So last night, I thought I'd better get realistic with this entire-crocheted-bedspread idea, and work out how many balls I'd need. I'm not working from a pattern, just making lots and lots of granny squares then sewing them together.
Here is where you discover my second love: numbers. I think I must have been an accountant in another life. Close your eyes if calculations scare you.
I measured my bed (80 inches) and then measured a granny (just under 4 inches), so that makes 80 divided by 4 is 20 squares wide. I added a couple extra for the "just under" , so my bedspread will be 22 squares by 22 squares. 22 squared is 484. (What? How many?? 484 squares at a rate of 3 a night, so that's 162 days give or take. Blimey. Then another week or so sewing them together. Sheesh.)
Anyway. Back to the amount of yarn needed. I weighed 6 grannies, then divided the weight of my ball of yarn by the weight of the 6 grannies. It worked out that 1 x 50g ball makes about 12 grannies. So divide the number of squares you need by the number of grannies per ball (484 divided by 12) makes 40.3 balls. I had 20. Then I'd need about 8 more of the silver to stitch them all together (this is a total guess). Eek. This yarn is £3.85 a ball. You can see that my original £200 estimate for using the yarn when it wasn't split was waaaay out. It'll cost me £200 with splitting the yarn!
But I've committed to the idea in my head, because it looks just stunning. Just look at those six squares up there with all the combinations with teal in the centre. There's another 6 for chocolate, 6 more with purple, and 6 more with green. Yum. I cannot wait. Luckily, half an hour of searching on the net located somewhere selling them at 20% discount. Even with £5 postage, I still saved £15.
What is the most expensive thing you've ever made/started on? Do tell :)
8 comments:
Have to admit I totally glazed over once you started on figures ect....lol
Loving those squares...Im sure its gonna be one hell of a blanket once done...sometimes you have to forget the overall cost because the enjoyment is more than worth it (well thats what I tell myself!)
It will take you a long time and cost you more pounds than you want to think about BUT, you're making a beautiful heirloom that will warm and comfort your loved ones for generations to come. Priceless.
(Sorry that ended up sounding like the Mastercard ad!)
My poor head is already a little fragile without the involvement of mathematics. I think I will just look at the pretty colours for a moment and then go and lay down...
I spent the better part of £75 on bits and pieces to make really lovely birth announcements for my daughter... which I never made. (The announcements, not the daughter.) I got as far as the prototype and then went no further.
Although in my defense, she was 2 1/2 weeks early. Because she's THAT sort of kid.
You lost me at 80 divided by 4 .... never did like maths! It's going to look amazing when it's finished and don't add up the cost, it will be a priceless heirloom at the end! It's going to look stunning.
wow, well done you! Oliver has a crochet blanket on his bed, which he (and the cat) loves. It doesn't match anything and is made from all clashing coloured wools, think it was made by my great aunt Mabel from oop north. Love the colours of yours. I would so love to be able to knit/sew.....
Wow, that does sound a bit pricey! I never add things up..but then, I'm married to an accountant so I let him count things! It'll be lovely when it's finished though.
wow...i love the granny squares. im just learning, ive made two squares so far! must learn how to change the colours now. I saw your post on another blog...Im from Sheffield too x
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