This blanket design came about after I had my daughter. I wanted to knit her something special, but not too frilly or girly, or well, pink. Since the shorthand for hugs and kisses is XOXO, I thought it would make a cute design and wrap her in hugs and kisses from her Mama! I also wanted to be able to work on the blanket in smaller sections and I didn’t want to do a lot of seaming. The resulting blanket pattern is suitable for beginner knitters who are familiar with YO’s and K2tog’s and is a mindless knit for more experienced knitters.