Wintertime is yarn time. The call of the yarn is stronger in cold weather. There’s more time spent inside. Snow days. No school days. No gardening, less canning. If your work gets big, it feels warm on your lap, not hot. I just want to snuggle into a big ball of yarn when it’s snowing outside.
I like small projects much of the time because I have a short attention span or I’m busy or something. But winter is the time to start a big project and believe you can actually finish it.
I found out recently that 52’s daughter (the one who got married last summer–see here) is expecting. Not just one baby–TWINS! Sounds like a winter project to me! I’m making baby blankets. I haven’t made a baby blanket since my own kids were babies. Now I have an excuse.
See how cute Kate is? You know she’ll be a good mother. She has a lot of heart in her smile.
Because I want to finish these baby blankets by July (when she’s due), instead of by the time the twins graduate college, I’m crocheting the blankets. And because I was feeling winter-lazy, instead of making up a pattern, I found one at Knit and Crochet Now. I wanted to share that link because they have all sorts of cute patterns–for free! (You do have to register at the site, but the patterns are all free. I also want to thank CITR forum member bonita who shared that link with me.) The baby blanket I’m making is the crochet blanket that is the second pattern down at that link (show 202).
I don’t know what sex the babies will be, so I’m using pretty neutrals. I’m making one with yellow, blue, and lavender, and the other with white, peach, and green.
The baby blanket pattern is striped, mostly half-double crochet and single crochet with some cute little crocheted flower accents.
I’ve barely started on the first one.
Progress:
I’ll post a picture of it when it’s finished. (That’s an affirmation!) I will finish it. It’s only January….. Anything is possible! I’m even going to finish TWO.
What about you? What is your big winter project?
bonita says:
Great colors! Encourage, encourage, there’s only so much snow left to come! Glad the site is to your liking…did you also find the overwhelmingly cute crochet toy/animals?
On January 14, 2011 at 1:26 am
Nic, SD says:
This is SO FUNNY. I, just yesterday, got out my yarn stash and took a look at what I have started, and what I bought just ‘cuz I thought it was purty… got a pile sitting off to the side to start working on, again!
SO: A hat for husband (long overdue)
Finishing a sweater that I started ages ago and then ran out of steam on, when I made a mistake and didn’t feel like frogging…
And a… something with three skeins of a gorgeous grey chenille that I bought just ‘cuz. Any suggestions?
Also one of these wavy scarves using an entirely different type of yarn.
On January 14, 2011 at 3:05 am
Snapper says:
Awww….congratulations to Kate & hubby!
On January 14, 2011 at 5:37 am
Sandy says:
Those are some really nice colors. I am sure they will love them. I haven’t tried to crochet or knit, but I do cross stitching and point sometimes.
At Christmas we were surprised by my 16 month old nephew and his parents. He came out of his room wearing a t-shirt that said “I’m the Big Brother”. YAY! Since I had cross stitched a birth announcement for him I figured I should make another for the new baby due in July.
This is the Farm Babies pattern I found at Hobby Lobby. https://shop.hobbylobby.com/store/item.aspx?ItemId=150399
I am only doing the bottom half of the announcement so that it with a fabric frame will make a photo album cover.
On January 14, 2011 at 6:21 am
Diane says:
Pretty colors. Hand made baby blankets are the best. Congrats to 52’s dd on expecting twins!
I got a scarf on the knitting needles now. I thought I would knit up a few for Christmas gifts next year. Its only Jan so we will see how far I will get before I decide to move onto another project. lol.
On January 14, 2011 at 6:47 am
CindyP says:
Congratulations, Kate and hubby! :snuggle:
And you, Suzanne, you’ll have babies–the human form–around. The things you’ll think of creating now!
