A few weeks ago, a friend (and mentor) of mine sent me a message on Facebook letting me know that he and his wife are expecting their first child this spring. To say I was excited for them would be putting it mildly. I get a little misty every. single. time. a friend tells me they’re expecting. Chalk it up to my uterus being closed for business.
Anyway, I immediately started thinking about what I could get for the new little person. I wanted something thoughtful and original, something that would reflect the respect that I have for the parents… And that’s when it occurred to me to make a baby blanket.
So I went to the craft store and spent an enormous amount of time feeling yarns, matching up colors and trying to determine how I wanted to create the blanket. I settled on 3 main colors {blue and 2 shades of brown} and a “bump” color {cream}. I thought the camo blue, brown and beige was appropriately baby boy friendly and just a little bit fun.
I opted against using a pattern for this project because I sometimes have a difficult time following them. Instead, I just played it by ear. I decided to make the blanket out of Granny Squares because they’re very traditional and allow for a lot of creativity and flexibility with the pattern.
After crocheting what felt like a million little Granny Squares, the next biggest decision was how I should join the squares. There are several methods:
- Whip Stitch
- Single Crochet
- Join as You Go
- Triple Crochet
I’m sure there are others but I don’t know them. I decided to use the last method (I’m not even sure if that’s the correct name but that’s the stitch I used). I liked that it gave the seams some substance and it really allowed what I call the “bump” color to pop the squares.
I’m incredibly happy with the finished product. Especially when you consider I didn’t use a pattern and this is my first time working with Granny Squares. I consider this a full fledged win. My prayer is that my friend and his family will be blessed in the years to come and that their little boy will bring them all the joy and laughter that comes with raising a little person.
My next project is a skirt. Once again, no pattern. Wish me luck!
What are you creating?
I’m linking up with Small Things for Yarn Along.
