Just not feeling the love...

My sister has the most beautiful 6 bed roomed Georgian house that really does look like a feature in 'Homes and Gardens'.  This leads me to always be in a quandary about Christmas presents. What do you get for the gal who has everything?

A couple of months ago, she commented that she really liked the lap blanket I had crocheted for my mum, in pastel colours.

"Aha" thought I, "Christmas is sorted".  So far, so good.

That's where the trouble started. Unlike me, she does not like bright colours, nor does she like pastel, but likes muted colours. So I have been using what I thought were appropriate colours and I HATE the result. It doesn't seem to have any flow or cohesion. I am now at the stage where each row takes over an hour to do and it is driving me crazy. I can't decide whether just to keep ploughing on and finish it, hoping she will like it. Or maybe I should put it to one side, make her another blanket, and come back to this one in the New Year to use on the dogs' sofa?  This is the problem of doing things for other people. 

This just looks dull and uninspiring to me. Especially when contrasted with my own bright blanket:

On a happier, and much brighter note, the blanket for son #1 and Adored Grandson is to my liking.

I have worked up another 3 inner squares in addition to these. They can now be worked up fairly quickly and mindlessly in front of the tv.

Also, as a diversionary tactic from The Blanket Of Gloom, I have 
made another Botany Bear - Holly, who makes me smile.

She seems to get on well with Rosie Posy. They are both being put up for sale on Etsy @ SimplyBearsCraft.

             Any advice about the Blanket of Gloom?