Crocheting a Blanket

I've recently begun yet another large project. Let's hope I actually finish this one...I have high hopes though! I wanted a blanket with multiple shades of blue (I'm thinking about a weebit of gray too) and I came with a vision of a concentric square look. I'm not quite ready to jump into the endless variety of stitches, so this is just a simple crochet. I figure the colorfulness of the blanket will keep it from being too simple. 

 

I did have to re-learn how to crochet since its been several years that I've held the needle. Basically I start with a slip knot and stick my needle through the loop, wrap with yarn and pull the original loop though making a chain link (or stitch). I realize that is a horrible explanation, so I could either show you sometime (maybe I should video tape it?) or you can search online for a good tutorial. My middle square was 45 stitches and I regret that I didn't count my rows, just kept going until it was square enough for me (folded it over to see if it was two even triangles, my stitching isn't consistent enough in tightness/looseness to count up to 45). And then I changed colors (tied the new color and snipped off the square color) and started crocheting around like a border. I did have to some-what start over when I learned I needed to add an extra stitch to each corner so that my blanket actually grows and doesn't become a giant beanie. I have no clue if these descriptions are even helpful at all, because reading insructions is no bueno for me, so I guess I will have to do some sort of video sometime so you can see what I am talking about. I am enjoying the fact that its just large enough to begin to keep me warm while I crochet! Definitely a winter project!

 

The first picture is more true to color, but you can see how the stitches change direction. I think that will be what compensates for my boring, straight-single stitching.