
Honoring a Legacy of Compassion: American Red Cross Founder’s Day
Every year on May 21, we celebrate American Red Cross Founder’s Day, a moment to reflect on the legacy of one of the most impactful humanitarian organizations in the world—and to honor the remarkable woman who started it all: Clara Barton.
Who Was Clara Barton?
Born in 1821, Clara Barton was a nurse, educator, and fierce humanitarian. During the Civil War, she became known as the “Angel of the Battlefield” for her tireless efforts tending to wounded soldiers. But her work didn’t end when the war did. Inspired by the International Red Cross in Europe, Barton worked relentlessly to bring a similar organization to the United States.
Her dream became a reality on May 21, 1881, when she founded the American Red Cross. Under her leadership, the organization provided aid during natural disasters, war, and times of personal crisis. She served as its president until 1904, leaving behind a powerful legacy of service, compassion, and advocacy.
To honor Clara Barton and all the military medics who have followed in her footsteps, today’s free pattern is the First Aid Kit Baby Rattle. This easy pattern works up quickly using a few yards from your scrap basket. Add a rattle insert for a baby toy or just use stuffing to use as a doll suitcase.
PDF available at First Aid Kit Baby Rattle or Briefcase Baby Rattle Crochet Pattern
Rattle pattern is also included in the Military Baby Sweater Crochet Pattern.
Baby Military Sweater Crochet Pattern
Materials:
I Love This Yarn Sport Weight
40 yards Dark Olive
5 yards white
3 yards red
Size F (3.75 mm) crochet hook
Rattle insert
Yarn needle
Fiberfill
Directions:
CASE:
Row 1: With olive yarn, ch 22, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (21 sc), ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-16: Sc in each sc, ch 1, turn.
Row 17: Working in back loops only, sc across, ch 1, turn.
Rows 18-20: Repeat Row 2.
Row 21: Repeat Row 17.
Rows 22-36: Repeat Row 2.
EDGING:
Row 1: Ch 1, sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across (4 sc), ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in each sc across, ch 1, turn.
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures long enough to stretch around 3 open sides of case (approximately 10”).
The case is shaped like a taco and will be front, back and bottom of first aid kit. Wrap edging around so that it covers the open spaces of sides and top and sew in place.
CROSS:
Row 1: With white, ch 10, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each of next 2 ch, with red sc in each of next 3 st, with thie sc in each of next 3 sc, ch 1, turn.
Rows 2-3: Sc with white in white sc, sc with red in red sc, ch 1, turn.
Rows 4-6: Sc in red across all sts, ch 1, turn.
Rows 7-9: Repeat Row 2, ch 1, turn.
Turn to work down side. Work around all 4 sides in sc, making 3 sc in each corner and keeping in color scheme. There will be a little white showing through the bottom of red where the beginning ch is. Fasten off leaving lengths of both red and white for sewing. Sew to center of case and use a couple extra red sts to cover white spots. For extra strength, sew around edges twice.
HANDLE:
Rnd 1: With olive yarn, leave length for sewing, ch 8, join. Sc in each ch around. Do not join.
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each ch around (8 sc). Continue to work even on 8 sc until handle measures approximately 4”. Join, end off yarn leaving 12” length for sewing. Stuff handle firmly with fiberfill and sew each end to top of case.
EMS Week
Paramedic Baby Sweater crochet pattern is 50% off this week only. Adorable sweater designed to look like an EMT uniform also includes a baby rattle shaped like an AED.
https://ravel.me/paramedic-baby-sweater
Ribblr Sale
To celebrate 500 sales on Ribblr, my entire Ribblr shop is on sale through 5/22/2025 – 30% off any pattern.
Unique patterns | My Fingers Fly | Ribblr
Weekly Featured Pattern
This Week’s Weekly Featured Pattern at Crochet Designer Community
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until midnight(EST) on until May 25, 2025.
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