Finished Object - XOXO Blanket

This is my first finished project for 2009 and it surprised me how fast it knit up. I really, really overestimated the time it would take to complete the blanket. My friend from college is due in February and it's already in the mail!


I knit this baby blanket because I was able to make it very meaningful. Scarlet and Brown are our school colors from college. XOXO may mean hugs and kisses to some people but to us it's the Greek letter for Chi Omega, our sorority where we met.

I'm very happy with the two colors but the strangest thing happened. I bought 2 skeins of autumn red and 2 of chocolate for the blanket. While I ran out of the first Chocolate skein before starting the last strip I never touched the second autumn red. I even had plenty left for seaming. I've heard of manufacturers varying the length of yarn in a skein but this was a huge difference. Good think I love the color and will use it in something else some day!


I did end up deciding not to attach a backing to the blanket since it's going to a warm climate. That meant an entire night just seaming in ends. Pure torture but it looks wonderful. I've gotten great compliments from anyone who's seen it. I'm definitely going to save the pattern for future babies since it was such a quick knit. There are some good color combinations out there to try and Caron's Simply Soft is perfect for the quality, price and durability.


Project Details:
Pattern: XOXO Blanket (free Ravelry link)
Yarn: Caron's Simply Soft in Autumn Red and Chocolate
Needles: US size 9 straight
Time frame: 12/24/08 to 1/11/09