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Simply Soft Yarn Crochet Baby Blanket

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Simply Soft Yarn The Perfect Choice For Baby's First Blanket

Caron's Simply Soft Yarn is perfect for baby projects because it's soft enough for their delicate skin and washable. With free shipping it's an even better choice for your next crochet afghan or baby sweater.

Each skein is 3 ounces and is a worsted weight yarn. When I worked up a gauge for this I used a H8/5mm hook and used single crochet. 17 stitches across by 17 rows is equal to a 4x4 square.

As this yarn is acrylic it is machine washable and dry-able which is great for blankets and baby garments.

The first time I used simply soft yarn was when I volunteered to make baby blankets for a charity. I'm not sure I could tell the difference between acrylics back then as I was fairly new to crochet but today I can definitely feel the difference when working with it.

It glides through my fingers which makes it easier to maintain my gauge. Another plus about simply soft is it doesn't have the squeaky plastic sound when you crochet with it.

I wouldn't recommend this yarn to those new to crochet or knitting because it does tend to split easily which can be a bit frustrating.

Buy Caron Simply Soft Yarn and Get Free Shipping

Stock Up on Skeins of Light Country Blue

Orders over $25 Qualify for Free Shipping

Nearly 30 colors to choose from you'll be sure to find something for your next baby blanket or sweater. I have 2 boys so pink isn't a color I get to use very often which is why I chose to use it for my next pattern. You'll find the Heart Square pattern below. Just whip up a couple to include in your next blanket. You could alternate one solid square and one heart square or you could make a row of heart squares and a row of solid squares. Whatever you decide it will be made with love which is all that matters.

A simple project for those new to crochet would be the Hills and Valleys Play Mat designed by Margaret Willson which uses 3 different colors. You'll need 18 ounces of color A, 12 ounces of color B, and 12 ounces of color C. [Colors A,B,C refer to the colors you choose so if you choose 3 different blues one would be A, the other would be B and the last color would be C] The only stitches you need to know are single crochet, slip stitch, and chain. You also need to know how to sc2tog or decrease. This pattern is free on their website buy.caron.com.

Simply Soft Yarn H3000 3-Ounce/157-Yard Skein of Yarn, Light Country Blue

Amazon Price: $0.81 (as of 05/24/2012)

This yarn is soft and actually has a bit of a shine to it. It is a medium worsted weight yarn and works out to 17single crochet stitches across by 17 rows with an H crochet hook. Great yarn for amigurumi, slippers, scarves, hats, mittens, and just about anything else you'd like to make. Plus this yarn is machine washable and dry-able.

Soft Pink Heart Square Crochet Pattern

Double Crochet Is Used To Make This Heart Square

Heart Square Pattern:

1 skein of Soft Pink Simply Soft Yarn
H-8/5mm crochet hook
** = repeat within

Ch 28

Row 1. dc in 5th chain from hook [chain 3 counts as dc plus 1 ch now and through out], ch1, skip a chain, dc in next ch, [repeat this across for 14dc and 13 ch1 spaces] chain 3 turn

Row 2. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (*ch1, skip a stitch, dc in next stitch*) 5x's, dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc, (*ch1, skip a stitch, dc in next stitch*)5xs, 1 dc in 2ch of turning chain3 [15dc and 12 ch1 spaces] ch3 turn

Row 3. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (*ch1, skip a stitch, dc in next stitch*)5xs, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next 3dc, dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc) (*ch1, dc in next dc*)5x's [17dc and 10 ch1 spaces] ch3 turn

Row 4. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (*ch1, skip a stitch,dc in next dc*)3xs, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next 7dc, dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc), (*ch1, dc in next dc*)4x's [19dc and 8 ch1 spaces] ch3 turn

Row 5. Repeat row 4

Row 6. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (*ch1, skip a stitch,dc in next dc*)2xs, (dc in ch1 space, dc in next 11dc, dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc), (*ch1, dc in next dc*)3x's [21dc and 6 ch1 spaces] ch3 turn

Row 7. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (ch1, skip a stitch,dc in next dc), (dc in ch1 space, dc in next 15dc, dc in ch1 space, dc in next dc), (*ch1, dc in next dc*)2x's [23dc and 4 ch1 spaces] ch3 turn

Row 8. Repeat row 7

Row 9. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (ch1, skip a stitch,dc in next 8dc) (ch1 dc in next dc, ch1, dc in next 8dc), (*ch1, dc in next dc*)2x's [21dc and 6 ch1 spaces] ch3, turn

