Crochet Block Blanket

This blanket is finished. If only I could say the same thing about my school work.

Crochet Block Blanket for Julie

Well, right now I am smack dab in the middle of writing two paper drafts, preparing for a presentation, and trying not to freak out about the third paper I have to write, which I haven't even begun to think about. But I keep telling myself that I will get all of those things done in due time. The key is not to think about it all at once, but just to strategize and plan time for each task.

And you know what's keeping me sane? Crocheting. It's so portable and can be done in spare minutes that I find here and there. Plus, those little bits of crocheting time make my life feel more than just bearable, they make it feel luxurious, leisurely even. I have time to breathe.

I love those quiet moments, my body relaxed but my fingers moving quickly and deftly. It gives my mind time to roam. Sometimes I think about anything but school work, like food or perhaps other craft projects that I want to tackle when time allows. Other times I turn over ideas about my school work, organizing them and trying to figure out how to concisely get to the point. Oh yes, the point...

I finished weaving in the ends on the blanket last Thursday evening, and while there was no trumpet fanfare or celebratory shots, I was ecstatic about this accomplishment! It's been 8 months in progress, and is a very belated 20th birthday gift for my sister. She chose her favorite colors for it (browns, pink, and burgundy), and it matches her room at home. I used patterns from Jan Eaton's 200 Crochet Blocks, which is such a fun and creative book. I picked out 15 patterns and made two of each, mixing up the color combinations along the way. You can find more specific information about this blanket here. I'm really happy with how it turned out and even happier that it will keep my sister warm this winter.

Here is a closer look at some of the blocks I love:

Pink peony block (my favorite)

Willow block

Seville block

One last note: I often wonder if I'm the only one at school who brings crafts along for study breaks. Maybe, but I like to think that I'm not, that somewhere on campus there is at least one other person with a ball of yarn and a hook or needles stashed away. Someone with colored pencils or embroidery thread. Someone who is also a maker.