I’m starting this blanket for our queen sized bed!!! :) I thought I would try a bit of crochet this time, and this particular project from Polka Dot Cottage has all the attributes that both hubby and I can agree on, right down to the colors used. ;)

Top Photo is by Lisa Clarke of Polka Dot Cottage (posted for inspiration)

1/29/14: Began collecting the yarns needed. I am doing the scrappier style blanket, using a wider assortment of shades in each color for the blanket than the ones specifically listed in the pattern supplies…which is an option further down in the pattern (very detailed, I might add!) :) I really like the more vintage feel that the different shades of similar colors give to the overall appearance of the blanket. I was gifted a certificate from my DD, Emily, for Christmas to our favorite Seattle yarn shop, Weaving Works, so went to town choosing my faves! Luckily some of them were marked down as belonging to the “Lonely Skeins Club”! I walked out with 11 skeins in the following colors: (2) kiwi #5124, (2) sunny #5121, (1) mellow #5131, (2) sakura #5166 (different dye lots, so look like slightly different pinks), (1) aquae #5125, (1) kingfisher #5158, (1) neptune #5197, (1) clary #51103

I did purchase (1) rust #5157 on etsy.com on 1/28/14. ;)

Because I am making a much larger blanket than the one specified in the pattern, I am pretty much doubling the yarn requirements given. With this in mind, I still need to collect: 16 skeins of Mocci (the white-ish background) and 4 skeins of the reddish colors. Until then, I can at least begin assembling the center flower pieces. (After I complete Evan’s Sweater, that is, lol. ;) )

1/30/14: Placed the following in my shopping cart at Fabric.com, but haven’t purchased yet: (10) Mochi #5101, (1) gingham #5120

1/31/14: ordered a stash purchase from Ravelry user, xmendel: (6) berries #5150

Still needed: 6 skeins Mochi (and to finalize purchase from Fabric.com…I’m kind of holding off to see if there’s a sale coming up, lol, although they do have the best price at a regular retailer that I have yet found at $6.98 a skein)

2/18/14: Finalized the purchase through Fabric.com :) I had gathered enough in pattern sales and figured I’d better place the order, as they originally only had 10 Mochi in stock and then someone bought one, so I was now down to 9 my cart. :P

Still Needed: 7 skeins of Mochi

3/21/14: Yay! I found the last 7 skeins of mochi and one more cute yellow color: bananae #5122, at a local yarn store, Wild Fibers in Mt Vernon.

I’ve uploaded a couple photos of the luscious treasure trove of delicious wooly skeins for reference…36 skeins in all! :)