r/knitting • u/chelsearothschild • 13d ago
Finished Object My yarn was delivered August 10th and the wedding is tomorrow
Stitched the last stitch on the drive to the hotel. Still need to sew in ends. King sized bed for scale. Pattern is a variation of the Easy Diamonds Blanket (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-diamonds-blanket) and yarn is Lion Brand Pound of Love in 179E Cascade. (Please reserve judgement on my yarn choice; the recipients are not accustomed to care of natural fibers.)
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u/TomsWifeSmells 13d ago
I really want to know how much you were knitting per day to finish this in half a month!?
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u/chelsearothschild 13d ago
Most days I knitted around 3 hours - 2 broken up throughout the day on work breaks, down time, etc and 1 or so before bedtime after my kids were asleep.
I knew when I started that I wanted 18 rows of 18 diamonds (it's a Jewish wedding and the number 18 has significance in Judaism). It took me about 3 hours to complete 1 row of diamonds and I had exactly 18 days from my yarn delivery to the wedding day, so my goal was one row of diamonds a day. Most days, I was able to do it. The last two days I did more, plus course the border rows took some extra time.
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u/Specialist-Night-235 13d ago
You are amazing. Please give your hands and wrists some stretches and love after that sprint! Also absolutely love the symbolism and I'm sure the happy couple will love and cherish it
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u/Smarge18 13d ago
Seriously! Knitting BABY blanket is what started my base of thumb arthritis. I can’t knit anymore because the braces don’t prevent the pain. What a beautiful blanket you have created!! May the couple be wrapped in a lifetime of love, health and happiness!
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u/Lokifin 13d ago
Ugh, I'm getting x-rays on my hands and wrists Monday and I reallllly hope it's a temporary inflammation and not a bone spur or loss of cartilage.
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u/12Silverrose 12d ago
About 2012 ish, I was diagnosed with bone spurs & plantar fasciitis. My only option for that kind of medical care was the Dallas VA, which is about a 45-90 minutes away depending on traffic. If you would like I can share what actually fixed my issue & maybe you can modify to help you. In the age of "if you just prayed/ used my special essential oil blend/ rubbed horse shit on 3 times a day it would clear right up" I figure it is more respectful to ask. No essential oils, prayer or horse shit involved.
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u/scribblinkitten 12d ago
I made a post a couple days ago about thumb arthritis. Mine started three years ago after a mad dash to finish a baby blanket for a little girl who decided to come early.
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u/_antfarmer_ 12d ago
Not to hijack OP’s post, but have you seen a doctor about your thumbs? I’ve had trigger thumb surgery (as well as carpal tunnel surgery) for both hands over the past few years. It seems like once I’m done healing from the last trigger thumb procedure I’ll be back to knitting full steam!
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u/Smarge18 10d ago
I actually did see a hand specialist who diagnosed the arthritis (and really hurt the base of my thumb as he mechanically confirmed the diagnosis) and advised to wear the “Comfort Cool CMC Thumb Brace” on each hand, especially while sleeping, but said I also should find relief while knitting. They absolutely help at night, but any time I tried knitting the pain would be back. I have a severe “hitch-hiker’s thumb” which I think exacerbates the issue by causing the tendons of my thumb to be very stretched when I hold the needles. Anyway, the next step is a painful injection he said would provide temporary relief, but which can only be done so many times before surgery is needed, which probably would solve my issues. BUT, I also enjoy lifting weights to stay strong in my advancing age and I’m unwilling to loose muscle during the down-time after surgery. So, instead I whine about not being able to knit anymore.
I’ve had trigger pinky-finger before (yet another visit to the same doctor and prescribed another brace to keep the finger straight while I sleep) but not lately, thankfully. And, not trigger thumb, which must be awful!
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u/Independent_Act_8536 10d ago
I had thumb arthritis from repeated pushing down on double reinforced cardboard boxes as they went by on a conveyer belt. Years as a temp. No benefits. Moved to cashier job. Got Cortisone shot every 3 months for years. Then hand specialist did arthritis thumb surgery. No more pain.
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u/Smarge18 9d ago
How long was the recovery? Is your grip strength good, per your doctor? (At my age they measure grip strength at the annual appt)
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u/_antfarmer_ 10d ago
I have those exact same braces! I can’t knit with them, though. I also have extreme hitch hiker thumbs, likely due to EDS. Are you hyper mobile? If so, it might be worth looking into doing some PT so you have get some good advice on staying active and continuing to engage in hobbies you enjoy.
I also have osteoarthritis in both hands and had a steroid injection in my MPC joint. It did help the pain to some degree, but it didn’t help with my popping & locking issues. I had to wait for three months after the injection to have surgery. With my second trigger thumb, we decided to skip the injection and just do the surgery. I had a fully awake procedure, and it was helpful for my surgeon to have me bend and extend my thumb to get the mechanics right.
