Seven hundred and four*

* Number of stitches to bind off around the edge of the baby blanket I just finished. This after 9 rows of seed stitch that were almost as long. Solid proof that I am either insane or truly lousy at math. But in the end, it came out well and is off to wrap around a yet to be born little one, so my job is done. Sorry for the lousy picture - I'm learning that white yarn is hard to photograph well. Tried it in full sun, but all you could see was an odd, glowing white spot. Then I tried inside, but it looked flat and boring. Went outside into the shade, but the ground was soaking wet from the thunderstorm we had last night, so I had to balance it carefully on the grass and couldn't smooth things out. You can see the basic shape, which is enough for me.

I promised basic instructions, so here they are. It's a really easy blanket that can be made from any yarn you like - just adjust needle size accordingly:

double pointed needles, size 6
29 inch (or even larger) circular needle, size 6
Dk weight yarn of some sort
Twisted drop stitch: knit, wrapping yarn around both needles then around right needle before pulling yarn through.

Using a provisional cast on and waste yarn, CO 2 stitches. Knit 4 rows in stockingette stitch. Pick up 2 stitches from each side and original cast on side.
Row 1: *k1, yo, k2, yo, k1, place marker* repeat around.
Row 2: *k1, yo, k3, yo, k1* around.
Row 3: *k1, yo, k4, yo, k1* around.
Rows 4-9: Continue adding two yarn overs at each corner with each row.
Row 10: *k1, yo, twisted drop stitch across all knitted stitches, yo, k1* around.
Row 11: *k1, yo, k across all drop stitches, yo, k1* around.
Row 12: *k1, yo, twisted drop stitch across all knitted stitches, yo, k1* around
Transfer to circular needle when it starts getting larger.
Repeat these 12 rows until you are close to the finished size you want, then do 9 rows of seed stitch after the last set of drop stitch rows. Bind off loosely, and you're done.