I’m a bit behind on posting. I sent six lap blankets and throws with my friend for hospice in her December batch.

This lap blanket was fun, quick and easy. The Jo-Ann Sensations Boucle yarn is soft and light. When I crochet with boucle yarn, I like to use a pattern that I won’t have to be hunting stitches. Things with clusters or shells worked into chain spaces are the best. This is Seashell Pattern from The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches.

This lap blanket is from various small amounts of blue acrylic worsted weight yarns that I had and a pattern called Cascade Afghan that I’d been wanting to try for a long time. It was fun to make.

I did what you are not supposed to do, and mixed several unknown black yarns to make this throw. This pattern is somewhat an adaptation of Heather Lace by Mary Jane Protus published in Leisure Arts #102626, Quick And Cozy Afghans. I started it long ago and don’t know why or what for. It appears I ran out of the yarn and just packed it up. When I found it, I completed it with whatever black yarn I found in my stash and in keeping with my adaptation of the pattern.

I have some of my enormous yarn stash posted on Ravelry. I have marked several items as things I’d be willing to sell or trade. A lady in California wanted some cotton yarn I had available and proposed a trade. This is Naturally Caron Country yarn that was part of that trade. The pattern is Blanket (crochet) #2257 by Bernat.

This is from donated yarn, super soft cotton worsted called Jeannee by Plymouth Yarn. The pattern is fun and quick by one of my favorite designers, Grandma’s
Lacy Ripple by Carole Prior, published in Leisure Arts #2761, Rippling Effects.

This lap blanket is from some scraps of acrylic worsted I needed to use up. The pattern is one of my own, Lacy V-stitch Ripple Afghan.

These two ripple edged hats are feminine yet functional.  The one on the left is pleated pattern and the one on the right art deco pattern.

This is the in-the-round version of the pattern. There is a straight needle version here.

There are now coordinating scarf patterns available for each of the hats: Pleated pattern and Art deco.

Size:
Adult woman, size medium – 20″ circumference, 7.5″ height

Gauge:
17 stitches and 23 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:
1.5 oz (90 yards) of soft worsted weight yarn
Size 8 (5 mm) 47″ circular needle (for magic loop) or set of size 8 (5 mm) double pointed needles
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
k = knit
m1 = make one: With left needle pick up thread between last and next stitch inserting front to back. With right needle knit back loop.
p = purl
k2tog = knit two together
k3tog = knit three together
p3tog = purl three together
sk2p = slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over the knit 2 together; 2 stitches have been decreased
ssk = slip one knitwise, slip one knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit.

Pleats
Cast on and Body:
Cast on 84. Join to knit in the round. Divide stitches between double pointed needles or needles for a magic loop. Divide with multiples of 14 on each needle. Repeat the round directions across the round.

Rnd 1 and all odd rounds: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 2: k1, m1, k1, p2, p3tog, p2, k1, m1, k1 , p1, k1, p1
Rnd 4: k1, m1, k2, p1, p3tog, p1, k2, m1, k1 , p1, k1, p1
Rnd 6: k1, m1, k3, p3tog, k3, m1, k1 , p1, k1, p1
Repeat rounds 1 – 6  until the hat measures 5.75″ from the edge.  End with a Rnd 6.

Crown:
Rnd 1: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 2: k2, p2, p3tog, p2, k2 , p1, k1, p1
Rnd 3: k9, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 4: k2, p1, p3tog, p1, k2 , p1, k1, p1
Rnd 5: k7, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 6: k2, p3tog, k2 , p1, k1, p1
Rnd 7: k5, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 8: k1, k3tog, k1, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 9: k3, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 10: k3, p3tog
Rnd 11: k3, p1
Rnd 12: k3tog, p1
Cut the yarn with several inches to work with. With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops, secure and weave in end.

Art Deco
Cast on and Body:
Cast on 84. Join to knit in the round. Divide stitches between double pointed needles or needles for a magic loop. Divide with multiples of 14 on each needle. Repeat the round directions across the round.

Rnd 1 and all odd rnds: k13, p1
Rnd 2: k1, p11, k1, p1
Rnd 4: k1, m1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, m1, k1, p1, k1, m1, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, m1, k1, p1
Rnd 6: k1, m1, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, m1, k1, p1, k1, m1, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, m1, k1, p1
Rnd 8: k1, m1, k2, ssk, k2tog, k5, m1, k1, p1, k1, m1, k5, ssk, k2tog, k2, m1, k1, p1
Rnd 10: k1, m1, k3, ssk, k4, k2tog, m1, k1, p1, k1, m1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k3, m1, k1, p1
Rnd 12: k1, m1, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, m1, k1, p1, k1, m1, k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, m1, k1, p1
Rnd 14: k1, m1, k5, ssk, k2tog, k2, m1, k1, p1, k1, m1, k2, ssk, k2tog, k5, m1, k1, p1
Repeat rounds 3 – 14  until the hat measures 5.75″ from the edge.  End with a row 14.