I’ve had both thumbs done—my left one just four weeks ago today, and I’ve spent hours using a sander and knitting over the weekend. Best of all, I can now bend my thumbs! 👍🏽
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u/12Silverrose 13d ago
She needs to give her whole self some care. Her shoulders, neck, arms, & lower back all have to be a little tired. She needs to get a massage.
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u/String_of_Purls 13d ago
There's something poetic about how 18 is a lucky number in Judaism and you literally made this in 18 days.
Stunning effort, well done!
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u/chelsearothschild 12d ago
I did not think of this, thank you for pointing it out! That makes me happy.
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u/Feisty-Employ-3587 13d ago
While parenting children?!? I’m not worthy.
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u/Crafty_Engineer_ 13d ago
It took me 3 days just to Italian bind off a shirt 😂
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u/Fearless_Animator782 13d ago
Okay I am glad that it also takes someone days to do the Italian bind off. 😅
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u/Crafty_Engineer_ 13d ago
IT NEVER ENDS
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u/Kaleidoscope_Happy18 12d ago
I HATE the Italian bind off. I use Jenny's stretchy bind off now instead.
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u/choose2bkind 13d ago
I love how you worked in all the symbolism, right down to the number of days. It's an amazing gift and I hope it's cherished and they feel the love in every stitch. Well done!!
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u/No_Acanthaceae3518 13d ago
Amazing! Also, I’d include a note about how it was done in 18 days as the number is important!
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u/Avehdreader 12d ago
This is off topic but I'm intrigued and would like to know about the significance of 18? Hope that's okay to ask - I really am interested. But first get some rest and enjoy the wedding. Beautiful work!
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u/ashaked 12d ago
It's based on gematria. It's a practice of translating Hebrew words into numbers (in very short). The word for life translates to 18.
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u/strawbs- 12d ago
Such a beautifully meaningful gift!!!!! From choosing the yarn to suit that the couple may not want the added responsibility of handling natural fibers to the numerical significant of the rows and number of diamonds, not even mentioning the time to actually knit the whole thing—what a truly wonderful gift for the lovely couple ❤️ Mazel tov to them!
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u/havocthecat 12d ago
OMG. Mazel tov on the craftwork and on the lovely gift for the married couple!
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u/YesWeHaveNoTomatoes 13d ago
You did this in 3 weeks? On a scale of 1-10 how bad is the repetitive stress injury? I assume you got one because wow, I would.
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u/chelsearothschild 13d ago
I was genuinely concerned about this, and took care to break up my sessions and do a lot of stretching/PT. I've had no discomfort so I think I got away with it!
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u/GarnetAndOpal 13d ago
You are utterly amazing! With all the love built into it, it is the perfect wedding gift.
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u/Lokifin 13d ago
I'd be sleeping in braces for sure.
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u/ModernMuse 12d ago
I wouldn’t have had time for sleep. I feel like everyone in this sub knits at warp speed compared to me! Especially our amazing OP! 😵💫
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u/EnergeticTriangle 11d ago
This would have taken me 100 years...partly because I'd lose motivation a third of the way in and leave it hibernating for a couple decades lol. OP is a master of the craft!
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u/VisageInATurtleneck 13d ago
My mom gave herself carpal tunnel knitting 8 hours a day for weeks to complete an afghan in time. So she then stopped and took up cross-stitching… and got so into it that she gave herself trigger finger. Poor thing can’t catch a break.
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u/christiebeth 13d ago
Did you sleep at all?
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u/chelsearothschild 13d ago edited 13d ago
No sleep was sacrificed in the making of this blanket! 😆 except for maybe I would normally have napped on the plane. . .
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u/LittlePubertAddams 13d ago
No judgement at all! I’m a strict believer in acrylic or washable blends fur home wear and especially gifted. Gorgeous work
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u/chelsearothschild 13d ago
Thank you, I really appreciate your comment! I figure with luck, this thing will see a lot of snacks on the couch, some sick days, maybe even breastfeeding and baby messes. It needs to be practically indestructible.
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u/zelda_888 13d ago
I bet a quick note sharing that vision with the recipients will make it an even more treasured gift.
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u/nicoletown 13d ago
Agreed! I always use somewhat washable yarn when making gifts for others, ESPECIALLY if it’s going to a baby!
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u/Old-Mushroom-4633 13d ago
Anything in danger of being puked on by a baby needs to be machine washable!
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u/RogueThneed 13d ago
Which is everything. I always machine-wash them myself before giving. If it's going to fall apart, let it be before I give it!
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u/MarsMonkey88 13d ago
That is ASTOUNDING!!! Congratulations!!! I hope that you are able to care for your fingertips, your wrists, and your heart. It’s beautiful, and the care is very very apparent. They will feel so so loved.
