The sunflower motifs of this baby blanket are based on a traditional lace pattern from the eighteenth century. Mary Walker Phillips calls the motif “Bit of Italy” in her book, Knitting Counterpanes. I have altered the lace design in some places and updated the terminology, along with a few of the techniques.

The corners are now incorporated into a round to reduce the number of tail weaves and preserve live stitches on all four edges so that the motifs can be joined with a three-needle bind off. They could also be grafted.

The most challenging part of this pattern is the center of the motifs. After an increase round or two, the work becomes much easier. If you are starting the center with double-pointed needles, short, light needles can be a good choice as they flop around less.