Crochet

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Bears For A Cause

by

Aware Bear

 

Crocheters are well known for putting their skills to use in support of a cause.  Sher Marchman-Day has gone a step farther in her efforts to customize her crochet to your cause.  What a fantastic idea!  For a really reasonable price (dirt cheap, in fact), she’ll make you one or more bears like the one pictured here with a ribbon the color you want.  You can find this cute bear here .

Also available on her site are crochet gift items offered for amazing prices.  There are great looking hand made gifts for women, kids, and even men.  Her felted slippers made for men are very warm and cozy looking.  I’d like a pair for myself!  Monkeys, cup cozies, spa accessories, and beanies are all available for purchase.

But, back to the Aware-Bears.  I cannot personally crochet enough bears, scarves, or beanies for fundraising.  But, I certainly support a crocheter who can!  Sher offers bulk pricing and guarantees the items are hand made by her.

If you think you might want some Aware-Bears for your local fundraiser, you’ll have a consultation with Sher via phone or email to discuss colors, timing, etc.  Then she’ll work up the bears you want just the way you want them.  She works the same way for her gift items too.  If you want a pair of those snuggly felted slippers, for instance, you’d discuss size and color(s), then Sher would crochet a pair just for you.

I’m impressed with this business model and with the array of items Sher is offering.  I plan to order those slippers for myself and will report back you.

 

Comments

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Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.