snuggle

[niaa21]

Hello,
I am new to this site.  I found a great project to make.  It is a snuggle that is on the Red heart website.  It is a free pattern.  I started making it, but got a little confused with the directions.  At one point in the pattern I have to crochet 28 double crochets for a certain number of rows but I don't fasten off.  I use a stitch holder instead of fastening off.  I have never used a stitch holder before and I really don't see how this will work because now I have a part that is attached and crossed over.  The arm hole looks weird.  Then I count off and crochet more.  It looks weird.  This is for the arm hole on the left side I believe.  I kept going to see what the other side would look like and it looks right so I am ready to pull it all out and do it my way.  Has anyone ever done this pattern?  I would appreciate any assistance with finishing this.  I was really looking forward to having it completed by now and starting on another one.  This would make a great Christmas gift.
Thanks

[LaraKN]

I re-read the baby sized snuggle pattern, because I am familiar with it, I've read it before in anticipation of doing one but haven't done it yet.  This is my take:

You do most of the body in rows that are 90 (baby) stitches across.  After 35 rows you start on the right side & do 21 stitches for ##of rows, should end on the outside edge of the blanket, put it on a stitch holder.  Then you go back to row 35 again, skip 9 stitches, attach a new ball of yarn & do 30 stitches for ## of rows, finish off.  Then you go back to row 35 again, skip 9 stitches, attach a new ball of yarn & do 21 stitches for ## of rows, finish off.   This gives you 90 stiches:
21 right
9 skipped
30 middle
9 skipped
21 left
The problem I see is the directions have you doing an odd # of rows, which will put the yarn on the stitch holder in the middle of the blanket & you want it on the edge.  I would do an extra row (on all three segments). 

Once you have that done you can pick up the yarn from the stich holder & crochet across, 21dc, 9ch, 30dc, 9ch, 21dc.  Then the next row you can crochet across putting a dc in each stitch & each chain & you have 90 stitches again.

[dlfoxy]

I can't help you with the pattern but I did want to say I was thinking about making one of these for my husband for Christmas, along with other gifts I'm making.  Could you let me know how long it took you to make a full size Snuggle?  That would depend if I make one or buy one this year..........

Thanks.