Moms-to-be could use some pampering. This Springy, cheery bath pouf will be a great gift, don't you think? (Hint: It's a great gift for your mom, too. Mother's Day is fast approaching...)

• Lily Sugar ‘n’ Cream (or other worsted weight cotton) in white and coral swirl (or other preferred colours). One ball of each.
• Size G/6 (4.25mm) hook

Do not join rounds. This pattern is crocheted in a spiral.

US convention used.
sc(s) = single crochet(s)
sl st(s) = slip stitch(es)
st(s) = stitch (es)
tog = together
flo = front loop only
sk = skip

Begin Front

Using pouf base colour, start with a magic ring. Sc 6 into ring.

2sc into next 6 scs.

Did you ever have one of those relatives, possibly an uncle, older cousin -- or if you were really lucky -- a father, whose adventurous spirit caught up everyone around? It’s in honor of those eccentric men who always have a new story, can make a game out of nothing, or share something magical -- not necessarily child-safe, but fun nonetheless -- that I created this vest. It features three types of crochet cables, I call them ‘the big cable,’ ‘skinny straight cables,’ and ‘the X cables.’

This project is not for the faint of heart, or the beginner crocheter (sorry!) as you should have mastered all questions of crocheting in the round, joining rows, crochet stitch anatomy, and your own visualization techniques in order to succeed. Add on to that a 2ply yarn and well… (sorry!) If you are ready for a challenge, go ahead and make the pocket/swatch. If all goes well, you are on your way! The back pocket is optional, but gives a new Papa a place to put all manner of things for a little one, or hidden from them! I put in a bit of waist shaping too, just leave it out if you like by beginning with 210 stitches and cancel the side increases. Lastly, I have only written for one size as of now, a men’s large (44 in chest). If you need larger or smaller, just edit the number of side single crochets. Ready? Let’s go!

• Hook size: E or 3.5mm
• Yarn: 1495 meters of two-ply wool, I used a 50% Merino in sage green. (40g/165m)

Make a gauge swatch: Chain 42. Chain 1 and turn.

Row 1: Sc in second chain from hook. Sc across. Ch 1 turn.

Row 2: Sc across, Ch1, turn.

Row 3: *Sc1, Double Crochet down around post of sc directly below (dblpst)*, repeat 7 more times. Sc 2. Dblpst 6. Sc 2. *Dblpst 1, sc 1*, repeat across to end.

Row 4: Sc across, working in tops of Dblpsts (skipping row 1’s sc is noticeable during the series of 6dblpst).

Row 5: Repeat Row 3.

Row 6: Repeat Row 4.

Row 7: Repeat Row 3.

Row 8: Repeat Row 4.

Row 9: This is where the trickiness begins! Please see the detail below for creating a big cable. This row contains the twist. Proceed as for row 3, checking detail when you come to the center twist. Note the twists use a Triple crochet rather than the Dbl used elsewhere.

Rows 10-18: Continue Alternating sc rows and dblpst pattern rows.

Row 19: Second twist happens here, it is exactly the same as before. the right should overlap the left throughout.

Rows 20- 35: Continue in pattern, adding twists after every five dblpst rows.

Rows 36-37: Sc evenly across. Cut thread leaving a long enough end to sew around to attach to back. Go ahead and block and measure this piece. It should be 21cm by 15cm.

US pattern notations used
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
dblpst = double crochet around post of sc directly below
Dbl=1Yo
Trb=2Yo

Begin The Vest

Please review details shown at the end and read through thoroughly before beginning! Step numbers refer to vest front diagram at the end.

[Halcyon -- A fabled bird reported to have had the power to calm the wind and the waves while it nested on the sea during the winter solstice]

The Halcyon is a soft, rounded shawl with a little short-row shaping to help it drape across the shoulders. The center panel is framed with eyelets – to be woven through with ribbon if so desired. Two versions are shown. The one made with dark rose colored wool-acrylic blend is durable and machine washable, while the white mohair shawl with a ribbon embellishment is more delicate. Using a large hook gives a nice drape to these shawls, they are both very lightweight and surprisingly warm.

I also have it on good authority that a Halcyon shawl bestows a new mother with the power to calm the wind and the waves and enhances her natural ability to comfort her young.

• White shawl: Henry’s Attic, Kid Mohair (2000 yds/ 1372 meters per 16 oz/340 g), natural, 1 16 oz cone – though you will only use about 1500 yds. Dark rose shawl: Lion Brand WoolEase (197 yds/180 m per 3 oz/85 g), Dark Rose Heather, 8 skeins.
• Hook size J/6 mm
• 5 yds 3/4” ribbon (optional)

All sc, hdc, and xtr stitches to be made in back loop of previous row stitch.

*xtr – crossed treble crochet. Skip 2 st, tr in 3rd st, ch 1, tr in first skipped st working behind first tr.

US pattern notation used
ch - chain
sc - single crochet
hdc - half-double crochet
dc - double crochet
xtr* - crossed treble crochet
sl - slip stitch
st(s) - stitch(es)
inc - increase
sk - skip

A Mommy Blanket is an afghan you create for a pregnant woman or new mom. It's a gift for her and her alone and has nothing to do with babies. It isn't cutesy (unless that's her style) and it is barely practical, although entirely comforting. It should be made from yarn too nice for baby puke, and in colors and a stitch pattern that reflects the pre-parent personality of the recipient. The best Mommy Blankets also have foot pockets.

Obviously, any afghan can be a Mommy Blanket. For this article I've written up the pattern I designed for my latest Mommy Blanket -- a 3-color crocheted plaid. This afghan is built up from strips which use front-post stitches to achieve a woven effect. (A hint to those who dabble with PhotoShop -- copy Diagram A below and use the color switcher to test different color combinations.)

• 1600 yds - DK or Light Worsted weight yarn, color A (shown using Lion Brand Imagine in Moss)
  500 yds - DK or Light Worsted weight yarn, color B (shown using Patons Classic Merino in Winter White)
  300 yds - DK or Light Worsted weight yarn, color C (shown using Patons Classic Merino in Old Gold)
• 5.50mm (US-I) hook

Finished size with border is 42" wide x 50" long

Follow instructions for Strip 1 to end of Row 17.
9 stitches = 2.75 inches
8 rows = 2.25 inches

US pattern notations used (click on db-ch or tr/rf for a tutorial)
sl st = slip stitch
ch = chain
db-ch = double base chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
tr/rf = front post triple