Love the color combos of the blankets….and that you’re starting off not having the SAME for the both 🙂
On January 14, 2011 at 7:17 am
Gem says:
Knitting – that’s my project. I am picking it up AGAIN! Cotton dish cloths are my quick-fix these cold winter days (and fast coming evenings.) I have a pair of socks in the making, from who-knows-how-long ago, that I WILL finish 🙂
On January 14, 2011 at 7:30 am
Anke says:
Congratulations to 52’s daughter! Twins at that, how exciting! The yarn you chose is so pretty, I like the more neutral colors, too. I just started knitting a short sleeved vest for myself. Nothing better than sitting in a warm and cozy house knitting away…
On January 14, 2011 at 7:31 am
Beth says:
Yay for Katie! My husband’s daughter brought twin girls into our lives 16 months ago, and what a blessing(s) they’ve been. I also crocheted baby blankets for them. I was so much fun! Enjoy infusing love and warmth into the blankets that you are working on.
Peace and Blessings! :happyflower:
On January 14, 2011 at 7:33 am
Yankee In NC says:
You are so right about the size of projects during different seasons. Summer I usually get a few baby sweaters done..maybe..but crocheting in the pool is quite a challenge.
My winter project is almost done. I am making a King sized bedspread for our bed. I am using ecru cotton worsted weight yarn and the blanket is getting quite wieldy as I turn for each new row. My lap, however, stays toasty warm.
My dilemma is keeping the dogs off of it and snuggling with me as I work. Oh, how they too appreciate a good blankie!
Happy Crocheting!
Ellen
On January 14, 2011 at 7:49 am
Rachel says:
I’m expecting my first baby in April, so this winter has definitely been yarn time for me! I’ve knit a hat, some booties, some leg warmers and started a couple of blankets, one knit and one crochet. I like to use yarn all year round, but I definitely get more done in the winter when it feels better to have the warmth of the project on my lap!
On January 14, 2011 at 8:03 am
lilac wolf says:
Fun!
On January 14, 2011 at 8:15 am
elaine says:
Hey there!! Here’s another great site with tons of cool patterns, also ALL FREE!!! I love the colors you’re using!
https://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory.php
enjoy!!
On January 14, 2011 at 8:24 am
Window On The Prairie says:
I love to crochet, but haven’t made anything in years. Last thing I made was a doiley. Good luck with your blankets – you’re off to a good start.
Suzanne
On January 14, 2011 at 8:34 am
prvrbs31gal says:
This winter I hope to learn how to knit. One dish cloth. That’s my goal!
On January 14, 2011 at 8:49 am
prayingpup says:
Well, you’ve spoke to my heart! I crochet 12 months out of the year. Right now I’m working on a huge amount of pot holders! I have a large stash of doggy sweaters I’ve made, hats, scarves . . . . I’m also working on my first great grand baby’s blanket. I LOVE yarn!
On January 14, 2011 at 8:56 am
Ramona says:
Congratulations to his daughter and her hubby!
I have a few skeins I need to get around to using.
On January 14, 2011 at 9:00 am
Mary Hall says:
:wave: Hi and gooooodmornin…I am starting a quilting class this sunday at my local Joann Fabrics…Retreived my G-moms 1961 Singer out of my garage after 20yrs. Took it to my local Sandys sew-n-vac for rescue and now I need to learn how NOT to get a sewing machine to jam…. :shocked:
Have sooo much fun.
Mary
PS…I know what you are talking about here..I have 2 UFO’s right now and just want to get them done, and wanted to start knitting socks, but my first love is crochet.
On January 14, 2011 at 9:00 am
Dana says:
Crocheted baby blankets are my go to gift for baby showers!! I love to crochet and its easily transportable, I can take it in the car to the bus stop, on long drives, etc.
Congratulations to 52’s daughter!!
On January 14, 2011 at 9:14 am
LauraP says:
Twins! Lucky her, double the sweet baby smiles. I’m baby knitting here, too, a blanket for my first grandchild, who’s due in early April. I also have a wool face mask on the needles to carry in my purse and wool socks on the needles at my desk.
