BLANKET SIZES AND GUIDELINES

 

BLANKET SIZE:   The measurements  below are based on the needs expressed by the organizations to which we donate.   1 or 2 inches up or down are acceptable. 

 Large Blanket: 60X72 or 50X64

           Small Throw / Lapghan:   40X60 or  50X50

           Baby Blankets: 35X35 or 30X40

 

NO SCRATCHY OR HOLEY:  All our blankets are made for warmth and comfort. All blankets should be soft and cuddly. They should not made in stitches that create big holes where fingers, drafts, or medical equipment could get caught.    Metallic, overly fuzzy yarn, stiff  yarn is not suitable for the organizations to whom we donate. Ask yourself: "would I feel all cozy wrapped in this blanket?" "Is it easy to care for or wash?

KNIT SCARVES / NECK WARMERS / SHAWLS PATTERNS

Multi Diagonal Scarf (shared by Dottie)

Multi DiagonalScarf

Basic Triangle Shawl  (Shared by Dottie) click on link below for pattern

Basic Triangle Shawl by Kate Atherley

BLANKET PATTERNS

Patterns in the following pages are simple suggestions that have been shared by group members. 

Bernat Knit Quilted Blanket (Shared by Dottie) click on link below to find the free downloadable pattern

Bernat Knit Quilted Blanket

KNIT HAT PATTERNS

A HAT WITH EARFLAPS:

Knit Hat with Earflaps

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The perfect simple hat:  it is simple, unisex, and the pattern shows multiple  sizes. 

It can be found on Ravelry, or on Caron's website.

https://www.yarnspirations.com/caron-basic-family-kn...

CROCHET SCARVES / NECK WARMERS PATTERNS

A Collection of Easy Crochet Scarves and Neck Warmers

Sideways keyhole scarf

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Easy Crochet Scarf

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Sassy Rib Cowl Shared by Carolyn

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Drapey Cowl Shared by Ernie

TOTES, POUCHES, AND BOOK BAGS PATTERNS

Crochet Basket also known as the Dottie Bag.

Easy Bernat Handy Basket

Fleece Line a Hat (How to)

 Many of the hats we make are beautiful but may not be warm enough for the Chicago winters. One of our members shared this post on how to easily line a knitted hat with fleece. 

https://gabriellevezina.com/knitting/knitting-tutorial-how-to-line-a-knitted-hat-with-fleece/

RAINBOW BABY BLANKETS- Blanket Patterns

Our group makes blankets that we donate to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital for the Rainbow Baby Project. Please read below where the idea originated

Rainbow Baby

For each Rainbow Baby the hospital provides support to the family  and a gift basket which includes  rainbow onesies, a poem,  baby footprints in rainbow colors and one handmade baby blanket. 

Guidelines: 

• Size: 30x30 inches
• Colors:  Primary Rainbow Colors : 7 Colors:  no pastels, no black or white stripes. 
• Knit or Crochet Patterns are acceptable
• Yarn: SOFT and Washable acrylic or cotton.  NO ANIMAL FIBER.  

Here is a pattern for a Crochet Corner to Corner made Lion's Brand Mandala yarn in Rainbow Falls color

 Corner to Corner Baby Blanket

Here is another pattern for a crochet Rainbow Baby Blanket

Jacob's Ladder Rainbow Baby Blanker

Color Field Baby Blanket

Prayer Squares

Our group makes Prayer Cloths that are delivered to several hospitals and other facilities in the area to be provided to patients Christian and non religious.  (NW Community, Good Shepherd, Alexian Brothers, St Alexius, Resurrection, St. Joseph)

What they are: Pocket prayer shawls, also called prayer squares and prayer cloths, are a small knit, crochet, or quilted square or rectangles that are small enough to be tucked into pockets, purses and even inside helmets. They are great to carry around as a reminder of someone's healing thoughts, and they provide comfort to someone going through health issues.

Rosemary and Ernie collect them, attach  a note, put  each in a little bag, and deliver or ship them to hospitals.   (Contact us for a copy of the note).

How to Make Them The size is approximately 3"x5". They are small and fast to make,  but they are greatly appreciated.  Non-religious pocket cloths can be blank, or have a symbol like a flower, a heart, or butterfly.  There are many patterns online and on Ravelry.  In fact, any 3x5 afghan block can be used.

Here are a few patterns for each craft

Easter Cross Knitted Patterns -2 Sizes

Quilted Prayer Square

Crochet Prayer Square

and here is a link for the a tutorial for a quilted one

Heart Shaped Quilted Prayer Cloth

PHOTOS February 2026

February  2026