Hap Blanket by Ysolda Teague
Knit using Cascade Ecological Wool
Knit on size US 10.5's
Ravelers find my blanket here.
Oh my gosh what an incredibly fast knit! I began this as a travel knit and couldn't believe how quickly it was finished! My good friend has a baby due soon and I wanted to knit something really special that would last for years to come. Because of the distance I won't get to knit many things for her kiddos and I thought a baby blanket would make a great heirloom gift. And with heirloom knitting I wanted a pattern that has some history, so I chose the Scottish Hap Shawl.
Ysolda's version of this pattern is a great one, although there are many out there to choose from. I wanted something knit at a larger gauge as I have several skeins of Eco-Wool in my stash that have seriously been needing a project. This version fit the bill exactly. It took less than two skeins to complete, one full skein for the main color and just a bit for the contrasting. And the blanket gains so much size through blocking and the fluffiness factor is perfect for a baby!
I plan on knitting another one (for her toddler) as well, only I think I'll do it in a solid color, maybe charcoal? I loved using the Eco-Wool for this project. This is the first time I've worked with this wool and I can see why it's such a favorite choice for blankets! It's incredibly warm and soft. And the Old Shale lace pattern looks lovely in it.
I would definitely recommend this pattern for a first lace project, or a first large project. It goes so fast and you only need to understand a few basic skills, such as picking up stitches and simple increasing and decreasing. And I think it's a project knitters of all skill levels would love knitting.
The only modification I made to the pattern was in beginning the last contrast color rows a row earlier before binding off, and only because the last bit of my main color had some cuts in it...I don't know if that was my fault or what, but I really like that I did it. It made the bind off the same size as the other contrasting color stripes.
I used pins to block the scallops in the lace work and it worked really well in helping the blanket to block flat without curling. The pattern uses a great p2tog bind off which really helps in keeping you from binding off too tightly. Overall I'm really pleased with this project and looking forward to knocking out the second!
I have finished photos of the Top-Down Raglan so I'll be posting those with a few pattern notes soon. My dad was so pleased with his gift that even when he wasn't wearing it he kept it in his lap! Ha! He's never received a hand-knit before and it was really an honor for me to give him that. Not to mention...it fit perfectly! =)
Happy Knitting!
