Larkin's Big Girl Blanket

by Leigh Anne Staton
(Gastonia, NC)

Please describe and tell us about your baby blanket.

Larkin's Big Girl Blanket began before she was born in November 2010. She is my first grandchild and I wanted something more than just a 'baby' blanket. I designed this to be used in her nursing chair to warm her & her Mom, then for Larkin to use on her 'big girl' bed, and hopefully, one day, to take with her when she leaves home. I chose a simple recursive repeat, using four colors, and almost no pattern repeats.

What yarn and needles did you use and where did you get them? Why did you pick this yarn?

I used Universal Yarn's Classic Worsted purchased at The Yarn Shop by Rainy Day Creations, Inc. in Pineville, NC, and size 8 Knit Denise Interchangeable Needles. I wanted the blanket to be washable & dryable. I mean, who wants to flat dry a big girl blanket!? Plus, every time it is washed, it seems to get softer!

Tell us more about your design. Was it inspired by another pattern? Why did you pick those colors?

The colors were chosen to match Larkin's nursery -- yellow, gray, white and pink. I also thought they would be timeless colors for a little girl, even as she grows up. The pattern designs were used to reflect how things change so quickly as life comes our way -- no two events are alike and rarely do things repeat themselves. As I finished one section, only then did I decide what design to use on the next. I wanted this blanket to reflect the uniqueness of each stage in a young girl's life. I especially want her to know how much I loved knitting each section, just as I will love her as she grows and changes through each stage of her life.


Did you run into any problems when knitting your baby blanket? How long did it take you to knit?
I started the blanket mid-September 2010 and finished mid-December. I took it almost everywhere I went, including to the hospital when she born on November 8, 2010, knitting in the waiting room as we were waiting for her grand appearance.

Anything else you'd like to share about your baby blanket or knitting in general?

Knitting has been such a comfort in my life. I learned to knit about 6 years ago when my 12 year old niece taught me the basic knit stitch. Since then, it's been such a great learning experience and has brought me to places where I've met some very wonderful people. Knitters just seem to connect in a very special way. I feel so blessed to have learned this timeless craft and art form.