I learned crochet from You Tube . Like you I have a grandchild on the way , so Ive done a couple of blankets. Also made a teddy, but I think I used too large a hook as it was lovely, but a little holey, if that's a word. I thought a child might be able to suck or chew the stuffing out, so I gave it to my mother in law, who has dementia and she loves it.