Blankets With Holes: Working a Four Color Challenge

I had just enough time to photograph my latest "blanket with holes" before wrapping it and mailing the order to California as a new baby present.  When my BFF ordered the gift she gave me carte blanche to use any color combos or style for the present.  If you are a frequent reader, you will remember the 3 color rose, purple and white blanket I finished a few weeks ago.  I enjoyed changing the line patterns to create a new style using the familiar Extended Granny Square Design. (http://www.lilcreates.com/lillians-blog/crocheting-blankets-with-holes-playing-with-color-and-line-patterns).  Many crocheters like to change from solid color blocks, but do not want to risk making a mistake with color and line placement.  Since I was so delighted with my finished blanket, I wrote out the sequence to share with you.  Now I set myself another challenge:  integrating four colors into a pleasing and exciting blanket for a male infant. 

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I created with the same materials and hook as I had for the previous blanket.  My hook was a J (6.00mm).  I used worsted yarns that were on the thicker end of the #4 spectrum.  The yarns used in this blanket were Big Twist Yarns, the house yarns form Joanne's Fabric and Crafts.  I also like Studio Classic by Nicole,the house yarn from A.C.Moore.  Baby Hugs from Red Heart works well.  However, you should feel free to crochet with any yarn than will yield a soft, plushy blanket with your selected colors.  As with my last blanket, I chose 2 solids  and a white for contrast. The light blue,navy, and white were set off with a multi-colored yarn (light blue, grey,and navy) that added dimension to the design.  Of course, you may select any four colors for male, female, and neutral that fit your baby's color scheme.

I wanted the finished blanket to be a square with a size measurement between 32inches to 36 inches.  Using my last blanket as a guide, i knew that I would have to narrow the bands if I were include all four colors.  With a general design in mind, I began, hoping that my sequence would be eye-catching and have the right proportions.  If I miscalculated, I was prepared to frog.  Luckily, I made the correct estimates, and the final blanket was 34 inches square.  In fact, this dynamic blanket was my best yet.

Colors: 
A=             Light Blue
B=             Multicolored Light Blue, Gray, and Navy
C=             White
D=             Navy

Sequence:
Rows 1-6:         A
Rows 7-8:         B
Row 9:               C
Row 10:             B
Rows 11-15:     C
Rows 16-18:     D
Rows 19-0:       B
Row 21:             C
Row 22:             B
Row 23-27:       C
Row 28-30        D
Row 31:             B
Row 32:             D
Trim Row in D. Crochet a row of Half Double Crochet (HDC) around the blanket.  Make sure to crochet 3 stitches in each corner so that the corners lay smooth.

I really liked using one color that was so much deeper than the others (navy) in this 4 color blanket to create such a dramatic effect.  With these two designs under my belt, I am confident that I will bring in additional orders.  I would love to see how you interpret these designs with colors of your choosing.  Please post your finished projects or leave a comment with your color choices.  Happy crocheting!