Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet For Baby Jack

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cro harper 1 0714

 

So, I did not have  a wonderful time crocheting this baby afghan, but it was a work of love.  Baby Jack is the first grandson of some dear friends of mine.  The grandparents have three sons of their own and a cute little granddaughter who is almost four years old.  For the granddaughter, Lily, who was born near Christmas, I had made a round ripple afghan that resembled a poinsettia.  So, to continue with the theme, I chose a round ripple for baby Jack.

The pattern I used – with some variations of my own design – is no longer available via a regular website.  See more about this below.  However, there are many round ripple patterns online and I’ve used others with equal success.  Now, about the color choices.  I used Caron Simply Soft in the colors that were chosen by the mom.  While I would not have chosen this color combination, I’m pleased with the results.  Since gauge is not of great consequence when making a baby afghan, using a true worsted weight yarn would work well here.  And, with a fingering weight yarn, you just add more rows to make the afghan the size you prefer.

cro harper 2 0714

Since I , like many crocheters, use a pattern as a guideline – sometimes just a suggestion – to create the finished project.  I thought the afghan looked a bit feminine for a baby boy, so I played around with some ideas to make the afghan look more boyish.  I think the last few rows I created did the job.  With the detail in the picture, I believe you can see how I just added a spike stitch to create a bit of contrast and visual interest that felt more masculine to me, finishing off with a simple row of single crochet rather than any other sort of edging.  I also added a simplified picot (single crochet, chain one, single crochet in base of first single crochet) to make the points more exact – also a masculine touch.

Having two deadlines to meet – carpal tunnel surgery in a week and grandparents heading to Texas to see the grandson for the first time – I didn’t have the luxury of time to do more exploration of stitches to change up the design even more.  But, as I said, I’m pleased with the results.  The idea was to create something special and made with love for a very special baby boy.  I think this is it!

Note:  The web address from which I printed off this pattern is this:

http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/angelcrafts/patterns/roundripple.html

This does not appear to be an active link.  It may be available on the Wayback Archive.  if you find an active link for the pattern, please let me know!

Looking for more Crochet patterns using the Ripple stitch check these out on Etsy?

Comments

  4. Very L?VELY, Jd! Like you… Gray and Yellow?!? Maybe a Sweater for an Ol’Folk… Smile! Spike Stitch? I wasn’t sure if it’s also called L-O-O-NG DC or SC. Anyhows, Wonderful Afghan!

  5. Very L?VELY, Jd! Like you… Gray and Yellow?!? Maybe a Sweater for an Ol’Folk… Smile! Spike Stitch? I wasn’t sure if it’s also called L-O-O-NG DC or SC. Anyhows, Wonderful Afghan!

  6. I Love that color combination, while looking for colors to update my home, I am finding that gray is the new beige in many decorating publications. you are right in style!

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.