Rachel's Blankets - The group met this morning  and look at the beautiful blankets member have made!   These eight were made by Jimmie Lou, Sandy and Janet.   Marge brought a beautiful multicolored blanket she was finishing up.   A crocheting and knitting class will begin in May as part of this ministry of DFUMC.   Join the blog if you'd like to be included in the classes.   Three ladies from Union Grove Baptist Church have contributed 8 more blankets.  A dedication service will be planned at Douglasville First United Methodist Church.    After the dedication we will drop them off at the Pregnancy Resource Center in Douglasville for use in their program.

Two more blankets for Rachel's Blankets.  
Top - Pink ripple crochet afghan - Jimmie Lou
Bottom - Mint Green SC with chain double ruffle edge.
First meeting of the Rachel's blankets is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 10:00.   If you want to come sign up for blog or let me know on facebook and I will email you the directions.

First three completed blankets for the Rachel's Blankets Ministry.  
Top - Blue, alternating SC & DC with a shell edging - made by Jimmie Lou
Middle - Cream, alternating SC & DC with a SC edging - made by Jimmie Lou
Bottom - Yellow ripple with puff stitch - made by Janet

Looking for a way to get started?    This pattern is from Marge.    Plans are underway for a monthly knit/crochet class.   A way to learn a new skill and to share the blankets group members are making.

Simple Baby Blanket

This blanket is ideal for the beginner as it uses only knit stitches, a simple yarn over increase and a simple knit 2 together decrease.  It has an attractive border and although  written for a 36 inch square blanket, it can be made larger by continuing the pattern for additional rows before beginning the decease.

It can be used with any yarn although sport weight (number 3), worsted weight (number 4) or bulky (number 5) are best.  Simply select your yarn and use the size needle recommended on the yarn wrapper (if you know you are a tight knitter, you may want to go up one size and if you knit loosely go down one size )  You may begin with straight needles but will need to change to a 29 or 30 inch circular needle in order to get all the stitches on the needle. 

Pattern

Cast on 5 Stitches and knit 1 row

Begin Increase rows:  Knit 3 stitches, yarn over (yo) knit to end; continue each row in this manner until one side of the triangle (measure from point to needle) measures 36 inches.  This is the middle point of your blanket;

then you begin to decrease as follows

Begin Decrease rows:  Knit 2, knit 2 together (k2tog), yarn over (yo) knit 2 together (k2tog) then knit to end of the row.  Repeat this row until you have only 7 stitches on the needle.

Last row, k2, k2tog, k2tog, knit 1.  Bind off last 5 stitches.  Work in the loose ends.

Group members that are participating in the Rachel's Blankets ministry can visit the Pregnancy Resource Center on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.   This is a chance for members to get to know the PRC program.  

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!