Baby Sister is expected to arrive this August, and though we experience quite a protracted heat that time of year in Louisiana, our new baby will need her own layette to get her started – a blanket and a cap for the indoors to shield her from air conditioning. Of course, I could not, would not forget her big sister – Granddaughter – so I crocheted a little surprise for her, too: an animal that she doesn’t yet have in her menagerie – a llama. Who doesn’t love llamas?

Here are the projects I chose for them and recently finished. As always, I made adjustments (noted.)

The yarn I chose is very special to me. It is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Purple Drank (iykyk) by Drunken Sheep Yarn Company, a hand-dyed yarn company created by my friend Heidi Sue and her twin sister Heather. Take a gander at their beautiful creations on their website or at SwampYaya Yarn Shoppe in Abita Springs, Louisiana if you happen to be in the Bayou State.

Blanket Pattern – Alex’s Blanket by AuroraKnits Blankets, available for download on Ravelry.
Materials – 4mm (US6) needles, 3.75 mm (US5) needles, 3 skeins (231 yards each) DK Purple Drank merino blend yarn (approximately 500 yards/m for project)

Beanie Pattern – Simple Hat, found in Baby Knits by Debbie Bliss
Materials – 2 skeins 2 oz. yarn (for 6-12 month size, less for smaller size), 4mm (US6) needles (I used US5 to adjust for a newborn, and I used circular needles to avoid sewing a seam.)

Llama Pattern – Lawrence the Llama by Red Heart Yarnspirations
Materials – 1 skein Red Heart 100% cotton super fine yarn in beige, 2.75 mm (USC2) hook, leftover super fine yarn in 3 colors, tapestry needle, 2 stitch markers, stuffing

I love you, Granddaughters. Our love will always transcend time and space. ❤