March Minty Granny Square Blanket Set

A co-worker asked me to make a baby gift for her nephew who was having a baby. She asked for grey and minty green colors. I worked up a simple granny square blanket and used the join-as-you-go method for this soft and sweet baby blanket.

I used Caron One Pound Soft Grey Mix and Pale Green; and Red Heart's Soft White. I did 6 squares across by 8 squares down, and added a simple hdc, shell edging followed by a round of the green in hdc. The blanket measures 30"x40".

I added a simple stockinette stitch hat. A FREE pattern is available at the Yarnspirations website here. I went with the newborn size.

I hope you are enjoying your Sunday.

Completed Postage Stamp Baby Blankets

I wanted to share some photos of a couple of completed blankets. I finished them with a round of hdc (half double crochet). In the next round, I evenly spaced 3 dc (double crochet) -- 6 dc, ch1, 6 dc in each corner. I repeated the shell pattern around with various colors, then finished with another round of hdc. I was going for a fun, random, colorful way to tie everything together, while using leftovers as much as possible. 

It's interesting how a border and edging can change the look of a blanket. It's always helpful to see how different options look before you commit to one yourself. I hope these are helpful to you.

From the leftovers of my uncle's blanket:

I had so much fun with the little squares, that I did one with leftover blues, browns, and neutral colors:

The finished size came out to 34" x 40" (10 squares across by 14 squares down). Each individual square is about 3"x3". I just realized that's 140 squares in each blanket. It sounds like a lot, but when you're in the thick of it, it seems to sail by. The weaving in is a bit of a drag, but I think it's worth it for this waffle-y (new word) effect. 

On a side note, when I stacked them together, I thought they would make a really cute gift for twins. Anyway, I'll be listing these at my Etsy shop in the very near future. Happy Friday and bon weekend!

Postage Stamp Baby Blanket

I used the leftovers from my uncle's blanket and worked up little, 2-round, granny squares, and the join-as-you-go method.

To see if my lengths of yarn are long enough, I use the finger tip to elbow measuring method :) I hold the yarn between my thumb and index finger, pull it to my elbow and repeat 11 more times. This typically ensures I have enough yarn to complete two rounds of a granny square.

Somehow my first post was overwritten. I like to think it was the blog site, but it was my own user error. I have been away from this site for too long, and it shows!

Special Christmas Gift

My uncle - who has always been a healthy and active person - has been struggling with a whole mess of health problems these past several years stemming from an infection he got after a surgery. His lungs have been deteriorating to the point he needed a lung transplant. Thankfully (after months of testing) he was approved and shortly thereafter received a new lung. 

On his 5 month anniversary of receiving the lung, he went on a 5 mile hike! I'm sure it hasn't been easy, but he makes it look that way. He's such a strong person, and I'm so happy he is finally feeling as good as he does.

For Christmas, I wanted to make him a blanket. Since I can't give him a big hug because of COVID-19, I'll let my blanket do the hugging :)

I had lots of blues and greens in my stash, and since he and my aunt are so outdoorsy, I went with those in a random granny square pattern. The colors reminded me of the sea, sky and nature in general. I just kept mixing the colors until I had enough squares (great stash buster too).  I think it came out quite nice.

Hope everyone is having a happy holiday season. 2021 can't get here fast enough!

This was my chaos. It was controlled chaos, but I'm sure this would make some crazy :) Reusable shopping bags and laundry baskets make great holders while you are working on a project. My current work in progress is a baby blanket with the scraps. Stop back to see how that turns out.

Scrappy Pink Gradient Blanket

I used some leftover skeins of various brands some new, some old, some discontinued to get this gently flowing pink granny afghan. Still working on the border, but thought I would post a couple of inspirational photos to use up yarn bits and never feel you can't mix brands.

I did 4 squares x 6 squares for this baby blanket. Each block with white border is 7"x7".

Happy Monday :)

Grey like the sky these days, but with a spot of sunshine.

A very nice customer contacted me last month, and asked if I could create a new daisy blanket for her friend who is heading off to college next year. One of the reasons I like working with customers is because they sometimes push me in a different direction I might not go on my own. I love color, but I do enjoy the subdued shades as well. I think it turned out quite pretty.

I used Caron One Pound Soft Grey (2 skeins), White (1 skein) and Yellow (1 skein).

Click here for my daisy pattern.

It was fun to work with her and meet someone new. I have been blessed to meet so many genuine and nice people over the years since I opened this little shop. I really enjoy that part.

Hope every one is staying warm on this December day.