Crown:
Rnd 1: k13, p1
Rnd 2: k1, ssk, k4, k2tog, k4, p1, k4, ssk, k4, k2tog, k1, p1
Rnd 3: k11, p1
Rnd 4: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k4, p1, k4, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, p1
Rnd 5: k9, p1
Rnd 6: k1, ssk, k2tog, k4, p1, k4, ssk, k2tog, k1, p1
Rnd 7: k7, p1
Rnd 8: k1, ssk, k2, k2tog, p1, ssk, k2, k2tog, k1, p1
Rnd 9: k5, p1
Rnd 10: k1, ssk, k2tog, p1, ssk, k2tog, k1, p1
Rnd 11: k3, p1
Rnd 12: k3tog, p1, sk2p, p1
Cut the yarn with several inches to work with. With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops, secure and weave in end.

Edits:
12/17/15 – replaced a broken link for Magic Loop method

I sent eight lap blankets with my friend for my part of the September hospice delivery.

Yes, I made yet another one of Lyn’s Round Ripple Blankets. It is just such a fun and easy pattern. I enjoyed the yarn as well: Loops & Threads Impeccable Ombres. The color is Neopolitan and silly me didn’t realize why working on this made me crave ice cream until I had nearly finished it.

This was an easy and fun pattern called Ripple Afghan Rug by Michelle Starkie. It is made with Lions Brand Homespun.

This is made with Harvest Lions Brand Homespun. I made it with a stitch pattern called Basket Stitch from The Reader’s Digest Complete Guide to Needlework.

Another ripple (can you see a theme here!) called Spring – Lacy Ripples from the Bernat Design Studio.

Another one of Lyn’s Round Ripples. I made this one with various scraps. I was rather proud of how well it turned out.

I fell in and out of favor with this pattern as I was making it. I don’t think I could have endured a full sized blanket. It makes a thick blanket that looks really nice, but not sure I’ll try another. The pattern is Love Affair by Cindy Adams published in The Needlecraft Shop 70221, 50 Sensational Crochet Afghans and Throws.

I wouldn’t have necessarily picked this color, but this was some donated cotton. Someone will probably love it. The pattern uses two strands and is super easy and quick. It is Double Cozy by Terry Kimbrough and published in Leisure Arts #108214, Afghans for All Seasons, Book 2.

This is from some more of the donated cotton. The pattern is Striped Blanket #161 by Patons.

With this batch I sent a couple of mens hats that my friend took with her to donate at The Big Stitch.

These are from Lions Brand Wool-Ease and the pattern is my own Mock Aran Mens Hat.

These are the items I had for the May 2011 Hospice delivery.

The lap blanket to the left was made from Mulberry Caron Dazzleaire which I unraveled from a hideous sweater I had made long ago. The pattern is Fabulous Fans by Rita Weiss in Leisure Arts #3693, Afghans by the Pound. The lap blanket to the right is of some mystery acrylic worsted that my aunt and uncle picked up at an estate sale. The pattern is Diamond Ripple by Anne Halliday in Leisure Arts #108214, Afghans for All Seasons, Book 2.

These are both my own Crossed Double Crochet Ripple Blanket pattern. The one on the left is with Lion Brand Pound of Love Bubble Gum and Pastel Pink. The one on the right is with Heather Green Caron Dazzleaire from the same hideous sweater as the Fabulous Fans above.

I had some yarn leftover from a baby shower gift so made two preemie sets in the same (somewhat modified) pattern.

Several people had donated preemie blankets to this batch without hats, so I made hats with coordinating yarn using my Basic Baby Hat pattern.

These are two simple hats to go with blankets others made using my Simple Lines Baby Hats pattern.

This is another neutral hat to go with a blanket given by someone else. I will probably design a coordinating blanket for this one and publish the patterns in the future.

I didn’t personally go to the April 2011 Big Stitch, but I did send some chemo hats for the collection for Julia the “Hat Lady” at one of our local hospitals.

I made these with Lion Brand Cotton Ease Stone and Caron Simply Soft Victorian Rose using my ribbing and lace patterns.

