I should have finished this blanket a couple of months ago. I could have. Really, it is all Kara’s fault. Let me explain…
The pattern calls for 39 hexagons. When I was about 80% done, I laid out my completed hexagons to see how the colors were looking. The color balance looked great but all laid out together the blanket looked a little small. Now, I knew I wasn’t making a queen size quilt or anything but I was thinking the afghan would at least be big enough to cover my feet. Knowing my blanket preferences, Kara looked at the laid out hexagons and declared there was no way I would be done at 39 hexes. Her thought was I would need double the number I had. Double!??! I was deflated. I did NOT want to be half-way done when I thought I was almost done. So instead of hunkering down and getting back to work on my hexagons, I took a break. I stopped all work on the blanket–just didn’t want to deal with it.
A month or so later I decided it was time to pick it up again. I finished the initial 39 hexagons pretty quickly and seamed the blanket together, hoping on the off-chance it would be bigger than we imagined. The blanket was in fact bigger but it was definitely still just a lap blanket. Remember, I wanted something that would keep my body AND toes warm. Thanks to my really long legs, the size of this afghan just didn’t cut it. I knew I would need two more rows. 11 more hexagons. This time though, seeing how beautiful the seamed hexagons looked made me super excited for the finished product. So I got to work immediately and finished my longer afghan a week later.
Seriously, how can you not love these hexagons? I loved crocheting them. Choosing the color combos, watching the hexagon grow, completing one hex and then stacking it with other completed hexagons. All very satisfying.
As my first entry into crochet I thought this project was perfect. Easy enough for a beginner like me to complete but cool looking enough that the end result does not feel beginner at all.
And even though I was grouchy about needing to crochet more hexagons, I am super glad I went ahead and did it. Here is what the 39 hexagon afghan would have looked like:
But my 50 hexagon afghan:
Which results in me feeling:
As you may be able to tell, I love it. I think everyone should have a hexagon blanket! And crochet? No way is it trumping knitting but mark my words, this will not be the last time I pick up a hook.
Stats
Pattern: Ruby Hexagon Blanket by Nova
Yarn: Cascade 220 in many various colors.
Hook: G
Mods: Added two rows (one of 5 and one of 6) for length.
You’re welcome. So you didn’t have to do double, but you definitely NEEDED those two extra rows. I take full credit.
Ok, fine, you did all the work. And it is amazingly fab.
it’s gorgeous! well done!
beautiful job!!! There is something always so strikingly pretty about hexagon afghans! I love it. (Nice job Kara too with making her make it bigger!!)
I made one of these blankies and I LOVE it. I think I ended up using 96 hexagons. Your blankie looks great! 😉
Beautiful! Very nicely done! The blanket is wonderful and it shows your ability to stick with something until it’s right (and gorgeous). You’re going to love it forever!
I love it! I really like that I was present with you when you started this. I think it’s time to see you again. It’s beautiful and so are you. I love that photo of you.
glad those cute little toes are covered now…it turned out awesome and sure looks great over the back of your couch…very important how something looks just laying around too when it isn’t doing it’s job of warming?! and btw, could you have a more beautiful smile erin?!
Love the blanket, love! I’m constantly reminded by images like these that I MUST learn to crochet. Soon. I’m glad it’s big enough. I bet you feel so cozy and fulfilled sitting under it. 🙂
I love how it came together ~the extra hex were so worth it too.
LOVE it!! I love the classic look of it and the colors and everything. Its perfect.
It’s gorgeous! And it looks fun to crochet. I want to make one. And isn’t it amazing that out of a closet FULL of yarn I have nothing that will do? Must buy new yarn.
It looks beautiful! And cozy too. 🙂
Only a sister has that kind of knowledge! Don’t you sometimes hate it when they are right about us like that?! But Kara was just looking out for you, and the blanket is so cool. And so warm too, now that it covers your toes. 🙂
Absolutely stunning! It looks so cozy, and the colors are just beautiful. I *have* to make one for myself STAT.
It’s so worth it to do a little extra work to get a size that makes sense for you.
love, love, love.
must cuddle with this pronto.
If this was a Ravelry post, I’d be clicking “lovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelovelove.” Fabulously colorful!
What a beautiful blanket! Inspires me to finish up my Babette . . . thanks!
Gorgeous! Love it!
I love it! I just may have to learn crochet.
So cute and you the two extra rows make it!
I am still planning on making this! Glad you posted the update – it inspired me to get moving!
Wow, that is amazing! Seriously love it!
absolutely to die for Erin– what a beautiful job, and you are right, it doesn’t look “beginner” at all. What a great idea for a first project!
for the record, i love this. SUPER impressed.
And can’t wait for you to crochet one for me.
can’t. wait.
I am amazed by your hexagons. Seriously! LOVE the finished result. Well done you!
What a fabulous looking afghan! The colors are fun and vibrant and the length is perfect! Although I believe I also had some input on the length as well. Well done, beautiful Erin!
Thats is wonderful!
I love hexie and I love that you made it “Erin” length. You are just too skilled, cousin of mine!
Well, well, well, I am soooo proud of you, Erin! I was told you have developed these amazing sewing skills. Wunderbar!
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I’m starting to worry that my hexiegan won’t have enough pieces, but I’m going to proceed on faith that it will be, or I’ll pad them with an extra row or two of my outer color. Either way I think I’ll keep it away from Kara until I’m done. I discourage too easily right now. 🙂
[…] started crocheting hexagons (instructions can be found here.) These aren’t large hexagons (see Erin’s afghan for and idea of what I’m calling large) but a bunch of smaller ones. I’m using the Alpaca Love for the three inner rows and then […]
I can’t believe that it’s your first attempt at crochet. It’s gorgeous, well done
So gorgeous! I can’t believe that was your first crochet project. It gives me hope that I could make something cool as a beginner, too!
OK, I am seriously thinking about an attempt at crochet myself now. Should I start with potholders? A ripple afghan? Hexagons? What do you think?
This is beautiful! Wow. A nice, big project!