Blanket Jackson

Good evening!  I am very excited to share a crochet blanket that I just made.  First I must give you a little history so you can understand why I am so thrilled.

Once upon a time, I was a volunteer at a hospital downtown as an outpatient greeter.  There were other volunteer opportunities, and one of them was to crochet blankets for preemies.  Time somehow got away from me; and six years later, I still had all three skeins of yarn they gave me, with two skeins attached to barely-started baby blankets.  I have been determined to make the blankets, but I always have more fun ideas that I get fixated on!  Long story boring, last Saturday I met up with Brooke & Christine to have a girls day.  Blankets don't require much concentration, so I brought my hospital yarn along.  YEY!  

Pictures, pattern, & materials below.

Edge folded over & border:

Stitch detail:

Full blanket (~22 sq inches):

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (1 skein "soft green," 1 skein of a blue)
Hook:  G6/4.00MM

I started off with green, and ch 101.  Then I did alternating:
- 4 rows dc
- 3 rows of
(1) 2 sc, sk 1
(2 & 3) 2 sc between each 2 sc prior

I ran out of green and did the same pattern blue on either end to make it look semi normal.  I don't love it, but what can you do when you run out of free hospital yarn?  I finished with a border of 1 row sc, and 1 row reverse sc.  Um, can we talk about reverse sc...otherwise known as CRAB STITCH.  Holy crap, how am I just learning about this awesome stitch with an awesome Zoidberg-esque name.

Anyways, I still have 1.5 skeins of blue left so I am going to make another baby blanket.  I cannot believe this day has finally come.

The Handiwork Ministry

Presenting to you The Handiwork Ministry. The Handiwork Ministry creates crocheted and knitted items for donation in the US and Canada. From nursing homes to hospitals to the US military, the Handiwork Ministry distribute their handmade projects to "comfort...people in need of emotional, physical or spiritual care."

Once I finally make the blankets for preemies at Beth Israel Hospital, I plan on donating to the Handiwork Ministry. You can also help by donating yarn, stamps, bags and more.

Buy Crochet, Donate to Charity

A friend of mine (who has his own very rad blog), sent me a link to a cool article Krochet Kids Crochet Beanies. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Founded upon love, the Krochet Kids now have 10 Ugandan women in their
Krochet Program who not only learn how to knit, but receive a reliable salary
and are involved in a financial education program that teaches them the aspects
of small business management.

The quality beanies come in a variety of styles and colors, but all of
the wool and acrylic-blend hats bare the handwritten name of the women who
stitched it and a "Love Africa" tag. Recently the non-profit team added a
collection of tees and tank tops to their lineup, showing off the logo "I Africa
Krochet Kids."

Learn more about Krochet Kids here. Shop Krochet Kids here.

Side note: if the ladies are learning how to knit... why is it called "Krochet Kids?" I just went to the Krochet Kids site, and it says:

Those chosen for the program are trained in the skill of crochet and then
provided with materials to make quality crocheted products for a good
salary.

New side note: how is it so hard to confuse knit with crochet? Particularly if you are writing an article on it?!