| So you would like to make a little somethin'-somethin' | | | | these granny squares. Plan on at least 12 hours for the |
| for the new baby? A knitted blanket or crocheted | | | | making of the squares with a couple of hours time to |
| afghan? How about a polar fleece binky? It doesn't | | | | connect all the squares. |
| matter if you are a beginner or expert, all handmade | | | | The knitted blanket depending on the size and the |
| baby keepsakes take one common ingredient-time. | | | | difficulty of the pattern can take several weeks. A |
| Since time is always at a premium, it would be helpful | | | | blanket measuring 32" x 44" using sport weight yarn |
| in advance to know how long a project is going to | | | | and size 7 or 8 needles will take about 25 to 28 hours |
| take. Here are some helpful guidelines to ensure your | | | | total. Plan on putting in two hours of knitting or |
| baby project is done in time for the shower or the | | | | crocheting a night. Expert needle workers may be able |
| baby's arrival. | | | | to do more per day, but the average person who only |
| The quickest project has to be the polar fleece binky | | | | makes items occasionally will find their fingers |
| that can be completed in an afternoon. Decisions | | | | screaming. |
| about the size and color can all be made at the fabric | | | | Most projects will go a lot faster if several people are |
| store. Once the fabric is home there is no sewing, only | | | | gathered socially to work on individual projects or, |
| cutting the edge into one inch strips and knotting them. | | | | possibly, a group project. This works fantastic for |
| Cut all the strips first then save the knotting part for a | | | | beginners to get instant instructions from more |
| waiting time. There are also slotted rulers available | | | | experienced needles workers keeping their project on |
| allowing the creation of a nicely edged binky in no time | | | | schedule. It is most important to actually complete the |
| at all. | | | | item even if it is not done in time for the shower or |
| The crochet blanket will take longer than an afternoon, | | | | even the baby's arrival. The item created will last a |
| possibly 6 or 7 afternoons. The traditional granny | | | | very long time and even though some wrong stitches |
| square (standard weight worsted, Size G or H hook, 6" | | | | will never be noticed, many mistakes and a sloppy job |
| when completed; or light weight or sport yarn, Size F | | | | will be. Create a handmade baby keepsake with love |
| hook, 4" when completed) takes about 15 minutes to | | | | and attention to detail, and your gift will be a thing of |
| complete. The standard size afghan consists of 48 of | | | | beauty and an object of admiration for years to come. |