On January 14, 2011 at 9:20 am
mrkittysmom says:
Am taking up knitting again after 30 years….just a scarf with nice soft yarn – for me ( I won’t mind the mistakes)…and a quilt for my friend Margaret….better get busy!
I get to retire for daily grind in March – so I get to spend time doing what I love forever….
:o)
ps- a scarf will help – it is STILL icy here in North Central Alabama.
On January 14, 2011 at 9:32 am
brookdale says:
Congratulations to 52 (Grandpa-to-be)! Your baby blankets will be beautiful, I love the colors.
Wish I could crochet or knit; my Grammy tried her best to teach me but I couldn’t get the hang of it, guess it’s because I’m left-handed (or at least that’s my excuse!)
I just started on a patchwork quilt for my son and his soon-to-be bride. I haven’t made a big quilt for nearly 5 years so it’s taking me longer to figure it out. It’s a new pattern, “Twenty Trees”, from a Quilt in a Day book called “Bears in the Woods”. LOTS of little strip pieces to measure & cut out and sew together. It’ll be pretty when it’s done I think, but it will take me a long time to do it.
On January 14, 2011 at 10:18 am
Tracey In Paradise Pa. says:
Love to crochet.Knitting and I do not get along. Love the colors you have picked. I have made about 30+ scarves this fall and winter for gifts and myself. So relaxing and fun!! I also am making tables runners out of wool.
On January 14, 2011 at 10:48 am
Jo Ann says:
Oh what fun – twins!!! I am crocheting a lacey round tablecloth from size 20 crochet thread – it is coming along nicely, but it is a good thing there is lots of winter left.
On January 14, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Shelly Messier says:
I just started knitting again this past week. I have 4 relatives that are pregnant! I also have been making my own yarn out of t-shirts and some out of material. You cut them in strips then daisy chain them together and it makes yarn!! It’s really a fun project and you can use anything you can find around the house like old clothes. I use really big knitting needles it goes faster. I like the colors you chose for your baby blankets. Can’t wait to see the finished product! I feel like knitting more in the winter too! :snoopy: :turtle: :ladybug: :pawprint: 😉
On January 14, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Bethany James says:
I love winter-time yarn projects!
Is that Simply Soft yarn? That is just the best yarn ever for baby things.
On January 14, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Grammie Earth says:
Congrats to all! I found out over Christmas that the baby making crew will be having a third child in August…three under three!!! It’s wonderful. Do they live close by so 52 and you will get to spend a lot of time with the babies (and giving Mama a helping hand)?
On January 14, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Betsy says:
That yarn looks so soft, I can feel it through the screen! I can’t wait to see the finished product(s).
My project is desparately trying to finish the Minnesota Vikings scarf I started knitting for my husband *last summer* and hope to have done while it’s still cold enough to wear it!
On January 14, 2011 at 12:57 pm
catslady says:
It’s been years since I have crocheted. I taught myself and one year made afgans for my sister, mom, uncle, and father-in-law . I made them twice the size because I wanted them to be able to put them on a bed if they wanted and each got a different design. I am sorry I never made myself one.
On January 14, 2011 at 1:13 pm
Melanie says:
I’m re-learning how to play the flute. I quit band in high school. 20+ years later, I’m picking it up again. It’s been fun!
On January 14, 2011 at 1:27 pm
Tobey says:
Spinning is my big winter project! Going to a spinning retreat end of Jan and can’t wait. I’ve been spinning some of the most gorgeous wool and love the feeling as it passes through my hands on the way to becoming yarn.
Would love to hear more about your sheepies, Suzanne…
On January 14, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Liz says:
I recently stumbled across your blog and have added it to my (very discriminating 😉 fav’s list. Thanks for the inspiration and happy farming!
Liz @ dandelionsacre.blogspot.com
On January 14, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Helen says:
I love yarn, too 🙂 :sheepjump: :sheep:
On January 14, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Shery (Runningtrails) says:
Congratulations to 52! Love the colours!
