I finished!  My stripes age going the short way, not the long as in your pic.  I also did more rows to make the desired size.  How do I send you a pic?

Things are going great.  I've been offline so couldn't comment earlier.  The 2 yarns look lovely.  I'll check the material listing when I get back to the project.  I love changing colors this way!  I do think the size is about right.  More later, thanks again.

Thanks.  I think the size is going to be about right.  Don't ask me how.  I'll measure tomorrow when I get to the place we're staying the next week.  The first row was tough with this yarn but the subsequent ones are much easier because of the chain 2 space.  Yes, I got a second color.  It is not the boucle, hope it works in ok. 

Thanks for taking the time to show details on how to do the tricker parts!

I just tried clicking on the group and got a page saying it was closed.  Does it have a new site?

Oh my.  I feel over my head already!  I left for vacation this morning and forgot to put my crochet bag in the car.  I'm a beginner.  So since I wanted to make this blanket we stopped at a WalMart where we are staying tonight.  They are moving so their selection was very small.  Only 1 crochet hook!  Size I.  Not knowing any better I picked up a nice soft white but it is a baby boucle.  I didn't realize how hard it would be to use.  I'm having a hard time seeing the details of my stitches.  I also don't know how big it's going to turn out, is looking small.  How long should the rows be?  Should I bother continuing with this yarn or use it for a different blanket, or maybe add more stitches?  If I add more, would I add in multiples of 3??