My little 11-month-old granddaughter Annie received a beautiful one-of-a-kind baby blanket from a very talented family friend. She had no pattern, other than her talent and imagination. Wow, wow, wow. It’s made up of a combo of knitting and crochet, using unique yarns. There’s something about this blanket that just speaks to me. I call it the Psalm 23 baby blanket.
Inspired, I decided to re-create it (or at least try). Here’s the thing…I don’t know how to knit. Or crochet. But…what I don’t know, I don’t know.
So I bought knitting needles, yarn (not quite as appealing as the original but as close as I could get), and watched a lot of YouTube videos. A lot. (Wow…YouTube tutorials are a great resource! Here’s what I’ve learned–the shorter ones are usually the better ones.)
It’s been fun to just plow ahead, mistakes and all. (I’ve had lots.)
Last week, I finished the basic blanket. Had to watch another YouTube video to “cast off.” (Remember, this is all new for me.)
Now, the challenging design parts begin. Yesterday, I bought some crochet hooks, yarn, borrowed a book from a friend, and last night I watched new you tube videos on crocheting. It’s harder than knitting, I think. Plus, I’m starting crochet with the oh-so-complicated bobble stitch. Yup. Crazy.
But I’m determined to keep going, and to enjoy the process of learning something new. I’ll add updates now and then! My four-year-old granddaughter, Reagan, came over for lunch today and immediately asked to see the progress on my knitting project. That gave me a smile.
And I am constantly drawn back to the skill and artistic sense of the maker of the original baby blanket. She’s a wonder!
What about you? First, do you knit or crochet? Quilt and sew? Any work-in-progress right now?
Even better, what new skill would you like to learn?
Beautiful blanket!
Isn’t it lovely, Wen Dee? It just pulls you into the scene. Thanks for stopping by! Suzanne
Very unique blanket and so impressed that you are trying to make one yourself, never having done either knit or crochet! I’m a slow learner LOL and I like to have a pattern. Actually, I HAVE to have a pattern. I am not very creative w/o one! I have done all of the above at one time or other–knit, crochet, quilt, and sew. Nothing in progress unless you count a Santa hat I started to knit a couple of yrs ago and haven’t touched since–other than to move the bag it is in! LOL. I have not crocheted in years. A friend and I got together last week and made shamrock table runners. I literally finished mine just in time to put it on the table for Sunday dinner on St Patrick’s Day. Four of my friends are coming over soon to make some baby things for a church project. Should be a fun time. Thanks for sharing your blanket journey. I’m looking forward to seeing your progress!
Anne! Pull out the Santa hat and start back on it! I’d like to see a pix. My next goal is to be knit Christmas stockings for grandchildren. And I’d love to see your Shamrock table runners, too! Love that! You are doing a LOT! Will post more of this Psalm 23 blanket as it takes shape. The crochet part is slowing me way way way down. Trickier than knitting! Thanks for chiming in, Anne! Warmly, Suzanne
The blanket is adorable! And yours is really good for a first-timer! I have done all of it as well back years ago. When my daughters were small and fabric/patterns cheaper than store-bought outfits I made most of their clothes…some sweet dresses every Easter were most fun. A dear friend is fabulous quilter and tried to convince me to pick it up when I retired few yrs ago. But due to our smaller house and it’s layout, I really have no place to ‘set up shop’ and not the $ to purchase machine and supplies. I did teach my 10 yr old granddaughter to sew a nightie…a yr later she still wears it proudly.
I’ll be curious to see your finished creation!
Sandy…loved reading about your granddaughter and her nightie! And if your friend is a fabulous quilter..I do hope you’ll try a project with her, even if it’s little. Just to learn from a master! Keep me posted! And I’ll do the same. XO Suzanne
Hi, the Blanket is Beautiful!! I sew, and I do crafts with my 3 grandchildren and they love it.
Isn’t it beautiful, Alicia? So glad to know you do crafts with your grandchildren. I like that idea! Suzanne