First impression? This blanket feels like a warm hug from Mother Nature herself. The plum color is richer in person—like a ripe fig—and the waffle weave adds just enough texture to make it interesting without being scratchy. I’ve been using it draped over my reading chair, and it’s become my go-to for chilly mornings with coffee.

What surprised me most was its versatility. During a recent spring camping trip, I used it as both a picnic blanket (no grass pokes through!) and an extra layer at night. It’s breathable enough that I didn’t overheat, but when temperatures dipped, the cotton somehow trapped warmth perfectly. My synthetic blankets always felt either clammy or staticky—this one just *works*.

The craftsmanship shows in details like the mitered corners (no fraying after multiple washes!) and the weight distribution. It’s substantial enough to feel luxurious but light enough that my cat can burrow underneath without getting squished. Speaking of pets—while some reviewers mentioned thread issues, my two cats knead it daily with no damage so far.

Two quirks worth noting: 1) It arrives stiff (like all good organic cotton), but softens beautifully after the first wash. 2) The smell others mentioned? Gone after airing it out on my clothesline for an afternoon. Now it just smells faintly of sunshine and lavender detergent.

After three months of near-daily use—as a couch throw, beach blanket, and even impromptu tablecloth during a power outage—it still looks brand new. At this point, I’m eyeing the sage green version for guest room decor that secretly doubles as emergency fort-building material.