The Maria Baby Blanket has the same lovely lace counterpane squares as the Mitchella Blanket, but knit in much-thinner Valley Superwash DK - to make it perfect for a soft and treasured baby blanket. A simple double crocheted edging helps the blanket lay flat.

Both blankets are named for Maria Mitchell, born in Nantucket in 1818, who discovered a telescopic comet and was the first American woman to work as a professional astronomer. Mitchella repens, a native North American plant, bears flowers that look remarkably similar to the flower motif in the counterpane.

Finished Sizes:
24” x 32” (32” x 32”, 32” x 40”) (shown in medium size)

Yarn:
6 (7, 8) sks Valley Yarns Valley Superwash DK color 25 Light Grey

Needles:
US size 5 (3.75) double pointed needles or size needed to get gauge
US size F/5 (3.75mm) crochet hook for border

Gauge:
about 5.5 sts = 1” in stockinette stitch; Counterpane square is 33 sts on each side and is blocked to 8” square