Week 32: Make a Blanket or Toy For Your Furry Friends

I had great hopes for this week's Challenge having thought about what I was going to do well over a week ago. I've been working on my project and I even had a blog post title picked out: Waffles and Sunday Drives.

Well, the best laid plans . . .

So, here's what I have so far, a pet blanket that is taking me FOREVER to finish. Believe it or not, this is row 71!

It is crocheted with the waffle stitch (here's where the waffle part of my original blog title would have come in) and it's a very small stitch.  For some reason, I kept on with it despite the wonkiness and its out of shape unevenness. It's pretty much a hot mess.  But, since I've gotten this far, I do plan on finishing it. I like to use blankets like these in the car when we are driving (here's the Sunday drive reference for the blog title, but I'm not sure why, we really don't take Sunday drives, maybe it's an idyllic reference?) when I have my Yorkie on my lap. Her feet are very pokey otherwise and this way she can curl up and relax. The waffle stitch is comparable to what you see in thermal wear, small pocket shaped stitches that keep the heat in. It's pretty thick too, like a pad. When I finish it, I plan on putting a simple border around it. My hope is that somehow a border will make it look more even.

Here's my girl I'm making it for:

Her name is Daphne (a.k.a. The Bean):

Here's a picture of my "girls", Sally, Daphne and Abby:

This week for me has really been a challenge, but one I hope to finish soon. I will post a picture of the blanket when I finish it.

Thanks for joining me for week 32 of the 52 Week Challenge!

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Baby Blocks Blanket and Sneaker Booties for Baby Boy

Here's a cute baby blanket that I made for a friend who is due very soon. The pattern is from the February 2010 Crochet World magazine and is designed by Lisa Naskrent for Caron International. I made the blanket in little boy colors to match his new room using Caron Simply soft yarn. I am really happy with the way it turned out, and my friend loves it! It really has a cozy look to it, modern, yet retro too.







I had some extra yarn and couldn't resist these cute baby hi-top booties, designed by Lisa Gentry. So cute! And fun to make too.




I've just started another baby blanket for a little girl. I'm futzing with the pattern, and will post pics when I've finished it. I haven't made baby blankets in awhile, now it's 2 in a row. They say good things come in 3's . . . hmm, maybe another friend or relative is expecting? Wouldn't that be fun!

New RedBerryCrochet Patterns

It's amazing how quickly time can get away from you! Here are two patterns that I have listed in my Etsy shop since my last blog update:


This is an intermediate crochet pattern requiring simple color changes and embroidery. Requires 100% cotton yarns and a size G hook. Finished size of your potholder will be 6 3/4 inches (17 cm) wide by 7 1/2 inches (19 cm) tall. This pattern includes complete instructions, color photos, and embroidery charts for both the Jam and Jelly labels in a pdf file. My patterns also include a Helps & Hints section on the last page which explain and show (with photographs) techniques and steps that may be unfamiliar to you. Also included are explanations of special stitches and a list of abbreviations used in the pattern.




This is an easy beginner crochet pattern that requires worsted (medium) weight yarn and a size K crochet hook. These blankets are a Quick to Stitch project and the pattern includes complete instructions and color photos in a pdf file. The finished size of your pet blanket will be 19 inches across by 19 1/2" tall. I also include easy instructions for you to customize your blanket and make it as large as you wish.

Thanks for visiting and stay tuned for more fun crochet patterns!