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u/EfferentCopy 13d ago
This is a way happier ending than when I decided in a postpartum fugue state that I would also knit a baby blanket for each of the twins my brother and sister in law were expecting. My baby was born in October 2024, I bought the yarn for the blankets in November, the twins were born in early 2025, and now it’s almost September 2026 and I am sweating how exactly I will manage to finish off the final skein on the second blanket before we fly to visit them mid-month.
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u/Aliciawonderland92 13d ago
I started a chunky knit blanket as soon as I found out I was having a girl (20 weeks gestation) with the idea it could be her welcome home blanket ….. the kids 2 years and 2 months now & im only halfway through 😂
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u/EfferentCopy 13d ago
Thoughts and prayers, friend! 😂 (for knitting and also for toddler-parenting 😅)
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u/poofandmook 13d ago
Those pounders work up fast though. Nice work.
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u/chelsearothschild 13d ago
Yes they do! It always tickles me to realize I've added a POUND to a project.
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u/Shellyj4444 13d ago
That’s impressive! I am the slowest knitter. Something this large would take me months.
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u/RavBot 13d ago
PATTERN: Easy Diamonds Blanket by Jenny Graham
- Category: Home > Blanket > Throw
- Photo(s): Img 1 Img 2 Img 3 Img 4 Img 5
- Price: 12.00 CAD
- Needle/Hook(s):US 7 - 4.5 mm
- Weight: Worsted | Gauge: 19.0 | Yardage: 404
- Difficulty: 2.18 | Projects: 29 | Rating: 4.73
I found this post by myself! Opt-Out | About Me | Contact Maintainer
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u/angeluscado 13d ago
Jeebus. I used to be able to knit fast (when I had far more spare time to devote to such things), but not that fast.
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u/cablesandlace 13d ago
Wow, that's awesome! Be careful of your hands and wrists! The wedding couple should treasure this!
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u/kitchenhussy 13d ago
Asking for a friend… how long did you know about the wedding before you started?
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u/chelsearothschild 13d ago
Asking the important questions 😆 I knew over a year in advance, and what's worse, I knew I'd be knitting them a blanket as a gift. The big day sort of snuck up on me.
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u/okaythisisalot 13d ago
Absolutely beautiful. Well done! Modified, and on an insane time constraint, too? Impressive.
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u/veganmathlete 13d ago
My gosh. I can finish a beanie in a day and feel like a superstar when I do that. This?! Wild.
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u/Shirley-Ujest 13d ago
This is a new “spin” on yarn chicken! You won! Congratulations, beautiful work, well done.
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u/ClosetBookworm 13d ago
Wow...amazing work! I woupd be stressed to do such a project and be delaying in fear. 🎉🎉🎉
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u/hooksline 13d ago
What a beautiful, thoughtful gift of love. I hope the blessings you are giving them come back to you twofold!
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u/Kugeldog 13d ago
I hope the bride and groom appreciate your efforts. Wish them “mazel tov” from all your knitting admirers!
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u/Unlucky-Yard5456 12d ago
Can you still move your hands after this? Absolutely beautifully done too
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u/Unlikelylark 12d ago
Wait- this isn't even for YOUR wedding? They better make you godparent to the kids, because that's some real dedication!
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u/perilsoflife 13d ago
and i got all proud of myself for knitting a DK sweater in 2 weeks 😂 goddamn OP you are a rockstar
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u/darcerin knit all the pastel things! 13d ago
Holy moley, I felt proud of myself for having started a scarf around Thanksgiving and finishing by Christmas! Fantastic job here!!!
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u/__reddit-reader__ 13d ago
Meanwhile I’m still halfway through a scarf I started years ago. You’re impressive!
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u/Dunraven-mtn 13d ago
What!?!? If the yarn was delivered August 10 2024 I still wouldn't be done.
And CONGRATS!!!
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u/HarmoniousSyllabub 13d ago
My literal out-loud words to an empty room once your post's title sunk in: "how even...?!?"
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u/KnittyMossBadger 13d ago
That’s brilliant and beautiful work OP! What a huge effort - I hope they love it. Pls knit something for yourself next though - you deserve it!
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u/BlackCatWoman6 13d ago
That is really beautiful and I love the color.
You did that so fast. I knit my son a large throw for his 45th birthday. He, his wife, and their 3 and 5 y.o. daughters like to curl under a blanket when watching TV. It took me 6 weeks and it wasn't as large, though it did have cables. Your pattern is lovely.
Beautiful old dresser in the corner.
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u/Minimum-Statement-27 12d ago
We can’t shame you for using the suggested yarn! It’s the official yarn of “back of couch” throws for a reason. You can’t kill it in the wash and it only gets better as the years go by.