I made these with Lion Brand Cotton Ease Stone and Caron Simply Soft Victorian Rose, Raspberry and Plum Wine and an unknown cream colored acrylic.  I used my lace edged pattern.

These two lace edged caps can be made in a solid color or with two colors. The one on the left is a madiera lace and the one on the right a scallop lace.

This is the in-the-round version of the pattern. For a straight needle version go here.

Size:
Adult woman, size medium – 20″ circumference, 7.5″ height

Gauge:
17 stitches and 23 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:
1.7 oz (90 yards) of soft worsted weight yarn
Size 8 (5 mm) 47″ circular needle (for magic loop) or set of size 8 (5 mm) double pointed needles
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit two together
sk2p = slip 1, knit 2 together, pass slip stitch over the knit 2 together; 2 stitches have been decreased
ssk = slip one knitwise, slip one knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit.
yo = yarn over

Madeira Lace Cast on and Body:
Cast on 84. Join to knit in the round. Divide stitches between double pointed needles or needles for a magic loop. Divide with multiples of 14 on each needle. Repeat the round directions across the round.

Rnd 1: p
Rnd 2: p
Rnd 3: k2, yo, k4, sk2p, k4, yo, k1
Rnd 4: k
Rnd 5: k3, yo, k3, sk2p, k3, yo, k2
Rnd 6: k
Rnd 7: k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2, sk2p, k2, yo, k1, yo, ssk
Rnd 8: k
Rnd 9: k5, yo, k1, sk2p, k1, yo, k4
Rnd 10: k
Rnd 11: k2, yo, sk2p, yo, k1, yo, sk2p, yo, k1, yo, sk2p, yo, k1
Rnd 12: k
Rnd 13: p
Rnd 14: p
For two colors, make color change here.
Rnd 15: k
Rnd 16: k2, p1, k9, p1, k1
Repeat rounds 15 and 16 until the hat measures 5.75″ from the edge. End with a Rnd 16. Work Crown.

Scallop Lace Cast on and Body:
Cast on 84. Join to knit in the round. Divide stitches between double pointed needles or needles for a magic loop. Divide with multiples of 14 on each needle. Repeat the round directions across the round.

Rnd 1 and 2: p
Rnd 3: k
Rnd 4: k1, yo, k3, ssk, yo, sk2p, yo, k2tog, k3, yo
Rnds 5-12: Repeat rnds 3 and 4 four more times.
Rnds 13 and 14: p
For two colors, make color change here.
Rnd 15: k
Rnd 16: k2, p1, k9, p1, k1
Repeat rounds 15 and 16 until the hat measures 5.75″ from the edge. End with a Rnd 16. Work Crown.

Crown:
Rnd 1: k3, ssk, k5, k2tog, k2
Rnd 2: k2, p1, k7, p1, k1
Rnd 3: k3, ssk, k3, k2tog, k2
Rnd 4: k2, p1, k5, p1, k1
Rnd 5: k3, ssk, k1, k2tog, k2
Rnd 6: k2, p1, k3, p1, k1
Rnd 7: k3, sk2p, k2
Rnd 8: k2, p1, k1, p1, k1
Rnd 9: k2, sk2p. k1
Rnd 10: k2, p1, k1
Rnd 11: k1, sk2p
Cut the yarn with several inches to work with. With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops, secure and weave in end.

Edits:
12/17/2015 – replaced a broken link for Magic Loop method

These two ribbing and lace caps are feminine yet functional. The one on the left is a feather lace and the one on the right a diamond lace.

This pattern is made in-the-round. There is a straight needle version of the pattern here.

Size:
Adult woman, size medium – 20″ circumference, 7.5″ height

Gauge:
17 stitches and 23 rows = 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:
1.5 oz (90 yards) of soft worsted weight yarn
Size 8 (5 mm) 47″ circular needle (for magic loop) or set of size 8 (5 mm) double pointed needles
Yarn needle

Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
k2tog = knit two together
k3tog = knit three together
p3tog = purl three together
ssk = slip one knitwise, slip one knitwise, insert left needle into front of both slipped stitches and knit.
sssk = slip one knitwise, slip one knitwise, slip one knitwise, insert left needle into front of the three slipped stitches and knit.
yo = yarn over

Feather Lace
Cast on and Body:
Cast on 84. Join to knit in the round. Divide stitches between double pointed needles or needles for a magic loop. Divide with multiples of 14 on each needle. Repeat the round directions across the round.