Row 10. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (ch1, skip a stitch,dc in next dc, ch1, dc in the next 6dc), (ch1, dc next dc, ch1 dc in next 6dc), (ch1, dc in next dc*)3x's [19dc and 8 ch1 spaces] ch3, turn

Row 11. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (ch1, skip a stitch,dc in next dc, ch1, skip a stitch, dc in next dc, ch1, dc in next 2dc), (*ch1, skip a stitch, dc next dc*)3x's, ch1 dc in next 2dc), (ch1, skip a stitch, dc in next stitch)4x's [15dc and 12 ch1 spaces] ch3, turn

Row 12. skip a stitch, dc in next stitch, (*ch1, skip a stitch,dc in next dc*)4x's (ch1, skip next dc, dc in ch1 space)4x's, (ch1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, *ch1, skip a stitch, dc in next dc*4x's) [19dc and 8 ch1 spaces] do not turn

Row 13. Border: single crochet around the entire square. end off by slip stitch in first sc made.

Crochet Lessons Online

Crochet Gorgous Gifts For Your Baby

Patterns by Linda Permann, Stacey Trock and Lois Daykin

When purchasing your yarn for your project do make note of the ounces per skein and dye lot number. You'll need enough yarn plus an extra 1 or 2 skeins just in case.

There is just something about babies and crochet. It is when I was pregnant with my last son that I learned to crochet. I wanted to make him something from my own hands so I took a couple of classes and now I'm all about crochet. Take a look at the following books on baby themed crochet projects.

Lois Daykin's Baby Crochet has a number of sweet little crochet projects for baby. You can crochet a rabbit diaper hamper, cardigans, bibs, and of course little booties and what's a nursery without little crochet toys-a very non threatening snake is included which is perfect for using up your scrap yarn. She even includes a ribbon that you can crochet in tie onto your gift.

You can save 32% off of Stacey Trock's book Cuddly Crochet which includes kawaii hats, bibs, and towels. This book also qualifies for free shipping with $25 purchase so it's a perfect companion to Simply Soft Yarn.

I love Linda Permann's Little Crochet. I followed her blog when she did a blog carnival and it really got me excited about working up some of the projects in the book. For those who don't know, she teaches workshops online at Craftsy.com. She has a Beyond Rectangles class that looks very interesting - definitely something to keep in mind for 2012. By the way this book is currently on sale at 33% a savings of $7.19 and qualifies for free shipping when you spend more than $25.

Online Crochet Patterns for Your Baby

Find Free Patterns For Simply Soft Yarn at Caron's Website

Okay so what if you don't want to purchase a book of patterns?

Maybe you're making a gift for your niece or nephew or maybe a grandson or granddaughter?

What are you going to do with a book full of baby patterns?

No worries because Caron has plenty of free crochet patterns on their website that feature specific yarns they carry. Be sure to check out naturallycaron.com as well to see their new yarn 'Joy'.

The following patterns are rated easy and are perfect for those who know basic stitches, shaping [increase and decrease] and are comfortable with changing colors.

Turtle Toy designed by KJ Hat

Sheina Baby Blanket designed by Kelly Klem

Glenmore Hat designed by Kelly Klem

Bozeman Baby Jacket designed by Marilyn Losee

Aqua Mist Eco Yarn $3.49 per Skein

Multi-Pack Skeins For Larger Crochet Projects

Did you know that Americans use over 2 Million plastic bottles per hour? That is ridiculous! When choosing yarn for your next project why not choose a yarn that helps us recycle those plastic bottles?

Sure maybe that sweater, scarf or hat will eventually be trashed and end up in the landfills but by reusing what we can now, we can prolong the use of those millions upon millions of plastic bottles.

More and more acrylic yarn companies are integrating reusable products like plastic bottles, saris, silk, cotton and other fibers into their yarns which makes for a softer more Eco-friendly yarn for your crochet gifts.

Caron Simply Soft Eco Yarn Aqua Mist H9700E-15; 3 Items/Order

Amazon Price: $10.77 (as of 05/24/2012)

3-Pack of Simply Soft Eco Yarn is 80% Acrylic and 20% Recycled bottles worsted weight yarn. [Not valid for the super saving shipping]
Gauge 18sts by 24 rows on H hook. [4inch square]
Perfect for baby blankets and sweaters.

