Crocheting for the New Baby Boy

When SDP told me she was expecting a little boy, I couldn’t wait to get started on my next crochet project.  After reviving my love for crocheting with the set I made for Baby Olivia, I was excited to try more complex patterns, create new items and work with a fresh palette.

As expected, after SDP broke the news, we immediately began obsessing over nursery decor and the baby shower.  After a few weeks of facebook chatting and pinterest stalking, I saw that SDP was gravitating towards modern motifs of primarily neutral grays, blues and whites.  I used the following two photos as inspiration for all the pieces I created.

Grey neutral nursery design by Natalie Ann Photography | 100 Layer CakeletKyle & Jacks Nursery from Gracie Blue  Read more - http://www.stylemepretty.com/living/2013/07/01/kyle-jacks-nursery-from-gracie-blue/

With limited time before the baby shower, I got focused and immediately began dreaming up patterns, researching new stitches and perusing the yarn aisle at Michael’s.  The goal was to create something that felt organic and baby-appropriate, but sophisticated and modern.

Blue, White and Gray Baby Afghan

Knowing that the baby afghan would be the largest and most time consuming item to make, I began with drawing a pattern for the blanket and from there, chose the appropriate balance of colors and finally, the yarn.

FullSizeRender4

Yarn: To create a design that would compliment the decor of the nursery, I used pale blue, white and medium gray yarn.  Generally, you will need four balls of standard yarn to complete a blanket, including any trim (because my design required more blue, I used 2 balls of blue, 1 ball of white, and 1 ball of medium gray).  To keep everything super soft, I used a blend of my two favorite yarn brands (which are both readily available at your general craft store).

  • Bernat Softee Baby Yarn or Bernat Baby Yarn
  • Lion’s Brand Babysoft Yarn or Lion’s Brand Baby’s First Yarn

Tip: Bernat yarns tend to be MUCH softer, but it is a lighter yarn overall and therefore, not as warm.  I mixed both brands in my project even though the gauge/weight is slightly different, and it still worked out just fine.  

Tools & Crochet Hooks: I used a 5mm crochet hook, which I have found to be perfect to keep the blanket soft and flexible.  I then used a 3.5mm hook for the trim.  You will also need a yarn needle to sew in the edges, and a good pair of scissors.

Crochet Stitches: To create this baby blanket or one that looks like it, you will need to know the following stitches.  I also added a sweet scalloped border.  If you’re a beginner, you can make an easy version by using one simple stitch, like the single or double crochet, and creating stripes of color.

Baby Afghan Size Guideline: My finished blanket was a 50″x50″ square, but here are some other typical sizes for baby afghans:

  • Crib blanket 45″x60″
  • Crib quilt 36″x50″
  • Knit throw 32″x39″
  • Stroller blanket 22″x30″

FullSizeRender8FullSizeRender7

Blue, White and Gray Pillow Case

After finishing the blanket, I moved onto my next project.  Knowing that SDP would be getting a glider, I wanted to make a matching decorative pillow.  I improvised to create a slightly different but complimentary pattern to fit a pillow insert I found at Jo-ann Fabric and Craft Store.  Rather than crochet two separate pieces of fabric and sew them together to create a pillow case, I created one continuous piece of fabric that I could overlap to create an opening for the insert (this way the case could be easily removed for washing or replacement).  For finishing touches, I added the same scalloped border around the entire perimeter of the pillow, added a ribbing to the end of the fabric, and sewed a wooden button that was not only decorative but functional (now I could securely close the pillow case).

FullSizeRender3 FullSizeRender

Blue, White and Gray Newborn Aviator Hat

SDP and I had been bouncing around baby shower ideas for weeks and she mentioned the possibility of a “world traveler” theme and I thought, “what could be cuter and more theme appropriate than a little aviator hat?”  To create the hat, I used the same yarns and crochet hook.  I then added a finishing touch with the same wooden buttons as the one I used for the pillow.

Pattern: To create this hat, I incorporated two different patterns and improvised slightly. First, I crocheted a simple beanie.  Then I added ear flaps and a front flap.  Last, I added braids.  Here are some helpful videos.

FullSizeRender5

Blue, White and Gray Baby Booties

To complete the set, I made a pair of baby booties using the same yarn and crochet hook.  Here is a super simple and helpful video.

FullSizeRender10

Congratulations SDP and AP! I’m so excited to meet the little one!

Happy Crocheting!

LOVE – MY.

Snapshots of gorgeous SDP at her “Oh Boy” Baby Shower.

FullSizeRender12FullSizeRender13FullSizeRender11FullSizeRender9

5 Comments Add yours

  1. Anonymous says:

    magnificient!

    1. MY says:

      Thank you!

Leave a Reply