DIY — Lovely Handmade Gift for Mom
As Mother’s Day approaches, we are reminded of the strong and loving maternal figures that have shaped our lives. Whether it be a biological mother, a grandmother, an aunt, or any other person who has provided the love and care that only a mother can, we owe them a debt of gratitude. They are the ones who have worked tirelessly to provide for us, comforted us when we were sad, and celebrated with us during our happiest moments.
It’s interesting to note that Mother’s Day has a rich and storied history. In fact, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor all mothers. Today, in the United States, we still honor mothers on that second Sunday in May. Did you know that Anna Jarvis, a woman from Philadelphia, held the first Mother's Day at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia in 1905? Anna wanted all mothers to be honored due to their strength, dedication, and love for their families. Unfortunately, Anna herself was later disappointed when the holiday was exploited with the commercialization of Hallmark cards and gifts. Anna felt her good intentions were being manipulated for money-making profits. Ironically, she would spend her last days trying to boycott Mother's Day.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the commercial aspect of Mother’s Day, it’s important to remember the true meaning behind the holiday. It’s a day to express gratitude for the countless sacrifices our mothers have made for us. It’s a day to celebrate the strength and resilience of maternal figures everywhere.
When I think back on my childhood and Mother’s Day, I have fond memories of spending quality time with my family on that special Sunday morning. My father and I would make sure that my mom had a relaxing day. After attending Mass, we would head home where my dad would make waffles, eggs, and bacon. My siblings and I would present Mom with cards we had curated ourselves out of macaroni, construction paper, and Elmer’s Glue. Until I became a mother myself, I didn’t realize just how those incredibly precious handmade gifts created from tiny hands could make a mother’s heart skip a beat.
In honor of all mothers, I have decided to dedicate a colorful floral blanket that represents the beauty and strength of all maternal figures across the globe. This blanket serves as a symbol of the love and appreciation we have for the influential women in our lives today and the mothers that have left us way too soon.
As a mother and now Mimi to my two beautiful granddaughters, I realize every precious moment is to be cherished. Time is certainly not promised, and you never know when that time can run out. I encourage you to live your life to the fullest.
What You’ll Need For The Entire Process Is Listed Below
2 yards of Anti Pill Plush Fleece Fabric “In The Garden Floral” for the front
2 yards of “Neon Pink Plaid” Anti Pill Plush Fleece Fabric for the back
A very sharp pair of scissors (Fiskars scissors work fine for me.)
A Rotatory Cutter (I use a Fiskars limited edition pink glitter. Wow awesome! I posted a picture at the bottom of the page so you can easily purchase this. )
Self-Healing Cutting Mat (I use the Sullivans Gridded Cutting Mat. It's made in the USA and fits perfectly on top of most home tables. It's also great for the floor.)
Long Acrylic Ruler with horizontal and vertical markings (Fiskars sells these in multiple lengths and sizes.) I just recently purchased a Omnigrid Non-slip Rectangle Quilting Ruler with Removable Lip. It's awesome! The 0.125-inch removable lip adheres to the mat and prevents slippage. (I purchased mine from Joann’s.)
Straight Pins
Bernat Blanket Malachite 3/4 Skein (There’s a picture at the bottom so you can easily purchase this yarn.)
Michaels Sweet Snuggle in Purple 2 Skeins
Crochet Hooks Size 4 MM and size 6.50 MM (Everyone has their favorite hooks but for me, I love Hooks by Susan Bates. I posted a picture at the bottom of the page of a small collection of hooks by Susan Bates that I frequently use.)
Although some of these items may be an added expense to your creative toolbox, I honestly believe if you invest in them now, it will make the creative process run more smoothly in the future.
Now it’s time to square up your fabric! If you’re new to this, remember you can find all the deets on my previous blog page. “Let’s Get Squared.”
After squaring my fabric and using my rotator cutting blade, I used my Susan Bates 4 MM hook to work a double crochet (DC) all around the blanket, making sure to put two (DC) in the corner followed by 1 (C) stitch with another 2 (DC).
Double Crochet (DC)
With a starting loop on the hook.
Yarn over. Insert the hook into both pieces of fabric, and pull up a loop.
Three loops on the hook.
Yarn over. Four loops on the hook. Pull through two loops on the hook.
Yarn over again. Two loops on the hook. Pull through two loops on the hook.
Double crochet (DC) all the way to the end of one side of the blanket. As you come to the corner, start by tucking down the edge of the extra fabric. Put 1 (DC) and one (CH) in the corner hole then another (DC) in the same hole. Do this in every corner. It will give you a nice rounded corner and allows both pieces of fabric to hold snuggly in place without slipping. It also gives the corner a neat clean appearance.
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Lace Stitch
2 (DC) In the same stitch
(C) 1
2 (DC) in the very next stitch
Next 3 stitches (SC)
Continue all around the blanket.
Check out the video below that demonstrates how to easily join a new ball of yarn as you are crocheting. Although there are many different ways you can do this, this is my favorite.
I love the way this blanket turned out! It’s so reminiscent of a lovely vintage piece of flowers and lace. I hope you enjoy the process as much as I did.
So, as we approach Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the women who have helped shape our lives. Whether through a simple phone call, a heartfelt card, or a thoughtful gift, let’s show them how much we appreciate and love them. And, if you’re looking for a unique and meaningful gift, consider a colorful floral blanket that celebrates the beauty and strength of all mothers.