Sea of Dreams Baby Blanket

Sea of Dreams Baby Blanket
Pattern by Aimee Alexander
Available on Ravelry: 
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sea-of-dreams-baby-blanket

Skills Needed: k2tog, ssk, yo, provisional cast-on


I made this blanket as a gift for my sister's sister-in-law.  (Obscure, I know.  I'm not sure if she has any relation to me in a legal sense, but she was having a baby, so I made a blanket for my sister to give to her.)  It took me forever to find a pattern.  I am very picky about baby blankets.  I'm not even saying I always pick nice patterns to knit or that my taste is any better than anyone else's, I just know it takes me a very long time to settle on a baby blanket that I like.  This blanket was a real winner, though.  The pattern comes in three sizes: lovie, stroller, crib.  I am not entirely sure if those sizes are standard, but they made sense to me.  I made the stroller size blanket.

I will not lie, I had to start this project over twice, which stunk because I had a deadline.  (Goodness knows, the baby wasn't going to wait around to be born until I got my act together.) I kept messing up my lace pattern (I did not follow my own advice-see tutorial).  However, once I buckled down and actually started paying attention to what I was doing, the blanket moved along nicely.  I absolutely love the bottom/top edge of this blanket, which is a picot hem that is constructed with a provisional cast-on that is picked up to double the thickness of the very edge (it's hard to describe, hopefully you can see it in the picture).  It really gives the blanket a very polished look.  Coupled with the small patch of moss stitch, I really can't praise the look enough.

The lace pattern is also very nice.  It is not so delicate that there are holes everywhere for tiny little baby fingers to get stuck in or pull at, this is a fairly stout lace pattern.  However, it still has an airy look.  It might be a good blanket to knit for a summer baby.  It can be knit in different fibers and weights to completely change the look of the blanket, too.  It is fun to look and see other yarn choices people have made for this project, and most all of them look fabulous.  I feel like that is the mark of a great pattern-when it looks good in many different colors, weights and fibers.

Summary: The pattern is well written, it comes with both a chart and written instructions.  The three sizes give you a nice variety to suit your needs, whether you just want to make a quick, precious lovie or you are prepared for the more serious crib-sized endeavor.  There is a lot of written support available through Ravelry, as well.  I chose to knit my blanket with Marks and Kattan alpaca/silk blend in an off-white color family.  (I am not sure this blanket will survive, but boy was it soft and it looked very pretty.)  It is really a beautiful pattern that was well designed.  It is definitely worth consideration if you are looking for a stunning baby blanket.  

---