So my flight to London, where I will see the lovely babe for whom Rosetta is intended, departs in 19 hours or so. And I'll be at work for 9 of them, and sleeping for a few. So isn't it lucky that I just finished Rosetta!!!!!

The backing went on very nicely, and it looks GREAT. And although there had been moments where I didn't love the way the border was starting, I am happy with it now. It doesn't totally lay flat, but I hope that with use and maybe a little love from an iron, that it will.
Here's a detail shot of the border, the backing, and my terrible stitching. I have no clue what the name of the style of stitching is (I'm guessing whipstitch but I'm probably wrong).

So that's the good news! The bad news (well, not for me, but it's a bit on the sad side for all of you who like to read my blog on a regular basis: I'm leaving town! I am going on safari in South Africa and Botswana (in addition to a quick visit to London) and I won't be back for a couple weeks. I know, I know. You'll miss me, and I'll miss you all, too.
But isn't it nice to know that you get to look forward to photos, not just of glorious African wildlife, but of a beautiful baby and her Rosetta Blankie?
(Just one housekeeping detail for anyone who's keeping track: The Pinwheel Sweater, aka the "Child's Geek Sweater" from the Teva Durham Loopy book, is not done. It's all nice and knit up but I never got around to seaming up the **** thing, so I'll just have to do it when I get home, and then send it to them. I'll be sad that I won't get to see him try it on, but I guess I'll just have to look forward to another photo!)
Hooray for you Jon! (no, you're not the only one up at this crazy time of night!) Rosetta is absolutely beautiful and the backing is even prettier and more perfect than I imagined! Congratulations! I know it will be a precious and cherished keepsake for the lucky recipient and her parents. :)
Posted by: Laura at August 8, 2005 03:55 AMjon- a surprise safari?! what a fab life you have.
what more to be said of rosettsa? she is FANTASTIC - breathtaking actually. i love the border and backing, brings out all her character.
have the most terrific trip!!
woohoo!! Congrats on finishing the Rosetta Blanket! I am so glad you finished on time. Hope you have a great trip and that they love the blanket!
Posted by: Diana at August 8, 2005 09:00 AMHave safe and wonderful travels!
Rosetta looks incredible.
Posted by: Phyl at August 8, 2005 09:52 AMthe blanket looks great! i can't believe you had the patience for that. have fun in london and africa...
Posted by: D R E W at August 8, 2005 10:42 AMThe blanket looks AMAZING!!! Your readers insist on lots of photos with the little one modeling it. Incredible!!!
Posted by: Erin at August 8, 2005 10:49 AMRosetta is beautiful, stunning, gorgeous... There aren't enough words. Wonderful.
Posted by: Cordelia at August 8, 2005 11:12 AMCongrats! If there was a Knitting Hall of Fame, that blankie would get you in. It's amazing and beautiful and that little girl is so very, very lucky.
The blanket looks fabulous! Have a great trip!
Posted by: Karen at August 8, 2005 03:34 PMWow ! Finished and fantastic.
Fab !
Jon, just stumbled across your blog...love it! Love the blanket; a true work of art.
Posted by: Rebecca at August 8, 2005 11:27 PMwhoops, should read all the posts before commenting. Disregard my earlier one -- the blanket looks phenominal!
Posted by: Carolyn at August 9, 2005 06:47 AMCongratulations on an exquisite blanket, and Bon Voyage as you cross the pond. The safari sounds very exciting and I hope you bring a camera so we can see the excitement when you return. Best wishes for a wonderful journey!
Posted by: Laurie at August 9, 2005 06:56 AMJon, it's absolutely breathtaking. Worth every effort.
Now enjoy your hard-earned safari!
Posted by: Ann at August 9, 2005 10:12 AMHooray! Congratulions on your beautiful work. And your patience! WOW!
Posted by: mark at August 9, 2005 10:50 AMWOW! It's totally gorgeoumous! I love the backing and how it coordinates so nicely with the edging and the knit side! A Masterpiece! Destined to become a family heirloom.
Hope you travel safely and have a wonderful trip!
Posted by: kit at August 10, 2005 12:37 AMI love the blanket! I'm sure it will be a treasured child's possession that will follow her into adulthood.
I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip!
Ruinwen
:)
great job! Make sure you post pickures of the child geek sweater, I just finished my spiral, and am working on the back...
Posted by: uglyagnes at August 11, 2005 07:39 AMAbsolutly beautiful!!
Posted by: Anne at August 11, 2005 09:03 AMThe blanket is wonderful & the backing fabric works really well.
Congratulations & have a fab time in London my home town!
Hi Jon
I'm your reader from Rio de Janeiro Brasil
Congratulations
Rosetta is gorgeous!!!!!
I'm waiting for the photos with the little baby modeling it.
Just found your blog and I love it! Rosetta is awesome. I can't believe that anyone actually has the patience to weave in all those ends - you rock. What a great gift - it is truly an heirloom. Have a great safari! We went to Botswana on our honeymoon and it was over-the-moon awesome. Can't wait to see some pics!
Posted by: Chrissy at August 19, 2005 03:03 PMWow! Rosetta is beautiful! The colors look so nice together, and the backing is a nice touch!
Posted by: Kelly at August 20, 2005 09:40 AMIt's amazing! You go! and have a blast!!!!
Posted by: Rachael at August 20, 2005 01:30 PMI love the baby blanket! It's wonderfully bright and totally adorable!!
Posted by: Annie at August 29, 2005 02:53 PMMan I am an EXTREME slacker! I finally get back to your blog to check on Rosetta..and it was finished MONTHS ago (good thing really since the baby was born months ago too! lol).
It looks GREAT!! I wish I had the time and patience to sit down and do something like that for my dear pregnant friend (though she is due in only about 3mths max).
Katt
Posted by: Katt at November 8, 2005 01:55 AM