Something about kids really changes relationships. Not always for the bad, just creates an invisible not talked about divide that becomes harder and harder to cross when you are a working mom. There just never seems to be enough time in the day to be the mom you want and need to be and have a social life. Playdates become your social life and since your, single, child free friends don't really want to hang out on the couch watching family friendly movies with the kids, then speaking real quiet like after they drift into sleep on a Friday or Saturday night, that once unyielding, unbreakable bond you have becomes flexible and frankly sometimes nonexistant. This is where you disover where your truly devoted friends lie. The ones that despite the meandering connection that once seemed unwavering, still manage to show up for the big moments.
This lovely lady just happens to be one of those people.
Because of this love I also love her unborn baby and as she is called Auntie by my children I look forward to the honorary title being hopefully bestowed on me as well. So, Auntie E has been working on something special. I fear that with my schedule it will not be done in time but I will try my very best.

I had the idea of doing a baby blanket with the alphabet on it about 6 months ago right after the pregnancy was announced. I searched high and low for a knit pattern but many of the ones I found were taken down. I think they were all versions of a Debbie Bliss pattern and since I refuse to pay $30 for a single pattern out of a book, I decided to return to my first love when it comes to yarn, crochet.
Crochet offers more instant gratification compared to knitting because you can finish a project in one afternoon, which is pretty rare for knit items. The down falls for crochet are that many of the patterns are pretty dated or kinda tacky when it comes to adult fashion, but when it comes to babies it is perfect. It offers a bulkier fabric which is warmer and all those things that seem tacky on an adults sweater, become rather adorable on a baby. Just think how cute a Cosby sweater would be in miniature. . . catch my drift?
What I found was this grid pattern. I had never followed one of these before and was nervous but once I started I realized how easy it was. All you need to know to be able to do this pattern is single crochet and bobbles which are much easier than they look and sound. What you get is this sophisticated looking blanket which as you can see from the picture is not quite done. It looks as though it is quilted together but it is not. It is all one piece!
I plan on sewing on a satin back with some batting to make it warm when I am done. I used a bamboo cotton blend for the yarn which is washable. If you are interested in checking this pattern out do it here:
http://www.crochetnmore.com/babysabcsafghan.htm
Next time I plan on something much smaller because although I love this blanket so far, blankets just take way too long for my busy life. I have some tasty ideas for the next baby already!