Help with baby blanket crochet pattern please.

[pyjama princess]

I've been invited to a baby shower! I work with someone who's daughter is pregnant and they've invited me to the baby shower. Sadly I can't go as I'm away but I'm thrilled the daughter invited me - we've only met once and I'm the only person who works with her mum who was invited.
I still want to give her a pressie and thought I'd make a baby blanket. So this is where you all fit in. Does any one know of a pattern on the internet that I could use? I'm a member of Ravelry and have had a quick look there but the ones I've seen are quite plain looking. I only have 3 weeks to make it but can use my travelling time to work on the bus as well as some of my lunch break so hopefully I'll get it finished. I'll also appreciate any advise you can give on hook sizes and wool types. I've never had any children so don't know if there's anything I should avoid such as certain wools or open patterns (little fingers getting trapped?).
And I know I've posted this in the Knitting section but I couldn't find a Crochet one LOL!

Edited to add: Where's the best place to buy wool from online for speed of delivery?

[Waterlily]

Hi Pamela

I've found an old pattern for a crocheted pram cover, looked through my old patterns and could only find one crocheted and a couple of knitted ones. Not sure if it's the sort of thing you are looking for though (might be a bit old hat as I don't know what's in now lol).

Two of the patterns I found don't use baby wool the other one does.

I'm making a throw at the moment from the Art of Crochet, it's done in 6 inch squares (roughly) and lots of different patterns.

I can send you the info by PM if it's any good.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k158/PamE24/pram%20cover/pramcover6713canon009_zps98e05df2.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/PamE24/media/pram%20cover/pramcover6713canon009_zps98e05df2.jpg.html)

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k158/PamE24/pram%20cover/pramcover6713canon014_zpsd1c42b65.jpg (http://s87.photobucket.com/user/PamE24/media/pram%20cover/pramcover6713canon014_zpsd1c42b65.jpg.html)

It looks knitted doesn't it. lol

[suban]

That's great Waterlily! Try Purplelinda for yarns - she's really quick and friendly. I've used her umpteen times with no problems. This also applies for any yarn type stuff and tools you may see on craft progs!

[pyjama princess]

Thanks for your replies both.
I'll hang on a couple of days Waterlily and see if I get any other suggestions. If not then I'll let you know if yours is the one I decide to make! It's really pretty and as you say it looks knitted.

[RozMinis]

Try the about.com website http://crochet.about.com/od/babypatterns/tp/Baby_Afghan_Patterns.htm

This is another good website http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com/baby-blanket-crochet-patterns.html

Or this one http://www.freepatterns.com/list.html?cat_id=2

Another good site for vintage patterns http://www.antiquecrochetpatterns.com/crochet-baby-blanket-patterns.html

That lot should keep you out of mischief for a while! It's a while since I made anything for a baby, the last item was a shawl in 4ply. Sheesh, having worked in 30's sewing cotton (and finer) it was like working with rope! Managed it anyway, bought far more yarn than I should have, which is what you ended up with Susan! ;)

Roz

[jenty]

I'm sure I downloaded some crochet patterns for baby blankets. I think they are on the main computer so will try and remember to have a look tomorrow and let you know.

[pyjama princess]

The baby shawl has been finished and handed over to Grandma to pass onto baby and mum. He, Charlie, was born 7 weeks early so caught me out a bit! He was only 4lb something when born but soon gained enough to go home and he's now thriving (although not sleeping at night). But at least I knew it was a boy so I bought some blue wool and finished the border with that. I forum member sent me some of their patterns and I chose one of those in the end (thank you so much - as it was done by PM I won't name you unless you want to speak up yourself). Waterlily the pattern for the main part of the shawl turned out to be the same as the one you've posted here but the border is different. I know it's not perfect and I know there are a couple of mistakes but I was really pleased with the finished shawl. The last time I made a baby shawl was in 1974 so I don't think I've done too badly. Here's some photos of it:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/nuttycluster/Photos/1_zps83270d63.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/nuttycluster/media/Photos/1_zps83270d63.jpg.html)


http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/nuttycluster/Photos/2_zps55102e52.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/nuttycluster/media/Photos/2_zps55102e52.jpg.html)

A close up of the stitch detail:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/nuttycluster/Photos/3closeup_zps97d4db53.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/nuttycluster/media/Photos/3closeup_zps97d4db53.jpg.html)

And a close up of the edging and corner of the border:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h71/nuttycluster/Photos/4Cornerdetail_zpsfa35d20c.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/user/nuttycluster/media/Photos/4Cornerdetail_zpsfa35d20c.jpg.html)

I've been invited to the christening in a few weeks - wonder if his mum will put him in the shawl?

[suban]

That's absolutely beautiful - you deserve a wedding invite!

[elcee]

Well done, PP! That is so pretty and fresh looking. I really hope it is used at the christening.

I know I'm a miserable old bag that never had children (luckily for the children) but I've done my share of crocheting baby things in the past and I think they are so much nicer than dressing a baby in miniature adults clothes. My pet dislike (I don't mean to upset anyone, it's just my opinion) is a new-born in cargo trousers. After all, what does a baby keep in it's pockets?

[Waterlily]

It's absolutely gorgeous PJP. Well done.

[SooG]

Beautiful!!!!!!

[jenty]

That's beautiful and so neat, well done. I do like the pattern.

[agelesscraft]

Pleased the patterns were of some use, it looks wonderful I like the blue edging.x

[JAMMY]

Well done, PP! That is so pretty and fresh looking. I really hope it is used at the christening.

I know I'm a miserable old bag that never had children (luckily for the children) but I've done my share of crocheting baby things in the past and I think they are so much nicer than dressing a baby in miniature adults clothes. My pet dislike (I don't mean to upset anyone, it's just my opinion) is a new-born in cargo trousers. After all, what does a baby keep in it's pockets?

I'm with you there Elcee. Babies should be dressed as babies, not young adults. I'm lucky enough to have 2 grandchildren with a third due in the next 4 weeks. I'm also lucky that my daughter agrees with me. I am busy knitting first size baby jumpers for her as the first two were born in the spring and she has just realised that she is short of little jumpers. Still at that size they don't take long!

I also have the answer as to what little children keep in their pockets (that is before they're old enough to fill them with 'surprises' themselves) - bus fare to Nana's!

And every baby deserves a beautiful shawl like yours Pamela. It looks so soft. I'm sure it will be used and appreciated.

[pyjama princess]

Pleased the patterns were of some use, it looks wonderful I like the blue edging.x

Thank you Agelesscraft. The border took about 2 hours to do one round and the final row took forever - 10 stitches in every other stitch.

[auntie]

It is Gorgeous , The border is well worth the time spent on it :)