knitknitknit

[fox]

Last summer I made this blanket for my nephew. The ball bands said machine wash cold, tumble dry low; the first time my sister-in-law washed the thing, no problem, because she washed it in a pillowcase or lingerie bag or something. The second time it was laundered, my brother didn't use a bag, but he wasn't sure if it could be dried, so he laid it flat; and when it was dry it became clear that while the fabric hadn't felted, the yarn had a bit. It's still a blanket, and the baby is still nuts about it, but my sister-in-law is a little sad that it's not as soft and drapey as it was. (She has in fact used the words "I ruined it", which I have tried to talk her out of.)

So for the little dude's first birthday I am making the thing again. In cotton this time. :-) And you know, I thought there wasn't any chance I'd have it finished in time for his actual birthday - but after beginning it last night and knitting on it all day today, it's almost done - for values of almost that mean I've done fourteen of eighteen stripes, but every round increases by four stitches and the stripes keep getting heavier near the outside edge of the thing, so it's not like I'm as near the end as it looks. Still, though: two more days of weekend? I'm golden. And when it's done, I will send it along, and it will look sufficiently like the original that the baby may even be fooled. (Or if not, he'll have a blankie and a spare blankie. [g])