Thanks for all the replies!
I do like to "colour outside the lines"! I had made a rather large material purchase about 6 months ago...for a great price. A clothing store going out of business, one of the materials I picked out was denim. Worked out well. I've cut the denim squares. DH got home, had one look at what I was doing and now he wants the blanket!
Dunster - I like your idea! And the part flannel on the back would also help it to stay on your lap.
Thanks again QB friends!!