Eco Yarn for Crafters

Keep Plastic Bottles From Landfills with Caron's Eco Yarn

Simply soft eco is great for eco conscious crafters. It is a blend of acrylic and recycled plastic bottles. I've not used it myself but from reviews I've read it is surprisingly soft. It is also a great choice for those who have skin issues with natural fiber yarns.

I have used Redhearts Eco Ways and although it is softer than their super saver yarn, it wasn't my favorite to work with. I'm looking forward to giving this recycled yarn a try.

Caron's website is filled with free patterns for this yarn. My favorite is the Pineapple Shawl designed by Karen Drouin. I'd love to make this for myself something I tend never to do. My creations usually get forwarded to friends and family.

Picture: buy.caron.com

Top 5 Simply Soft Paint Yarns

Get Your Hooks Ready and Paint a Canvas of Yarn

With colors like rose garden, sticks and stones, tapestry, driftwood and spring break I get inspired to experiment with new patterns and techniques. Each 4 ounce skein is made with 8 different colors giving you a wide array of possible complimentary solids.

Do these names inspire you?

How about Sunset or Oceana?

What would you make with these colors?

Use the names of these yarns to jump start your creative juices.

These colors inspire me to create an afghan with Tunisian crochet. Find a chart that portrays a scene with mountains, oceans, or rolling hills.

Add some sticks and stones to a playground or driftwood along the ocean with oceana.

You can highlight the setting of the sun with sunset and before heading in for the night stop by and pick some roses in the rose garden.

Artist Mandy Greer

A Painter of Yarn

Want to be Inspired?

Google artist 'Mandy Greer' and you'll see her amazing pieces inspired by nature. She has a piece that is called "Mater Matrix Mother and Medium" which is 200 feet long filled with all things blue including loads of yarn. She has taken others trash and made life - a river. I did a post about her work on my blog.

One really awesome thing about Mandy's work is it is a communal affair. She has community work nights where she invites everyone, no matter their skill level, to come out and hook up some yarn. When all is done she spends hours putting it all together and then 'Wow' amazing.

Mandy's piece 'Mater Matrix Mother and Medium' is part of an exposition and symposium called 'The Value of Water: Sustaining a Green Planet' which is currently in New York until March 2012. If you're close by, be sure to check it out. Oh, you'll need to look up as it's 65 feet above the ground.

Can I have a 'V' for Vanna's Choice?

Flipping for a softer Acrylic Yarn

I've been crocheting for eleven years now and have developed a sensitivity for the fibers of the yarn I use in my projects. I'm not sure if I was always this sensitive but I do know that Vanna's Choice and Caron's are both yarns I can use for a budget friendly gift.

I still remember an interview I saw with Vanna when she was promoting her new yarns. What stood out to me is how they developed the yarn colors to compliment each other.

For me this was a great plus as I'm not gifted with coordinating my colors. I don't use a color wheel so knowing that I can just purchase the yarn colors that strike me at the time and know that they'll combine beautifully just makes one less thing for me to think about. Plus,I get to sit down with my hook and yarn to create sooner.

Lion Brand Yarn 840-098J Vanna's Choice Baby Yarn, Lamb

Amazon Price: $3.36 (as of 05/24/2012)

Vanna's choice comes in a lot of colors. It is softer than most acrylics. It drapes well so is good for sweaters, shawls and scarves. I also find that when working with Vanna's Choice it splits less so is good for beginners to crochet.

Vanna's Choice vs Simply Soft

Which Do You Prefer Using?

Vanna's choice is another acrylic yarn that is softer to work with. I like using it for hats and scarves because it drapes much better than other acrylics I've worked with.

It comes in a wide variety of colors that compliment one another so no matter your project you will find they blend nicely. I also find that Vanna's choice tends not to split as easily as simply soft yarn which makes it easier for those new to crochet to work with.

I've never used Vanna's choice for a baby project other than booties so don't really know how it works up in blankets or sweaters but I know Simply soft works for baby blankets and is super soft for an acrylic yarn.

Do You Crochet With Caron International Yarns?

Stich.Rock.Love, Sheepish, Natura, or One Pound

Reply

bikerministry Dec 30, 2011 @ 11:05 am | delete

I have knit several items with Simply Soft - a few years ago Simply Soft Shadows had a free pattern for a shawl and it turned out amazing. This is a great lens, thanks. Blessings 2.