I’ve never shared a crochet project on the blog before, but figured it was time! I used to text my mom a picture of every single crochet project I ever created, but since losing her two-and-a-half years ago, I lost a bit of my “crojo.” I think each time we create something, we naturally have a desire to share that creation, so lets make Weird by Choice a place where we feel free to share our creations, whatever they may be.

My What a Hoot Baby Blanket is an original pattern, utilizing some amazing online resources. It’s a basic corner-to-corner (C2C) design with a simple single-double-single border. The adorable owl applique is my favorite part and really gives the project it’s “awwww” factor. I recently made it for a very dear friend who just had her sixth baby!

MATERIALS

Worsted weight yarn:
Caron One-Pound in Off White, Taupe and Espresso;
Red Heart Super Saver in Gold
5.5 mm I crochet hook
4.25 mm G crochet hook
3.75 mm F crochet hook
6 mm safety eyes
Scissors
Yarn needle

STEPS

1. Using Caron One Pound in Off White and a 5.5 mm I crochet hook, make a C2C blanket measuring whatever size you wish. (Mine was 33 x 33 squares.) Finish off and weave in ends. Awesome C2C tutorial found on The Crochet Crowd.
   
2. Still using your 5.5 mm hook, join Caron One Pound in Espresso (anywhere except a corner) to the outside edge using slip stitch. Single crochet around entire perimeter, putting three single crochets in each corner.
3. Join Caron One Pound in Taupe to the single crochet border using slip stitch. Double crochet around perimeter, putting three double crochets in each corner. I hide the yarn tails by crocheting over those from the previous round. I think it’s faster than weaving them in later.
4. Repeat Step 2
5. Create owl applique by following instructions on Maria’s Blue Crayon. She makes some of the CUTEST appliques I have ever seen! I used Espresso for the body, Off White for the eyes, Taupe for the feather details and Red Heart Super Saver in Gold for the beak. I usually glue in safety eyes on my amigurumi, but used the backs on this project. The yarn is thick enough to hide the posts and backings. I didn’t have an E-sized crochet hook, so I substituted an F hook instead.

Let me know what you think! And don’t forget to share your creations in the comments section below or on my Facebook page!