Pop of Pink Granny Cowl

As I mentioned several months ago (OK, maybe last year) on Instagram, I finally have a granny cowl pattern to share with everyone. I've only worked it through in my head, so the written pattern hasn't been tested, but hopefully it is error-free. If not, please let me know, and I will revise when I can...it has been a busy 2018 already...work, kids, life. 

I hope you enjoy it. I use mine every day in these winter months. After many washes, it has loosened quite a bit, but I like the look and coverage still. The pink one I just finished for my daughter :) She is a skier and it fits snugly over her face from neck to nose.

You can download the pattern here.

Finished size: 18” circumference

(one size fits most)

Materials: (Any worsted weight yarn)

Universal Classic Worsted Yarn

(80% Acrylic, 20% Wool) 3.5 oz

Red Heart with Wool

(80% Acrylic, 20% Wool) 3.5 oz

A - 1 skein pink (light) (Universal)

B - 1 skeins gumball (medium) (RH)

C - 1 skeins pixie (dark) (RH)

D - 1 skein aran or white (Universal)

Crochet Hook - Size I - 9mm

Large Eye Blunt/Tapestry Needle

Abbreviations: 

sl st slip stitch 

ch chain 

sc single crochet 

hdc half double crochet 

dc double crochet 

tr triple crochet 

dtr double triple crochet 

sk skip 

st(s) stitch(es) 

sp(s) space(es) 

beg beginning

Directions: 

Granny square 1 (make 2)

With A, ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring. 

Rnd 1: Ch 3 [counts as first dc here and throughout], 2dc into ring, ch 2, (3dc in ring, ch 2) 2 more times; join with sl st in top of beg ch. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Rnd 2: Join B in any corner space. Ch 3, (2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in same ch 2 sp (corner made),  (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in next ch 2 sp; rep 2 more times; join with sl st into top of beg ch 3. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Rnd 3: Join C in any corner space. Ch 3, (2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in same space (corner made), *3dc in next space, (3dc, ch2, 3dc)*. Repeat *to* 2 more times, 3dc, sl st into top of beginning ch 3. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Note: If you are whip stitching add one more round with D. If you are joining-as-you-go, continue on to granny square 2.

Granny square 2 (make 2)

With C, ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring. 

Rnd 1: Ch 3 [counts as first dc here and throughout], 2dc into ring, ch 2, (3dc in ring, ch 2) 2 more times; join with sl st in top of beg ch. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Rnd 2: Join B in any corner space. Ch 3, (2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in same ch 2 sp (corner made),  (3dc, ch 2, 3dc) in next ch 2 sp; rep 2 more times; join with sl st into top of beg ch 3. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Rnd 3: Join A in any corner space. Ch 3, (2dc, ch 2, 3dc) in same space (corner made), *3dc in next space, (3dc, ch2, 3dc)*. Repeat *to* 2 more times, 3dc, sl st into top of beginning ch 3. Slip across remaining stitches to corner space.

Join-as-you-go

Alternate granny squares 1 and 2 as you use the join-as-yo- go method.

Tip: If you are using the join-as-you-go method, only do a half corner (ch3, 2dc) at the beginning of your last joining square. You will be joining this last square to the first three, but on the opposite side you will be joining it to your first square in the same round.

Finishing: 

Rnd 4 Continue with D (or join if you whip stitched) and ch 2, hdc in same stitch and in every st around. Join with a sl st to top of beg ch. Cut yarn. Repeat this round on the opposite side.

Rnd 5 Join B and ch 2, hdc in same stitch and in every st around. Join with a sl st to top of beg ch. Cut yarn. Repeat this round on the opposite side.

Rnd 6 Join C and ch 2, hdc in same stitch and in every st around. Join with a sl st to top of beg ch. Cut yarn. Repeat this round on the opposite side.

Weave in all ends.

Way overdue...

...on showing this blog a little attention. I can't believe how fast time flies. When I wander around the internet, I wonder how some people can post daily to the various social media platforms and still have time to come up with all of the beautiful and unique creations out there. I barely have time to brush my teeth and get the kids off of the bus.

I have been so busy with family, work and...blankets. First, the family. My son: Harry, had a diorama due this week for Science. He picked the North American Grasslands. I think he did a really nice job (OK, I helped a little, but that's the benefit of having a work-from-home, graphic designer mom.) I printed the photos he picked and handled the glue gun, and he typed the labels and did the cutting. Hope he gets a good grade. I'm posting this because I was helped and inspired by other Moms' photos!

