The need to nest | WIP {Knitting}

Finding the right baby blanket pattern for Little Baby MiH. Of course I could not use the pattern I used for Baby MiH's one. I have to knit a new Shale for Baby MiH (another story for another day involving felting the original one), so a new pattern had to be found. And it was no easy. Not that there is a lack of patterns, free or not. But I am really picky. Like seriously. You would think that my life depended on it - when, well, it is not clearly , but in my hormonal state it is. 

I suppose it is because I need to nest, and the blanket is what will keep the baby warm, even at the hospital, and it is tangible unlike everything else at the moment. Whoah, I am sounding a bit weird. So let's talk knitting patterns. 

So here are my favourite baby blanket knitting patterns.. Of course Shale by Jared Flood.. It is inspired by vintage patterns - it is full of lace work but amazingly easy to remember (perfect for those baby brain moments). You have to pay for the pattern, but there is a (very) similar free version available on Ravelry. 

Another pattern I have recently come across - through a blog I think - is the Chalice Baby Blanket - a free pattern. A lace pattern (of course) knitting in 6mm, my sort of knitting. I think it would have been a serious contender if I had not started on Little Baby MiH blanket already. 

Found on Pinterest

I must also had a great moment of madness and considered at some point to adapt Ashby into a baby blanket - it had been done, but would have still required some arithmetic to make it work. And thankfully I realised that this was NOT the time to start messing with patterns. However the shawl may be a Christmas present, so stay tune, I do intend to knit this one!  

Ravelry picture

So, what did I decide to knit? Surprise, surprise it is a Brooklyn Tweed pattern by Anne Hanson called the Hourglass Throw. It does not necessarily come into searches because it is called a throw, when in fact there is a crib pattern included (it comes in 3 sizes). 

Chunky ribbing, lace, cable work, it is all in it. It is a bit more challenging than other baby blanket patterns of course, but I am already in love with it. I am knitting it in organic Merino and Alpaca blend yarn, naturally dyed found at Swans Islands Yarn. 

I am making good progress, although a really low point was realising I had the ribbing pattern wrong (my fault, not the pattern's) and had to frog it all and start again. But we are over this now, and ready to see the pattern emerge.  

What is your favourite baby blanket pattern? Am I the only one obsessing about choosing the right pattern for baby blankets?

Joining Ginny's yarn along today.