Troy!

I have a good friend from college. Her name is Troy.

Actually, that's not really her name, but that's what I've always called her since those good ol' freshman days in the dorms. We were young, hyper, crazy, and giving everyone nicknames that have stuck and have now become some of the dearest things to me.

Anyway, Troy is having a baby!! I was sooo happy to find out that when she got married, she would be living much closer to rather than further from me. When I got the invite for her baby shower, I knew right away what I was going to make - an afghan!

So this was the coolest thing ever. It was the 4th of July. I was at my parents' house all day WITH NO YARN OR HOOKS. I was going to go crazy! So, I recruited my dad and sister to come to Hobby Lobby with me, enabling me to use not one, but three 40% off coupons at the register, and I got to buy this *luscious* yarn that I have had my eye on for quite a while.

Yarn Bee (by Hobby Lobby) Soft Secret. (compare to Caron Simply Soft and ah, they just can't quite compare except maybe color variety!) Delicious. Shiny. Soft. Smooth. Yummy.

I bought 2 great vibrant colors and white. I was so excited to get to work!

I used this pattern from Lion Brand (you have to sign in, but here's the link) that my good friend shared with me. I was so happy to find it! I love the stripes look, I love the lacy look, this worked up SO fast and SO easily, and it all around is such a good, easy pattern! I recommend it to anyone and everyone and may end up using it for all future baby blankets.

My only problem was that I used a yarn too fine (even though it was still Weight 4 as the pattern called for) and my hook was one size too small (H). The pattern ended up being maybe half the size it was supposed to be. However, I decided it looked so great that it would make a really nice hang-over-the-edge-of-the-crib blanket or little lap blanket or, my personal favorite, a snuggle blanket because yes, it is that soft.

One last thing I have to say is that everyone ooh'd and ahh'd over the blanket, and Troy's aunt even asked me for the pattern and where to get the yarn. Yay!

Ok, enough of me talking, time for my pictures! Enjoy!