Rnd 1: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 2: k1, p9, k1, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 3: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 4: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 5: k2, yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 6: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 7: k1, yo, k2, ssk, k2tog, k2, yo, k2, p1, k1, p1
Repeat rounds 4 – 7 until the hat measures 5.75″ from the edge. End with a Rnd 4.

Crown:
Rnd 1: k2, yo, k1, sssk, k3tog, k1, yo, k1, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 2: k9, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 3: k1, yo, sssk, k3tog, yo, k2, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 4: k7, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 5: k2, ssk, k2tog, k1, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 6: k5, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 7: k1, k3tog, k1, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 8: k3, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 9: k3, p3tog
Rnd 10: k3, p1
Rnd 11: k3tog, p1
Cut the yarn with several inches to work with. With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops, secure and weave in end.

Diamond Lace
Cast on and Body:
Cast on 84. Join to knit in the round. Divide stitches between double pointed needles or needles for a magic loop. Divide with multiples of 14 on each needle. Repeat the round directions across the round.

Rnd 1: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 2: k1, p9, k1, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 3: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 4: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 5: ssk, k3, yo, k1, yo, k3, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 6: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 7: ssk, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 8: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 9: ssk, k1, yo, k5, yo, k1, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 10: k11, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 11: ssk, k2, yo, k3, yo, k2, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Repeat rounds 4 – 11 until the hat measures 5.75″ from the edge. End with an even numbered round.

Crown:
Rnd 1: ssk, k7, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 2: k9, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 3: ssk, k5, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 4: k7, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 5: ssk, k3, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 6: k5, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 7: ssk, k1, k2tog, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 8: k3, p1, k1, p1
Rnd 9: k3, p3tog
Rnd 10: k3, p1
Rnd 11: k3tog, p1
Cut the yarn with several inches to work with. With a yarn needle, pull the yarn through all the remaining loops, secure and weave in end.

Edits:
12/17/2015 – replaced a broken link for Magic Loop method

My friend that coordinates the hospice projects came by yesterday, so I went ahead and gave her what I’d finished for her March batch.  I have thirteen so far!

I made this thick and quick blanket using a stash of bulky yarn.  The pattern is Christmas Cover-up by Melissa Leapman published in Leisure Arts Afghans For All Seasons Book Two.

This one is made from Caron Simply Soft yarn.  This is from my own pattern Knitted Carnival Afghan.

This one is super soft, made from plush yarn.  The pattern is Sweetheart Ripple by Kim Guzman published in Annie’s Attic Reversible Ripple Afghans.

While digging through my many tubs of yarn I found a half-made sweater from this yarn.  I knew I would never finish it, so unraveled it and made this blanket using two strands at once for a quick and thick lap blanket.  The pattern is Weekend Afghan by Melissa Leapman.

I made three more of Lyn’s Round Ripple Blankets.

I have tons of cotton thread.  I have no idea what I bought it for, but decided that lap blankets from it would be fine. This is just a basic ripple.

This is another from my own In-the-round Square Navajo Lap Blanket.

This was another unfinished sweater I found.  I just raveled out the shoulders and collar and continued the pattern to make a blanket.

I had this Lion’s Brand Homespun yarn left over from a blanket I made for charity a while back. By a complete fluke, I ended up using the same pattern to make this lap blanket, but on 10.5 size needles instead of size 15 like I used before. The pattern is Assuring by Carole Prior, published in Leisure Arts Big Book of Quick Knit Afghans.

This was a really quick one to make using two worsted weight strands and a N crochet hook.  The pattern is Winter White by Linda Luder, published in Leisure Arts Quick Crochet Afghans Book Three.

Last but not least is a new pattern I have written Crocheted Textured Reversible Lap Blanket.

Making lap blankets for the elderly and infirmed is an amazing way for stitchers to contribute charitably in an enjoyable and fulfilling way.  Charitable lap blankets are usually designed to fit in the lap of the wheelchair bound.  Since they are so much smaller than a full throw, they are quick to make.

This blanket is reversible. The sample is 32 inches square and made from 100% Acrylic worsted weight yarn with a Size I (5.5mm) crochet hook. The sample took approximately 17 ounces or 760 yards of yarn. The pattern can be worked in a single color, or if desired, color changes can be made between sections.

The pattern can be easily modified to make any size blanket.  Begin with a multiple of six plus three chain stitches.

Gauge:
14 stitches and 11 rows = 4 inches in single crochet

Abbreviations:

ch = chain
dc = double crochet
sc = single crochet
tr = triple (treble) crochet

Directions:

Chain 111.

