To Infinity and Beyond!

Infinity scarfs are all the rage now.  (Does anybody still use that 'all the rage' phrase anymore?  What the heck, I just had my 55th birthday yesterday so I'm getting to an age where I don't give a rip what anyone thinks.  But I digress.)

This one was extremely fast and easy to do.  I knit mine using Sensations Angel Hair yarn (bought from Jo Ann fabrics on sale for $4.99 a skein).  It's indescribably soft and with a 22% wool content, very warm. 

Using size 11 needles, cast on 20 stitches and knit each row (garter stitch) until piece measures about 37 inches long or you have enough yarn left to cast off and sew each end together to make a large loop.

That's all there is to it.  A trifecta when it comes to beginner knitting projects...easy, practical, and stylish.   

No-Sew Blanket (can't have a craft blog without one of these!)

My dad is going through Chemo therapy right now and he's always cold so I made this blanket for him.  Because he's tall, I used 2 yards of fleece for each side but most of these no-sew blankets are a bit  smaller.   Most are made using 1 -1/2 yards of a print for one side and 1 -1/2 yards of a complimentary solid for the other side.  Baby blankets are made using 1 yard each.

There are tons of instructions out on internet but I think this one is pretty good.  http://www.instructables.com/id/No-Sew-Fleece-Blanket/

(I found the music to be extremely distracting so now might be a good time to discover your computer's mute button.)

The video recommends a 5" square cutout on the corners but I've always used a 4" cutout based on the instructions the fabric store gave me years ago when I first started making these.  The 4" works but I think the 5" would be easier to work with so that's what I'll try the next time I make one of these.

The fleece patterns available now are endless.  Sports team logos, children's characters, baby prints...you can easily find a print for anyone.

The great thing about these no-sew blankets, aside from the fact that they are easy to do, is that they are extremely warm and practically indestructible.  

And best of all, I've never given one to anybody who didn't love it.

**** UPDATE ****
My dad loves his blanket and uses it all the time. Whenever I go over to his house, he always has it on.

This is Dad and my wonderful step-mom, Norma, opening his Christmas present from my daughter.  (Love those socks, Lissy!) 

If you know someone going through chemo, this blanket is just the thing.  It's not only practical but a daily reminder that someone cares.