The Heart Blanket That Was Nearly the Death of Me

I made 2 of these blankets. The first one (Pink-lavender) is a testament of the power of the LYS (Local Yarn Shop) community.

I struggled SO MUCH with this pattern, because I had never attempted any “yarn over” - to - make - a - pattern (Hearts) type stitch progressions.

It is when making this blanket that I availed myself of the experience of the tremendously experienced, talented and helpful women at my LYS “The Purl Side” in Glendora, CA.

Lourdes, (the owner) Jeannine, Laurie and Barbara were always there to help, teach and inspire me to keep going...I muttered, grumbled, sighed and probably cried my way through this pattern. It wasn’t the pattern’s fault. I just had a lot to learn.

I made a LOT of visits to “The Purlside” while making this blanket. One time I walked in and Laurie, who had helped me on my previous visit, ran in the back to hide, saying from the distance “Jeannie will help you!” We all laughed pretty hard and I needed to laugh during the struggle of that heart blanket.

One of the things I learned, is that “one false move” and a heart that is formed by alternating rows of connected stitches will get ‘broken’ and if you don’t understand the complex interrelationship of stitches (like me back then) you’ll have the opportunity to learn a new skill, namely, threading a “rescue line” below the point where the current heart began. 13 or so rows if I recall correctly. Picking up the right leg of knit stitches all the way across. Rip it back. So painful.

Of COURSE I chose to make the larger size of the blanket 🙄

Finishing this blanket was a triumph and seeing how much it is treasured and appreciated by my daughter, (who has taught her daughter that “Grammie made it” for her) is a tremendous reminder that knitting has value that goes way beyond the product itself.

I depended upon the patience and goodness of others to help me. Their love, it turns out, is a crucial ingredient in the final blanket. I in turn hope to help beginners one day.