I haven't been under the gun with a knitting deadline in a long time. I see how people can freak out and I almost did. For more years than I can remember I have been friends with a group of ladies whose ages range from 30 something to 60 something. One of the women has been wanting to have a baby. So finally after knowing Catherine for over 5 years, she finally announced one night at dinner that she was going to have a baby in the fall. I was so happy for her! We only see each other once a month and we have missed the last two months of our dinner group.
I got a voice mail saying that we were meeting soon and is was going to be a mini baby shower for Catherine. I didn't know the sex of the baby. So after a few days going by and numerous phone calls it was pronounced that the baby is a girl! I am not a pink or blue person but Catherine relayed a message that she had gone nuts over pink all of a sudden. So to continue the trend, I made something for the baby in pink.
I had to find something darned fast and easy to make. As much as I love to knit, I thought a crocheted project would fill the bill perfectly. If I had more time I would have knit an afghan but there just wasn't time. I went to Ravelry and found a very simple baby afghan. This afghan would have to be durable, washable and totally low maintenance. I do love wool and other fibers but this would have to be acrylic for the ease of care. A new mother does not always have the time to hand wash and line dry a fine wool creation.
I used this pattern (if you do not subscribe to Ravelry-you will not be able to link to it). While it's not a complicated design, quickness was a huge factor in this choice. If you check my project page you will see I used Lion Brand yarn in the one pound skein. I have an extremely small ball of yarn left. I did set out to use every ounce of the skein.
I also purchased the cutest box to put the afghan in. I figured that Catherine could use the box for keeping special baby keepsakes away for later.
I was so taken by the little metal corners and the handles on each end of the box. I thought this would be a very sturdy gift box. I always hate giving those gift bags with tissue paper in them. So maybe this box will be around for a while.
Oh and then there was the afghan itself. It is a very small shell stitch. The whole afghan is one basic shell stitch over and over, back and forth. The border in the pattern was a different color but I made mine all one color. The border is still that same shell stitch turned around. It looks great and was super easy to crochet. I haven't done much crocheting since learning to knit. I have to say that I didn't realize how much I missed it until I made the afghan. I think I might have to make something else crocheted again soon. Here is a shot of the finished afghan.
7 comments:
Great story! I'm sure the afghan will be treasured. The stitch may be simple, but it makes a pretty afghan.
you really did a good thing . .teach me to crochet?
Romelda
Luni-the shell stitch is like garter or stockinette in knitting-mind numbing but gets a great result. I am just happy I got it done in time!
Romelda-you are so funny!
Good choice and good choice of color. I swear my granddaughter was born loving pink and purple.
What a pretty blanket - I always make my baby afghans out of acrylic too - like you, I figure that mom's going to have enough to do & this way it will get more use when they know they can just chuck it in the washer & dryer. I just finished a croched baby sweater and I must say it was pretty easy, but you practically needed a PhD in math to figure out the sleeve directions! Love your lavender story too - My big lavender plant died a couple of years ago and I have yet to replace it. T.
Oh my goodness- that is gorgeous!!! Youdid such a wonderful job on the afghan, and the box is adorable! I'm sure she was thrilled!
What a great story. I'm happy for her as well. Good choice for a blanket and yarn! You really got it done quickly.
I agree about gift bags. I really don't like them. That box though, is great!
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