but I am still loving to crochet, so I am attempting my very first stripey blanket - and I love it.
I bought some Debbie Bliss Amalfi in the most exquisite colours when I was with Kate and the idea of a blanket was born.

 I am using seven different colours, my stripes are 4 rows of double crochet wide which use about 15 grams of wool so each ball only does just over 3 stripes - this is going to be a very expensive blankie - I think it may become a small rug to keep my knees warm or to snuggle a small child up with on the sofa - when they have a well earned afternoon nap.

I am so pleased how it's working out as my biggest fear was how I was going to keep it straight and keep the right number of stitches but so far so good.

Through my blog travels I have decided to join Ginny's Yarn Along.  Every week on a Wednesday  knitters, and crocheters link up and share a photo (or two) of what they are making and what they are reading. I thought this would give me the motivation to read more and also it will be lovely to see what everyone else is making so lots of ideas and inspiration - check out my Wednesday Yarn along post.

I always read Sandra's cherryheart blog and have just joined in with her "Making a Pretty Crafty Home in 2012" it's about house improving, house de-cluttering, pretty home making, and lots of amazing crafty projects. It includes doing crafty things to improve your home, making homes more of a pleasurable environment to be in, Sandra says that" if you can thrift and recycle your way there" - so much the better!
I am late starting as it all began at the beginning of the year but I am sure it will still be great fun to be part of the project.

Off to crochet another stripe before I start cooking dinner.
Talk soon x