A fiber dyeing experiment resulted in two 4 ounce bumps of Superwash BFL that weren’t compelling by themselves, but had potential when combined. I decided to spin all 8 ounces into a 3-ply yarn and then design something for little Evelyn who was born last year.

The handspun had long runs of color which I thought would be perfect for mitered squares—which then lead to a car seat blankie made in “patchwork” blocks. The great thing about this project is there is no sewing required. Blocks are joined by picking up sts or Three-Needle Bind Off. I even joined the beginning and end of the i-cord border with a Three-Needle Bind Off.

The result is a project that maximizes every bit of precious handspun and not an inch is hidden in seaming. Of course if you don’t mind minimal sewing, you could pull out your darning needle and sew the beginning and end of the i-cord border together for a more traditional finish.

The finished blankie is the perfect size to make a little one cozy in a car seat. I can also see Evelyn transforming this into a cape, a picnic blanket, swaddling clothes for her dolls, and whatever else she can imagine.

Although Evelyn’s No-Sew Blankie was originally made in handspun, I’m also including photos and requirements for the blankie in a readily available yarn from Lisa Souza. Her Superwash Merino is wonderfully soft and has long runs of color which make it perfect for this project.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Width: 20 inches
Length: 24 inches

MATERIALS
Fiber
24x7 Fiber Superwash BFL 100% BFL; color: Potluck Cobbler; 8 ounces

Finished Yarn:
Wraps per inch: 10
Yardage used: 485 yards
Plies: 3-ply
Drafting method: short forward draw

Commercial Yarn Alternative
Lisa Souza Superwash Merino Wool - 100% superwash Merino wool; 560 yd per 8 oz skein; color: Sunny Days; 1 skein

GAUGE
18 sts/21 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch
15 sts/30 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch