baby blankie

One of my friends from work is having a baby in March.  She left for maternity leave last week and me and our other partner in crime are missing her.  We had a collection at work and gave her some vouchers, but we wanted to give her a present from the two of us.  Rachael suggested buying something but I said "no way"!  We agreed on a blanket as Rachael says they're invaluable when you have a newborn.  She knows far more about it than me as she is actually a mother. 

I found a couple of patterns and let Rachael choose, she went for this one on the Lion Brand website.  I bought some Sidar Baby Bamboo in cream.  It's the softest, most gorgeous yarn ever!  It feels like a dream before crocheting and after.  It also crocheted up REALLY fast.  I thought it would take months but it only took a week of after-work crocheting. 

I'm not sure I did the ruffle right to be honest, I may have crocheted in too many stitches, but I like the way it looks.  I decided it needed something and added the satin ribbon.  I blocked it after I'd finished and it does look much nicer!  It wouldn't fit on the ironing board so I pinned it to the carpet and sprayed it.

I had some wool left over so started on a hat, but then I ran out of wool and so have ordered some more.  I feel some booties and mitts coming on!!