Mary Maxim's Car Blanket

I originally made this as a Christmas gift, but I decided that due to circumstances it is going to be a birthday gift instead.

This was made using a Mary Maxim kit found here. My major disappointment with this kit was it came with Red Heart sport yarn instead of Mary Maxim yarn. I realize it made the kit price cheaper, but I'd rather have paid more and gotten a less scratchy yarn.

The pattern worked up quickly and it is a cute blanket for a little one. I did choose to change the pattern of the cars. I wanted more variety, so I didn't follow the pattern which suggested mostly VW bug type cars. I liked the different cars on the road. I plan to make more of these in the future.

Connor's Crayon Ripple Afghan

Just to be clear this is not a free pattern. My copy came from the Crochet Calendar. If you wish to purchase the pattern it is available at Treasured Heirlooms.

My blanket is slightly smaller than the pattern suggested size. I knew the gauge was off, but I am not concerned. The pattern called for Caron Wintuk, which I have been unable to locate. Instead I used Caron's One Pound Yarn. Instead of worrying about gauge, I spent quite a bit of time focused on making sure I had the stitches correct.

This was a fun pattern to work on. Instead of a traditional ripple pattern that is worked along the short side of the blanket, this ripple is worked the length of the blanket. The white baubles give the blanket a unique texture. I also learned a new method of edging which I plan on using on another blanket I am experimenting with at the moment.

I love this pattern and am pleased to have finished my first Christmas afghan. I have several more to go before my shipping date, but it is always great to get the first one finished.

Rectangle Granny Square Project

I really enjoyed working with the bright primary colors on the Circus Baby Afghan. That project got me thinking about making some afghans for Christmas projects using primary colors for some of the younger children on my gift list. I went through my patterns looking for three candidates.

In the past, I have tried using the same pattern and different colors. I learned the last time I tried this that color variation does little to help keep my interest. Once I have completed a long project, I have little desire to repeat the project. My hope is that by finding three compatible projects to use the same color schemes I will finish all three.

I started the first project over the weekend and this where the projects stands. This pattern is from the out of print Annie's Attic Afghan club. When I complete the project, I will post the pattern number for anyone who may be looking to locate it.

I love granny squares, but have two issues with granny afghans. The first is making the squares all the same size. The second is having the patience to sew them all together. My Mom had a paper bag full of granny squares that my little sister and I played with for years. We would lay the granny squares out on the floor to design our own afghans. I do not know if Mom ever assembled the squares. It is too bad she did not donate them to a group that would have used them. I remember them as being beautiful squares, just needing someone who would put them all together. I suspect that even if I get the grannies to match, I may never have the patience to put them all together. I keep hearing about alternatives that allow you to assemble as you crochet. As of yet, I have not located a pattern that will let me do that.

This is a compromise and a practice pattern. I have never seen a rectangle granny. It has been fun learning how to work with one. There is also the size of the piece. Most of the items I crochet tend to be much smaller. It is challenging getting used to working with heavier pieces.

The other two patterns I am considering are variations on the ripple. It is a challenging goal to complete all three before Christmas. I will have to see how far I get before they need to ship.

If you arrived here looking for free Afghan or Baby Afghan Patterns:

Afghans Free Patterns

Baby Blanket Patterns

Toy Theme Afghans

Toy Theme Afghans Crochet and Knit

I started this blog entry looking for fun free patterns for children older than the baby blankets, but younger than the adult versions that are so readily available. I am building a list that will continue to grow as I find interesting projects.

Crochet:

Alphabet

Angel Blanket Buddy

Bary Bear

Bearghan

Cat and Mouse Blanket and Pillow

Checkerboard Complete with Playing Pieces

Choo Choo Train

Counting Sheep

Crayons

Frog Henry Hopper

Jigsaw Puzzle

Kitty Blanket Buddy

Monkey

Pikachu

Prince of Egypt

Rufus Rabbit

Sea Creatures

Shaggy Puppy Blanket Buddy

Snake

Spiderman

Teddyghans

Teddy Bear Blanket Buddy

Teddy Bear Tartan

Teddy Go Round

Tiger Afghan

Train

Wheels on the Bus

Zoo Animals

Knit:

Airplane

Bedtime Story

Block Fun Blanket

Map of the United States

Teddy Bear






Picture Credit: Noricum Flickr.com