Chunky Crocheted Baby Blanket

For my granddaughter's baby shower three years ago, I had made her two crocheted baby blankets.  One of them is just like this one and she has carried it around for several years.  Needless to say, I think she is ready for a new one, so I made this for her.

It's made of the chunky Bernat yarn that is very soft and easy to work with.  This particular one is made using the variegated pink colors.  

I've made this baby/kid's blanket several times.  It comes together pretty quickly and I often give it as a baby shower gift.  

I've also made it in smaller sizes for doll blankets.  Last year my daughter gave me 10 skeins of it and I've completed several blankets from them so far.  

There are two skeins left and what will I do?  Make another one, for sure!

Here's the instructions if you'd like to make it:

Chain 50 very loosely.  In the first row, skip the first chain stitch and single crochet all across the row, chain 2 and turn.  For the second row, double crochet all the way across and chain 1. Turn.  Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until your blanket is the desired size.  Sew in ends with a large yarn needle.  

Here's a close-up of the rows.  Keep the stitches loose, but not too loose.  The single crochet rows tighten up the stitches a bit to keep the blanket from getting all stretched out.

I made this blanket a bit bigger for my granddaughter for her bed.  Now to just switch out the "old" one with this new one!  :)

Just Monkeying Around!

I've had a couple of baby showers to go to recently.  So I made some bib sets and washcloth sets to go with them.  I thought that the bibs needed a little toy, so I came up with this little monkey who is made from felt.  I just love how he brings an added "cuteness" to the bibs! 

Here he is a little closer.  I cut him from felt and added the face and ears, stitching them on using my sewing machine.  Then I stitched around his body with some DMC floss,using a blanket stitch.  Because his body has a lot of areas to stuff, I stuffed him as I was sewing him together.  Then I added the ribbon (Stampin Up, of course!) and sponged some blush ink onto his cheeks and ears.  I just love how he came out!

Here is another set that I made, using some zoo fabrics that I had.  This set is for a little girl.  I wasn't sure how I would like the bright colors, but I love them!  What do you think?