crochet

Out of this World Blanket

Out of this world baby blanket

N and V are pregnant, and expecting a baby boy in April 2016. It’s an exciting time for them, as this is their first. My friend Steph organized a really great baby shower for them, and everything was themed “Out of this world”. There were rockets, stars, planets, NASA and even some posters from the Jet Propulsion Lab.

Baby shower for Nathaly

Baby shower for Nathaly

There was a cake with the baby astronaut in marzipan, a diaper cake with stars and a rocket on top…

Baby shower for Nathaly

and plenty of games – including one where we had to taste baby food and identify it, another where we had to write on diapers (late night messages for the parents), and plenty of laughs at the “pacifier straws”.

Baby shower for Nathaly

There were also plenty of gifts for the little bundle and the new parents.

Baby shower for Nathaly

For me, because I can crochet, I do my best to make sure that the gift is handmade because it’s always a nice gift to get something where the time is spent making it -just the same as the ‘mom’ has been spending time making the baby. 🙂 This time, I made a baby blanket in a ridged vine pattern that reminded me of the rockets taking off into the sky. It’s in James C Brett Marble DK in blues / greens shade. It took me about a week after work to make the whole thing including the edges.

Nathaly's baby blanket

Nathaly's baby blanket

Nathaly's baby blanket

Nathaly's baby blanket

I think it was a hit – and I can’t wait to see little V using it!

Nathaly's baby blanket

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Blue Corner 2 Corner Baby Blanket

The start of a blanket for a baby boy...

Earlier in the year (May 2015), I had an order for a baby blanket for a little boy – that he could grow into. They didn’t want “traditional” colors, but they wanted something masculine and large enough to eventually cover a toddler bed. They also wanted something more solid and not too lacy. I thought on it for a couple of days, and ended up using a dark and light blue, a tan, and a few mixed skeins of mottled browns in a corner to corner pattern. The end result was 2/3 the length of a single bed and I think turned out quite masculine – but not overly baby. What do you think?

C2c baby boy blanket crochet. Completed may 4,2015>The colors

C2c baby boy blanket crochet. Completed may 4,2015 The border

C2c baby boy blanket crochet. Completed may 4,2015

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Hats for the Homeless

Ireland is in a homeless crisis. Year over year, the number of homeless (especially homeless children) is up over 100%. As the Irish people struggle through the shortage of housing (and increased rents are forcing out many low income individuals), the government is arguing over how best to address the crisis and where to find the funds. You can see many articles in the local papers:

Number of Homless Children Doubles in a Year

Homeless Epidemic requires more state support

Overall the problem is shocking. On Saturday, while in the city center for drinks with friends, I counted 3 people that were sleeping rough in a 5 block radius. Last night (Monday), in the pouring rain, I counted 7 all drenched to the skin, and obviously quite miserable. (I too was drenched but at least I had a nice warm home and bed to go to). It is everywhere – from here in the city center to out in the less urban areas. And Winter is coming. The cold temperatures haven’t even started yet.

For the past few weeks, I’ve been very focused on what I can do to help those who have found themselves homeless. Despite working 50 hour weeks at work, I won a yarn lottery and suddenly found myself with 70 “free” skeins of yarn. I had asked for chunky yarn and decided that this was the Universe’s way of telling me here – set to work – here’s what you can do. Thus, I began making hats, earwarmers, and scarves for the homeless. In the course of 4 weeks of my free time, I have crochet and donated 2 hats.

Another 2 hats done.. one loom and one crochet.

20150915_180351

I also bought a loom yarn and made a scarf and 2 more adult sized hats (they go much faster), and a child sized earwarmer.

First adult sized knitted loom hat done. :)

First adult sized knitted loom hat done. :)

Finished loom knit scarf to match the hat. Oct. 18, 2015

Child size ear warmer loom knit. Completed 10/18/2015

I know it’s not a lot in the grand scheme of things, nor does it cost any “money”. I suppose, though, I hope it is helping someone, somewhere. Because it could be me someday -and that is what keeps me going. If you’d like to make a few hats, scarves, or participate in the shoebox appeal for Inner City Helping the homeless, please check their website.

Inner City Helping Homeless

I’m sure they’d appreciate any help they can get.

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