Ridges

Row 1: Sc in second chain and in each of the following chains to the end (110 sc). ch1, turn.

Row 2: Sc in the back loop of the first sc.  sc in the back loop of each of the following sc. (110 sc). ch1, turn.

Rows 3-8: Repeat row 2 six times.

Diamond knobs

Row 9: (Now working in front loops) sc in first sc and in each stitch across row (110 sc). Ch1, turn.

Row 10: Repeat row 9.

Row 11: Sc in first two sc.  (Tr in the next sc and push the middle of the stitch to the back of the work, sc in next two sc, tr in next sc and push the middle of the stitch to the front of the work, sc in next two sc) across to the end of the row (36 tr, 74 sc). Ch1, turn.

Rows 12 and 13: Repeat row 9 twice.

Row 14: Sc in first two sc.  (Tr in the next sc and push the middle of the stitch to the front of the work, sc in next two sc, tr in next sc and push the middle of the stitch to the back of the work, sc in next two sc) across to the end of the row (36 tr, 74 sc).  The tr stitches will go to the opposite side of the tr stitches on the row three rows below. Ch1, turn.

Rows 15 and 16: Repeat row 9 twice.

Rows 17-22: Repeat rows 11-16.

Ridges

Rows 23-29: Repeat row 2 seven times.

Row 30: Sc in the back loop of the first sc.  sc in the back loop of each of the following sc (110 sc). Ch3, turn.

Clusters

Row 31: (Now working in front loops) in second sc work cluster as follows: (yo, insert hook and draw up loop) three times, yo and pull through 6 loops, yo and pull through remaining 2 loops. (Ch1, skip sc, cluster in next sc) across to end of row (55 clusters). Ch3, turn.

Row 32: In first ch1 space work cluster, ch1, (cluster in next ch1 space, ch1) across to end of row. Cluster in turning chain (55 clusters). Ch3, turn.

Row 33: Repeat row 32.

Row 34: In first ch1 space work cluster, ch1, (cluster in next ch1 space, ch1) across to end of row. Cluster in turning chain (55 clusters). Ch1, turn.

Ridges

Row 35: Sc in the back loop of the first cluster.  sc in the back loop of each of the following chains and clusters to end of row. sc in turning chain. (110 sc). ch1, turn.

Rows 36-42: Repeat row 2 seven times.

Crossed doubles

Row 43: Now working in the front loops, in the second and third sc work a crossed stitch as follows: skip a sc, dc in next sc, yo, go behind that dc, insert needle through front loop of skipped sc and then complete a dc.  Make crossed stitches across the row and dc in last sc  (54 crossed stitches). Ch1, turn.

Row 44: Working in front loops, sc in first stitch and in each stitch across row, sc in turning chain (110 sc). Ch3, turn.

Rows 45-52: Repeat rows 43 and 44 four times.

Row 53: Repeat row 43.

Row 54: Working in front loops, sc in first stitch and in each stitch across row, sc in turning chain (110 sc). Ch1, turn.

Ridges

Rows 55-61: Repeat row 2 seven times.

Row 62: Repeat row 30.

Clusters

Rows 63-66: Repeat rows 31-34.

Ridges

Rows 67-74: Repeat rows 35-42.

Diamond knobs

Rows 75-88: Repeat rows 9-22.

Ridges

Rows 89-95: Repeat row 2 seven times.

Row 96: Sc in the back loop of the first sc.  sc in the back loop of each of the following sc. (110 sc). Finish off and weave in end.

Edits:
4/13/15 – changed sc to stitch in row 9 so that it works for when it is repeated later.
4/24/17 – corrected row 42 to repeat row 2 instead of row 30.

Hospice distributed all the lap blankets my friend took the same day she took them.  I was concerned that they might need more, so whipped out a batch of some that I knew I could make quickly.

This is a pattern I created to make a more practical lap blanket in the Navajo style I learned from my grandmother.

A couple more of Lyn’s blankets which are so quick and fun.

When digging through my humongous stash of yarn, I came across this throw I had started many years ago.  It is just a grid of double crochets spaced by a single chain.  I had intended to weave yarn going the other direction to give a plaid affect, but this was never going to happen.  I just edged it with a green double crochet border and stuck it in this batch.

This is an quick and fun pattern by Lion Brand.  I might use this one again.

This is a stitch pattern called Shell and Stripe from the Reader’s Digest The Ultimate Sourcebook of Knitting and Crochet Stitches.

To slide one last one into this batch, I did a super quick pattern with two stands.  I had one pound skeins of pink and yellow that I combined to make a peach blanket.