You might say I had a wild hare

This bunny blanket beckoned to me from a bag a fuzzy discounted yarn purchased at a bin sale. It's cuddly cuteness factor is off the chart, if I do say so myself. I made it for fun, with no one in mind. I've been told by the recipients and fellow baby shower goers that I should sell these on Etsy. Maybe if I make enough... Or maybe more commissions...

Dragonfly

After finishing this hooded dragonfly baby blanket I couldn't help but imagine all of the improvements that could have been made. But the woman who commissioned it was delighted, so I guess I am content.

I did try to record the pattern, and did manage to get as far as the leaf before giving up in order to finish on time.

Foxy Baby

I've been experiencing a dry spell, which for me means that I have not crocheted any major projects for a while. I've worked on a tablecloth, made several hot pads, a mat for my cat, cat toys, used scraps to start a blanket, frogged that blanket and started another, and futzed with various other unfinished projects. So when a friend and co-worker requested a baby blanket for an upcoming shower I was grateful for the challenge.

I crocheted a dragon for my friend's baby shower, and had set the bar pretty high. I searched for patterns in hopes of fining at the very least inspiration. I came up short. I took a chance and bought some yarn. She had requested a fox themed blanket, so at the very least I could start with the right colors.

I began the project with no plan. I followed no pattern. The fox, not unlike Michelangelo's David just emerged from the raw materials. One day I might have to sit down and transcribe the patterns I divine, but until then- here is another one of a kind creation.

Keepsake baby blankets

When you work in an office with mostly women you will have to go to a baby shower or two (or more).  This past year I had the opportunity flex my creative muscle with these keepsake blankets. Neither was done with a pattern.

Before I knew she was pregnant I planned to make this blanket. I had just delivered the Squirrel Baby costume to another co-worker, and I asked my office mate what kind of animal themed baby blanket she would like.  She laughed and said, "a giraffe" about 2 months later she shared her good news.
I searched for a pattern, but but finding nothing I opted to create one myself, using primarily a hexagon motif.

It was not long after my office mate announced her pregnancy that another co-worker happily shared her news at a staff meeting. I listened for queues to figure out what kind of blanket I should make for her. When I received the invitation for the shower I was delighted to see that it was to be a dragon themed party, given her affinity for Game of Thrones. Once again I could not find a pattern. I ended up using a crocodile stitch and combining a basic hat pattern for the hood.

Squirrel Baby Costume

I was on my way to the liquor storage at work to take inventory with a co-worker.  We had to stop in the way to drop off table number holders for the Deputy Director.  As I waited in the hall the Director shouted out my name and waved me into his office.  He was there with two curators.  He praised my work in the staff show.  I thanked him, humbley.  I've never felt too comfortable with compliments.  One of the curators asked if I took commissions.  She requested a squirrel costume for her daughter's 1st birthday.  This was the same curator who a year ago requested a a squirrel doily, which I made. 

We spoke briefly about what she wanted, and I can only hope that it suits her needs, and fits her little girl.  When I finished it, I was a little surprised at how cute it was.  I think I can also count this toward my goal to make a baby item from one of each of my pattern books and magazines, since the sweater and hat came from two seperate magazine.  I had to embellish the patterns a bit to add the tail and ears, but it's close enough.

I also got a chance to use my reborn doll, Esme, to model the outfit.  She swims in it, but you get the idea.

And here is the costume on its intended recipient. She seems pleased with it!