The Family Circle Wonder Loom: My Story and Tips for Successful Heirloom Projects – Part 2: Welcome Lilly!

March 11, 2024

family-circle-wonder-loom-crochet-blanket

In my latest blog post, I’m excited to share some lovely family photos and a video of my granddaughter, Lily, with her new blanket and matching security toy. In the first article of the series, Part 1, posted on February 8, 2024, I talked about the background story of the blanket pattern. It’s my tradition to create a blanket for each grandchild as a comforter they can cherish for years.

In 2021, our family was blessed with the arrival of our second granddaughter, Lilly. Eva, Lilly’s older sister, has embraced her sister role and is learning the responsibilities that come with it. We are excited to witness the growth and development of these two sisters as they embark on their journey together. Each has a unique heirloom blanket I made using the 1981 Wonder Loom Baby Blanket pattern.

Toward the end of this article, you will find the links to all the posts in this series. I have also provided links to other instructional YouTube videos that I find helpful and like to refer to.

Lilly and Eva have their own blankets and bunny amigurumi security toys made using the same patterns. However, I used different color combinations for each one. Lilly’s set consists of orange, white, and blue colors. For the bunny amigurumi, I modified the pattern specifically for the head. This stuffed animal has a small granny square crochet blanket attached to it, which brings comfort and security to children. It quickly becomes one of their favorite toys. If you’re looking for similar patterns, you can search for “crochet lovey pattern,” “crochet lovey blanket tutorial,” and “crochet security blanket pattern” on YouTube.

I created a blanket and toy set even before my granddaughters were born. I had always wanted to enter my work at our local county fair, and this set would be a good candidate for submission. I was thrilled to receive first place for the blanket and second place for the bunny amigurumi security toy.

I have developed a method for weaving double-sided squares on a cardboard loom and connecting them using the crochet continuous join-as-you-go (CJAYG) technique.

I adjusted the blanket pattern for toddlers to adults, but please be aware that it has loops in which tiny infant fingers might get tangled. Yet, toddlers and children of all ages seem to love the feel of these blankets! I have made a few modifications to the blankets I create using the wonder loom pattern. I use more loom squares to add durability and make it toddler-proof. This term refers to the blankets designed to withstand the wear and tear that comes with young children and are considered durable enough for toddlers to use without breaking easily.

Etsy Wonder Loom Pattern Digital Download Click Here

I am pleased with how Lilly’s cute toy turned out. Eva and Lilly treasure their bunny-lovey blankets, and it brings me so much joy to see my grandkids carry them around and sleep with them.

The original pattern had a front and back side, meaning you could see where I tied the squares, and it looked unfinished to me. To create a more robust blanket, I crocheted two squares together, with their wrong sides facing each other and the right side facing outward. Adding extra squares to a quilt adds weight, texture, and a “Puff” effect. Puff quilts became a popular fad in the 70s and are making a comeback in popularity. There are now crochet versions, too. You make a puff quilt by stuffing each block with fiberfill before finishing it, which gives it a puffy appearance. Puff quilts are also known as biscuit or bubble quilts. In making Eva’s blanket, I used the granny stitch to connect the loom squares instead of the original chain stitch instructions, and I also used the granny stitch for the border. I have included links at the end of this article that I referred to when necessary.

My husband Brian and I now have three wonderful grandchildren – Sisters Eva (7), Lilly (2), and their newborn cousin Zeke. Each has a unique heirloom blanket I made using the 1981 Wonder Loom Baby Blanket pattern.

Cheers and Best Wishes!