Crocheted Mickey Mouse Blanket

The inspiration for this project came from two places. First, one of the blanket packages I bought from MaryMaxim.ca was completed all in single crochet (sc), which led to a great looking blanket and got me thinking that following that same 'pattern' of all sc, there would be no limit to what could be created.

From there, I searched online for people selling patterns, and bought 3 patterns/graphs from another blogger off of her website. Although this only cost me a few dollars, I couldn't help but think - hey I might be able to do that.

I started searching for software programs that would allow me to design my own pattern graphs so that I could create whatever I wanted to. I researched several programs and then tried a few of the trials offered, completed tutorials. I settled on the program from http://www.crochetdesigns.com/software/default.htm. This program was designed to create filet patterns that can be used to design doilies, tablecloths, etc. but I found it could also be used for blanket patterns. You are able to customize the grid size, import pictures, change colours, EVERYTHING. There is even a feature that allows you to print the pattern using symbols, making you able to use this program to create cross stitch patterns as well.

I decided to do the blanket in squares, each 80 x 80 to make the multiple colours more manageable. It was fun to make and came together great. My niece absolutely loved it and I can't wait to create more patterns in the future.