It's a Wrap

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!

Comments

[Alice]

Wow Jen, it turned out soooo nice! I'm definitely adding this one to my list now that I've seen yours :)

[Beate]

Your feather & fan pattern blanket is beautiful.
so clean, classic and simple. I like it.

[NuttyIrishman]

Thanks so much Beate! I knit this as a baby blanket and think it was a great choice... its knits up so nicely in the EcoWool! =)

[Beate]

:-) I am back admirering the wrap- feel like making one for my self- only bigger/wider... well, it´s on the wish list. it´s still gorgeous.