Crochet

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Unusual Baby Gifts To Crochet

by

http://www.creativejewishmom.com/2009/10/crochet-a-wool-basket-and-then-felt-it-a-great-baby-gift.html

Wouldn’t a set of three of these pretty baskets make a great baby gift?  The can be themed to match the color of the nursery or the bathroom.  They’re soft, so baby can play with them.  And, best, they’re simple to crochet and felt.  This would make a good ‘first fulling’ project.  (Read more about felting here: http://crochet.craftgossip.com/wool-felt-and-your-crochet-hook/2009/09/04/ )

Be sure you have a mold on hand – say, a 2 liter soda bottle – to pull your piece over to dry, eliminating any need for further blocking.  Also, this would be simple to embellish with some pretty embroidery.

This would be cute made in colors to match baby’s first room – maybe pastels, maybe brights.  I’d omit those beaded eyes (for safety):

http://www.caron.com/projects/w/caterpillar.html

How about a tiny crochet poncho and cap or headband for a Spring or Fall baby?  I prefer to make the rectangle poncho as it’s so easy and requires no shaping (or thinking!).  Maybe this one would work for your baby:

http://crotiques.com/ponchoset.htm

And, don’t forget that color and yarn choice, alone, can make a pattern unusual.  My son has asked (nay, begged) for me to make babyghans in camouflage for his girlfriend’s sister’s boy and girl twins.  While the girlie camo yarn looks fine for a baby to me, I’d be hard pressed to use traditional camo yarn for a baby boy when the parents are completely unknown to me.  Now, if Dad was a devoted hunter…….

Looking for more pretend play patterns and toys for kids? Check out this Pretend food Crochet Pattern Book.

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Comments

  3. Cute offerings. Have to say though………..
    Now, Ms. JD. If your son wants that baby afghan made in camo for the baby boy then that is what you should make it in. I’m sure the parents will love it. Just think how cute matching ghans in traditional and girly camo would be.

    Nope, Wanda, the camoghans will have to wait for my own son’s kid(s) or at least parents I actually know. The parents of these twins are folks I’ve never met!
    jd

Have you read?

Cropped Chunky Granny Stitch Cardigan Crochet Pattern

There is something about a chunky granny stitch cardigan that just feels instantly wearable, isn’t there? It has that lovely handmade texture we all adore, but it still looks modern enough to throw on with jeans, wide-leg pants, a simple dress, or, if you are feeling a little festival-ready, a floaty boho skirt and boots.

This boho granny stitch cropped cardigan crochet pattern has that perfect relaxed handmade look without feeling too oversized or shapeless. The cropped length keeps it flattering, while the open granny-style stitch gives it plenty of drape and texture. I especially love it worked in a soft sage green, because it gives the whole design a calm, earthy, slightly vintage feel without looking dated.

The design features a boxy cropped body, open front styling, wide sleeves, and a textured granny-style stitch pattern that gives the cardigan its statement look. It is the kind of crochet cardigan that looks impressive but still feels approachable if you are comfortable with basic crochet stitches and joining simple garment pieces together.

This is a lovely project for crocheters who want to move beyond scarves and blankets but are not quite ready for complicated shaping. The beauty of this style is that the relaxed fit is forgiving, which makes it a good first wearable project if you have been wanting to dip your toe into crochet clothing.

The chunky texture is also a bonus for impatient crocheters — and yes, I am raising my hand here. There is nothing worse than starting a cardigan and feeling like you have committed to a six-month relationship with one sleeve. This type of open stitch pattern builds quickly and gives you that satisfying “oh look, it’s actually becoming a cardigan” feeling fairly early on.

For yarn, I would choose something soft but structured enough to hold the stitch definition. A chunky or bulky yarn in cotton blend, acrylic blend, or wool blend would work beautifully depending on the season. Sage green gives it that boho handmade look, but this pattern would also be gorgeous in oatmeal, rust, denim blue, cream, mushroom brown, or a soft dusty rose.

If you are styling it for a modern boho look, pair it with sage wide-leg pants, a simple white tank, layered necklaces, and a crossbody bag. For cooler months, it would also look lovely over a fitted long-sleeve tee with jeans and ankle boots.

What I Like About This Pattern

The cropped length makes it feel fresh and wearable.

The granny stitch texture gives it a beautiful handmade look.

The open-front shape means there is no fussing with buttons or closures.

The wide sleeves add a relaxed bohemian feel.

It is a great project for crocheters who want a wearable garment without too much shaping.

Skill Level

I would place this as an advanced beginner to intermediate crochet pattern, depending on how confident you are with garment construction. The stitching itself appears beginner-friendly if you already know the basics, but assembling a cardigan and keeping your gauge consistent does require a little patience.

If you are new to crochet garments, take your measurements before starting, check gauge properly, and don’t skip blocking. I know blocking is one of those things we all pretend we are going to do “later,” but with a cardigan like this, it really helps the stitches relax and the edges sit nicely.