My Temperature Blanket Ta-Dah

Hello Lovlies,

right back at the beginning of 2019 I started a blanket that would be a year long project....because the colours in it would be decided by the temperature on every single day of the year. I wrote about how it would work HERE.

Early last January I smiled at my first bunch of Daffodils

And began making squares, joining them as I went and working diagonally. The pattern is my own and you can find it in my side-bar.

I loved the anticipation of a big blanket containing all these colours.

It took until late summer before all the shades were used. There were so many different permutations, and though the placing sometimes frustrated me I could see that the overall effect was pleasing.

I got behind with my square making during the summer but my late November I was all caught up.

I loved the warmth and weight this project had as I slowing inched towards the finish line. It was a joy to snuggle under.

When the days turned really frosty I looked forward to working the blue and purple combinations again. Those that had so pleased me at the beginning.

It was like revisiting old friends....oooh I remember how nice this was.

I made a rectangular blanket with as close to 365 squares as I could figure out (357 in a blanket 21 long x 17 wide)

The final day's temperatures made up the border. Just the highs in trebles (U.K.)  and the lows in single crochet, plus chains to join.

There were no frosts so the border is all blue. It's a big blanket so the 16 rounds of border took a while, but by the 12 of January 2020 my project was complete.

The year had turned full circle and my first bunch of Daffodils (always so special don't you think) were blooming away once more.

I put my blanket over the back of the sofa, turned my back, and this happened :0)

 Yay, quality control ...Tick :0)

 As soon as we got a bright day ( which was yesterday) I stood on a chair to take some decent photos.

 Tricky to get the aerial shot.

 The cluster of hot colours...even though they were weeks apart

Loving all that turquoise in the border ( thank you weather gods)

Another angle.

A bit of shadow

 

 Looking down from the stairs.

This is where my blanket is currently.

I don't think the family have really noticed the change :0)

 But I do, and it makes me smile.....lots of yarny goodness needed to disguise this worn out old friend.

This project was a joy from start to finish...well the 2888 ends were a bit tedious, but I didn't even mind them really....good job.

I loved the mystery of how the pattern would develop. I loved not having to choose any of the colour combinations. I loved the huge amout of permutations that appeared. I loved watching the weather forecast and wondering what square it would "design".

And I loved being able to share it with you here and over on Instagram.

Now I feel like I've got to the end of a really good book, what to do but start another...so I have :0)

Stand by for my 2020 temperature Ripple. Yes I may be addicted!!

Jacquie xx

Foggy and Frosty

Hello Lovelies,

We have had a cold snap around these parts over the last week or so. It's perfectly seasonal and a nice change from all the rain we endured before that.

One morning we woke to a really good frost. The sort that coats everything, not just the ground.

I had to get dressed and get out there with my camera as soon as possible.

The allotments were deserted....hardly surprising.

I think frost adds a magical touch to everything, don't you?

 

 Like the world had been dusted with icing sugar.

 My footsteps crunched as I walked along the roadside, through icy puddles and whitened grass.

Beautiful berries.

 and tantalisingly hidden views.

 

 Pheasants on a fence oblivious to my presence.

 The black ones are a favourite. They have green in their plumage too. So striking.

 More great ice formations

 And Ivy hearts :0)

  The world was so still and quiet with nobody else around.

 

 I recently had a lovely comment over on instagram. From a lady who said she had been inspired to go walking in cold weather thanks to my posts.

When you are indoors it's easy to think....brrrr....I don't fancy going out in THAT!
 But once you are wrapped up and immersed in THIS it's so special.
I'm a nit nesh  (midlands speak for not liking cold weather), but I wrap up warm and find if I do feel the cold at the start of a walk I soon warm up once I've been going for 10 minutes or so.

 The sheep have the right idea :0)

 The trees are mostly leafless now and their bare shapes are beautiful.

 It's easier to see the birds too.

 Soon I reached my favourite church.

 

Time to feed Mr Robin.

 The "lake" had frozen here.

Time to head home...it's a good job I know where I'm going today.

 A little bit more ice crystal appreciation.

And bird watching.

 Then it's time for breakfast. Hot porridge under my growing blanket.

 

Bliss.

Jacquie x