Lily Pads--Bringing Comfort to Animals

I've noticed that I'm receiving more and more notices about charity knitting projects. I participate in several. Besides being rewarding, it has given me the chance to learn new skills and keep established skills sharp.

It's my turn to post about a charity knitting project that is sponsored by The Lily M. Foundation. It is an ongoing project, so there are no set deadlines. However, I'd like to make a significant donation near the holidays.

Lily’s FriendsTM, a program of The Lily M. Foundation, is collecting Lily Pads—blankets for animals. They will be distributed to shelters and veterinary clinics.
It’s easy to participate. There are just a few things to keep in mind.

Size
Since animals come in all sizes and shapes, Lily Pads can come in almost any size you’d like to make. Suggested sizes are:

Small: 14 X 14
Medium: 16 X 16
Large: 24 X 24

If you find that a full-size Lily Pad is a bit more than you’re comfortable making, please consider knitting a block or two, which we will join to make a pad. Blocks should be either 7-inch or 8-inch squares.

Yarn
The most important factor in choosing yarn for a Lily Pad is washability. Lily Pads must be able to withstand lots of machine washings. Wool is not a good choice. Acrylics hold up very well. Keep in mind that it isn’t necessary to go out and buy the most expensive yarn there is for a Lily Pad. Trust me—it won’t impress the recipient. The yarn should, however, be soft and comfortable.

Pattern
Feel free to use any pattern you’d like. A Lily Pad can be as complicated or as simple as you’d like. Here are some basic patterns.

Knitted Version
Here is a basic pattern that even the novice knitter can easily follow (this pattern will also work for individual 7- or 8-inch blocks):

Using yarn and needle size of your choice

Cast on 1 stitch.
Row 1: Knit front and back of the cast on stitch (you now have 2 stitches on your needle).
Row 2: Knit in the front and back of the first stitch; knit to end (there are 3 stitches on your needle).

Continue in this pattern (knitting in the front and back of the first stitch and then knit to end) until you reach one of the sides reaches the desired length (for example, 14 inches). Then begin decreasing rows.

Decrease row 1: Knit to last two stitches; knit 2 together.
Continue in this pattern until you have 5 stitches remaining. Bind off.

Finishing:
Please make sure to knot all ends and weave in all tails.

Options
Use 2 strands of yarn—same or different colors—held together throughout.
Make a multicolor Lily Pad from yarn left over from other projects.
Use one color for the increasing section, and another for the decreasing one.
Knit smaller blocks and join them (a great takealong project). Note: If you use different colors for the increasing and decreasing sections, this can give your Lily Pad a look similar to the quilt pattern Flying Geese.

Crochet Lily Pad
Use yarn of your choice (nonwool and washable!) and the size hook recommended for your yarn type.
Gauge is not important.

Make a foundation chain of 81 stitches.
Row 1: Make a single crochet in the second chain stitch. Single crochet to end (you’ll have 80 single crochets). Turn.
Row 2: Chain 1. Make a single crochet in each stitch. Turn.
Continue in this pattern until the Lily Pad is the desired size. Fasten off.
Knot all ends before weaving them in.

A Granny for a Furry Fanny
Use the yarn of your choice (no wool and washable please!). This is a great opportunity to use up those single and partial skeins left over from other projects. Of course you can also make it in one color.
Needle: Use the needle size as recommended on the yarn label. Gauge is not important.

Chain 8 and join with a slip stitch to form a loop.
Round 1: Chain 3, 2 double crochet, chain three, *3 double crochet, 3 chain. repeat from * 2 times, which should bring you to the first stitch of the 3-chain stitch pattern.
Round 2: **Chain 3, 2 double crochet, chain 3, 3 double crochet, chain 3 (this gets you around the corner). Make 3 double crochet in each space created by the 3 chain row, chain 1, 3 double crochet; repeat to end of round.
Round 3 and all subsequent rounds: Repeat from ** until the Lily Pad is the size you want. Fasten off.
Knot all ends before weaving in.

Other Lily Pads
You’re not limited to knitting or crocheting a Lily Pad contribution. Lily Pads can be quilted or sewn as well. If you’re making a quilted version, please do not use the tie method to secure the layers. Rag quilts should also be avoided.

Remember, whatever yarn and whatever pattern you use, have fun and know that there will be an animal very grateful that you took the time to make a Lily Pad.

If you have any questions, and to find out where to send your Lily Pads, please contact Ida Walker, lilym@idawalker.com