well it was like this....

11 years ago I was shopping and saw this bargain price yarn (totally discontinued)

I bought 30 balls for little over the price of 10 
put it in the attic and promised to use it someday

March 2015 I took 10 balls to Spain and played with adapting a baby shawl pattern

on my return based on that sample piece  I lurked on eBay to see if a full size blanket was even possible - it was if I was happy to make stripes

the size was dictated by the sample and the yarn I had

it took time because as it grew (single continuous piece) the bulk made it hot & heavy

anyway it is now vacuum packed and in my case as a surprise present for my daughter in New York next week