Secondly, the blankets: A very nice woman named Kathleen has contacted me to help with some overflow blankets. I'm happy to work with her because she is so darn sweet. Just a really pleasant human being (we need more of her). Anyhoo, we did some pretty daisy throws, and then I worked on this one for her. I switched up the daisy by only doing a double crochet in the petals instead of the usual treble crochet. I like this petite daisy variation. The colors she chose were also some of my favorites, and together, I think it turned out to be a very pretty blanket -- if I do say so.

Hope this post finds you happy and healthy! 

Feeling like summer

I have been busy with a few custom blanket orders, but before things ramped up, I was working on this one...to me it says summer...sun, sky, water...bright and fun. Now if only the weather would catch up!

I used Red Heart's Minty, Turqua, Delft Blue, and a vintage brand soft yellow

Radiant Roses Blanket Complete!

I used approximately 1 skein of each color: Red Heart Super Saver (white, pretty in pink, petal pink, and glow worm). For this baby sized blanket, I did 4 squares x 4 squares. With the green border, the size was around 34" x 34".

I will try to put up a finished square pattern soon...the rose only pattern can be found here.

Radiant Roses

On a rainy Sunday, I am finishing a new blanket for a customer. It is one I created a few years ago based on a vintage blanket and my rose pattern here. I will try to get a new post up with the last few rounds I used to make it into a granny square soon.

I used Red Heart's petal pink, pretty in pink, white and glow worm.

I hope it sends some color and sunshine your way. Happy Sunday!

New custom order

I have been busy with work and a new custom order for a mom-to-be. She asked me to work up a granny square blanket using her bedding as inspiration. The bedding is a pretty pattern from Pottery Barn. I found a new pink yarn that I love and works really well. It's called Blush Pink from Big Twist Yarns. It is one of the prettiest pastel pinks out there.

The blanket is coming along. I still have to work on the edging.

Happy Halloween!

The trees are beautiful around these parts, and today we even have some much needed sunshine. Because we are a bit more rural in these parts, we had a street party on Saturday. The kids had a lot of fun. Hope everyone has a safe, happy, and spooky Halloween.

Back again after a long break.

So many things have happened in the last year. My mother found out she had breast cancer, went through chemo, radiation, a lumpectomy, and beat it. Thank you Lord and my Mom for being such a trooper. One of the new items on my "to do" list is to make some hats for other women going through chemo. I'll try to post some photos when I can come up with some nice hats.

I have also been busy making some baby quilts and of course crocheting blankets like crazy. I did a lot of crocheting in waiting rooms during my Mom's appointments, and of course while sitting next to her in the chemo chair. For some reason, we were always the last ones to leave. I am grateful that she is now cancer free, and we hope to keep her that way!

Tomorrow I hope to send off the latest set to a lovely return customer who has requested a baby blanket in blues and grays with booties and a hat to match. I decided to knit the hat, because sometimes I just prefer a knitted hat. I like the tight stitches and "stretchy-ness" of a stockinette stitch.

Garden flower sampler

Just finished up a new blanket for a customer. She is having a little boy and doing a garden theme nursery. We added a bee, bird, butterfly and lady bug! It was fun to customize it for her. She was a very creative client and knew what she wanted. It reminded me how much I enjoy working up these samplers...I will have to do more soon...maybe with some new colors?

Happy Friday!

Daisies in the middle

A simple, sweet, square variation of the daisy blanket with a special edge.

I used Berroco Vintage Chunky yarns (Snow Day, Aquae, Minty, and Banana). The blanket is on the smaller side measuring 30"x 30". It's perfect for a car seat or tummy time. The yarn is so soft and warm. It was fun to use.

The border is a shell spaced picot edge.

Finally finished - Daisies on the Edge

It took me longer than expected (between, kids, work and holiday things) to get this completed, but it's done. A new daisy blanket, I have dubbed "Daisies on the Edge". It's the same blanket I did back in 2012, but I used new yarn and new colors (Universal Classic Worsted Yarn). I also wrote the pattern, and it is available here. The main color is called bubblegum, but it reminds me more of a shrimp :)

Thank goodness it's almost Friday...

First snow of the season

Finishing up some custom order blankets and enjoying the beauty of snow. Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Meeting new friends through a headache.

The pattern for sale has been removed. Cheers to all of the supporters I have met over on Instagram! One in particular is Faye at Little Dove Designs. She has some amazing cross stitch patterns in her shop, and is a very talented crochet artist as well. Below is a photo from her blog of a beautiful daisy blanket she created using the daisy pattern as her base. Really lovely.

Photo Courtesy of Little Dove Designs.

9/11 Never forget.

A day of remembrance and hope for peace and freedom.