Sock Monkey Blanket free pattern

I used the free pattern by Linda Cyr, available at the Yarnspirations website, to make this cute hooded Sock Monkey Blanket for baby Caleb. Here is my boyfriend modeling it:

I followed the pattern as written, but since I tend to be a tight crocheter, the finished blanket turned out way too stiff for my liking, so, sadly, I ended up frogging the yarn to use for another project.

This design IS super cute, though, so hopefully I'll try it again sometime, knowing that I definitely need to work with a larger hook.

Jessica's hat

Sarah's new daughter, Jessica, said her three favorite colors are green, blue and black. So I crocheted her an earflap hat using those colors, based on Britta Graham's Bumpy Earflap pattern.

Caleb's hats

For Caleb, I crocheted a Denver Broncos hat, based on Britta Graham's Easy Peasy Earflap pattern, and a Cookie Monster hat, based on Britta's Bumpy Earflap pattern. The eyeballs on Cookie Monster are based on the Froggy Hat pattern at Coats & Clark.

Finished the top-down cardigan

Except for adding a button closure at the throat, I finally finished the Chevron Lace Top-Down Cardigan sweater. It turned out lovely. I think I will give it to Aunt Mary Ann.

For a friend

I found out this week that a dear friend has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. As she faces this battle, I wanted to give her something to remind her of the warm thoughts and love that people who know her are sending her way.

She is such an elegant lady. So I thought that Britta Graham's lovely Shell Stitch Cloche would suit her well.

I added a clip-on detachable rose that she can wear - or not - according to her mood each day.

Yarn hug. Please get well, J.