Simple Crochet Pattern
If you would like to crochet but haven't in a while, here is a simple pattern that you can do in just a few hours.   You can make it whatever size you'd like.   Try making a 36X48.   That's a nice size blanket that will start with the newborn and be big enough to wrap up a todder.

Use a soft 3 or 4 ply yarn.  Hook K or L

Chain an even number of chains    Measure your chain and stop when you get close to 36"  It doesn't need to be exact size but make sure you have an even number of chains.

Row 1 - Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch.   You'll end up with an odd number since you skip the first SC.   Chain 1, Turn.
Row 2 - Sc in each sc, ch 1, turn
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures about 44 inches.   Do not finish off, Turn

Top Edging
Row 1:  Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, sc in next st; repeat from * across, ch 1, turn.
Row 2:  Sc in first sc, *ch 4, sc in next st; repeat from * across.  Finish off.

Bottom Edging
Hold piece with the beginning chain at top; join yarn in first unused chain loop at right. 
Repeat Rows 1 and 1 of Top Edging, working Row 1 in unused looops of chain.

 Ripple with Popcorn - This afghan is crochet.   It's a ripple stitch for 5 rows followed by a row of popcorn.   I got this photo backwards but you get the idea.    It's in a pale yellow.   Made by Janet

First completed blanket for Rachel's Blankets - Made by Jimmie Lou or "Granny".   This is an interesting patter made by starting with a odd number of chains, then SC and DC alternately across.   With this patter there is no right side, both sides look the same.    It is a cream color.   Beautiful!

Rachel's Blankets

Rachel's Blankets is now a ministry of Douglasville First United Methodist Church.   We are please to have not only FUMC members but friends from the community who are participating in making blankets.    If you are interested in participating in this ministry please comment on the link and sign up with the blog.   The team will schedule a visit to the Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC)  in Douglasville, GA the first of March 2012.   The blankets will be given to the PRC for use distribution to the expectant mothers who participate in the PRC program. 

Rachel's Blankets - Thank you for visiting Rachel's Blankets blog.   This project consist of a team of people who crochet or knit baby blankets for newborns.   The blankets are lovingly and prayerfully made and given to the Douglasville Pregnancy Resource Center.   The blankets are then given to expentant moms for their new baby.