Twins! Ooooo, double the work! I know you’ll finish them in time 🙂
On January 14, 2011 at 2:54 pm
whaledancer says:
I love the colors you’ve chosen. I’ve recently taken up knitting, using Knitting for Dummies augmented with YouTube videos. I made some scarves and hats for Christmas, and now I’m ready to make a hat and a scarf for myself. I use a knitting loom for the hats (makes it VERY easy). I just bought some wonderfully soft chenille yarn for the scarf, and am just trying to decide what pattern to use. Then I want to learn to crochet, and make some string shopping bags.
You’re right: this is the season for it.
I hope the twins will get to visit the farm and meet the animals. Maybe they’ll learn to love the country the way you did, when your dad brought you to Stringtown for summer visits.
On January 14, 2011 at 6:21 pm
LisaAJB says:
I’m not sure if my winter project is a duvet, or if I’m just going to use that old comforter as stuffing and quilt the thing, but I’m making a cover for my old comforter. They’re so expensive, and we bought one about 2 years ago that’s about to fall apart all over the place. I’m making a double wedding ring in the middle with whites and creams, and then doing a very simple four square patch background to go with the rings. Very simple. Goes together fast, and I think it’s pretty. Probably wont be done by summer though.
On January 14, 2011 at 7:08 pm
Sheila says:
The last crochet project I did was for my nephew and that was about 14 years ago , I haven’t been crocheting nearly as much since I’ve been slowly learning to quilt , but I’d like to get back to it. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was 7 (geez I can’t believe it’s been over 30 years LOL).it was also a great way to keep myself occupied since I was grounded LOL (and I was grounded alot). :).
On January 14, 2011 at 7:19 pm
Lisabeth Olson says:
Everything you do is so beautiful, I am sure she will love it and the colors are wonderful. How cheery! :snoopy: :snoopy: :hug: :hug:
I am learning my new camera and cell phone. I just finshed a pair of socks and plan another one soon. I may have to put it off as I just got a call about butchering pigs, beef and chickens. BO and I have been putting the word out that we have such for sale. A company that homes disabled folks called and wants all of the above and eggs weekly. I jsut ordered a box of cold storage apples for apple sauce and have beef and pork in the cookers for stock to can.
On January 14, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Fairmont Girl says:
Ok 52…I can still remember ‘little’ Kate and now she is expecting twins? I know you all are tremendously exited about this grandparent thing. Does she know what she is going to have yet or wait for the surprises? I moved up here to Fairmont after selling James’ and my home there in Hurricane and the business contents in August. Am doing nothing so far up here except helping my parents. You all must plan a visit one day! Patty
On January 17, 2011 at 11:37 am
Nancy says:
I am knitting a sweater. and lots of other stuff to go along with it. Always knitting here.
I wanted to tell you about my new project I am excited to start. They are called Penny Rugs. I can’t believe that I have never heard of them before now. If you don’t know what they are google it and you will be wanting to make one also. My friend made one with the cutest chickens all around it and I instantly thought of you. I just got a book of 7 different designs in it (including the chicken one) at Hobby Lobby. But so many different ones on Etsy. Have fun and I am so sorry to have told you this. 🙂
On January 19, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Deb says:
so how is the project(s) going??
On January 21, 2011 at 9:48 am
Jo says:
Thanks for the link to the Knitting and Crocheting website. It’s a new one for me. Congratulations, too, about the twins.
On January 22, 2011 at 8:27 am
Lindsay says:
I love that blanket idea, and the colors are beautiful. Your stitches are so nice and even! I just started knitting and picked up crocheting again, I need to work on it a bit more lol!
My winter project is supposed to be a sweater because I signed up to do the Lion knit along, but I don’t know if I want to be spending a hundred dollars in yarn for a sweater that won’t get finished til next winter 🙂
I could probably knock out a couple mittens though. I’ll make that my project.
On January 22, 2011 at 2:26 pm