I knitted this blanket using the directions in the pattern. I left the borders as originally designed because I think they look well proportioned. Some knitters don’t like the look of the side edges being wider than the top and bottom edges are deep, but I’m not among them.

The yarn I used--fingering weight SW Merino from The Loopy Ewe--is wonderful to work with and washes up very well. When I laid the blanked out to dry, I just tugged and smoothed it into shape; the lace opened up nicely and the blanket stayed put without any stretching or pinning. I’m confident the recipient will be able to easily care for the blanket.