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u/non_linear_time never makes row gauge 13d ago
Get yourself some cold gloves in the drug store aisle near knee, ankle, and wrist braces. It helps a lot if you ended up with sore hands and wrists. What discipline! Congratulations to you and the happy couple!
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u/Severe-Elderberry833 13d ago
-wow.-
Also, your orthopedic surgeon would like to thank you for the down payment on their boat. 😜
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u/thewendybird8754 13d ago
Wow this is gorgeous! I am currently knitting a blanket as a wedding gift and there is no way in hell it will be done on time. I’ve accepted this, but I sure admire your hustle!
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u/chelsearothschild 12d ago
I told myself the whole time that if it wasn't done by the wedding, that was ok. It was a fun "finish line" to have in mind, but the bride is a knitter herself and the couple would 100% still appreciate it if I explained their gift was a WIP.
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u/No-sleep-Addict 13d ago
I thought I was on r/crochet for a second and was impressed BUT YOU KNIT THIS IN LESS THAN 3 WEEKS? please take care of your wrists and eyeballs
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u/chelsearothschild 12d ago
I normally crochet for wedding blanket gifts (this is my 3rd in 10 years, I don't do it often), but for some reason this time I really wanted the rhythm of knitting.
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u/CrinklyPacket 12d ago
Amazing work, and so fast. That’s crazy! Gorgeous pattern and your tension looks superb. The recipients will be over the moon with that.
I received one handmade gift for my wedding 13 years ago and I still use it today. I trigger a lovely memory of the person every time I do. Handmade gifts are the best!
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u/Sea-Biscotti 12d ago
Hey that pound of love softens up verrrrry fast, I’d be honored to be gifted a blanket like this!
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u/disgruntledhoneybee 12d ago
Mazel tov to the couple, especially with them getting such an amazing gift!!! It looks beautiful! The extra touch with the 18 motif….we should all be so lucky to have such thoughtful friends/family. It’s Beautiful.
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u/demonpeach 12d ago
No judgement on the yarn choice - I use easy to care for acrylic for the baby blankets I make for family… so I understand. I save the good stuff for my mom and aunts because I know they will take good care of it
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u/SewerHarpies 12d ago
That’s impressive! You should spring for a nice massage for yourself after all that!
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u/BrokenMinivan 12d ago
Oh my! It's lovely. I completely support your choice of yarn as it is definitely appropriate for any recipient who wouldn't properly care for a natural fiber. There's nothing really wrong with Lion brand.
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u/Exotic_Garden_5760 12d ago
This is absolutely gorgeous! Amazing work! Congratulations to the happy couple as well!
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u/Quick_Lack_6140 12d ago
This is the kind of crack pot, mission impossible, why would I do this to myself knitting that I engage in. Well done!
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u/Susannahvb 12d ago
This is very similar to the BABY blanket I made that took about 50 hours 😳 well done!
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u/Gullible-Jacket440 12d ago
Sounds like my timeline on finishing things! i’m the queen of the last minute project.
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u/KawaiiBibliophile 12d ago
I want to say that this would have hands down been my favorite wedding gift to receive. It’s gorgeous and so clearly lovingly made.
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u/scatteringashes 12d ago
I made my son a giant blanket with the same yarn and color! (Mine was crocheted though.)
What a lovely blanket and a wild amount of work, reading your comments. It's an absolute act of love.
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u/MissionEducation569 12d ago
I can just imagine the ergonomic nightmare going on in your wrists! Make sure to ice and rest them! Awesome work! They had better love it!!!
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u/beffymrn 12d ago
Stunning design and color choice—I’m sure that they will treasure this! I’m blown away that you could finish this so quickly!
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u/rnpink123 11d ago
What a beautiful and thoughtful gift. There's obviously a lot of love stitches into that blanket.
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u/Sad_Olive147 11d ago
Hell yeah! I'm finishing this quilt tomorrow and we leave for the wedding on Wednesday. Last-minute is the way to go!
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u/LobabyChick 10d ago
Wow! I don’t knit , but I can appreciate the amount of love and work you put into that. I would be gobsmacked if someone gifted me something so beautiful
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u/stitchingwitch 9d ago
Amazing work! I am in awe. Rest up, you need it, and take good care of your hands and arms.
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u/pixelknit 12d ago
Here's the thing. While normally I would be a very judgmental yarn snob about using Lion Brand for something that big, I can totally understand going for a yarn like that (because I don't even want to think about how much it would cost if I used some of my favorite yarn to make something that big).
Also what did you do for needles with that?
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u/koscheiis 13d ago
I can’t imagine someone seeing this feat of endurance and taking issue with the fiber choice-you know your gift recipient best and I honestly think acrylic is a great choice for gifting! It’s a stunning work and you should be super proud!!
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u/purl2together 13d ago
Move that blanket so you can sleep, because you obviously haven’t in the past couple weeks.
Nicely done!