[Yarnlady]

Since I'm going to be a grandmother........what blanket would you pick for a semi beginner ......just stockinette is too boring but I need something simple.

http://www.joyknits.com/blankie.html
http://www.frugalhaus.com/homepage/funstitch.htm
http://www.fibergypsy.com/pmkn/babyblanket.html
http://www.woolworks.org/patterns/basketblanket.txt
http://www.nancyhearne.com/drawingbo...leblankets.htm

Second question: does anyone have a particular brand of crochet hook to recommend? I don't like the standard metal with the fat heads. I like Susan Bates but I've heard the wood ones are good?????

It's a matter of personal preference. Try some of each and see which one you like. It also depends on the yarn one is using, so a variety of hooks, like a variety of needles, is a good thing to have. I personally don't like wood or bamboo as the yarn drags slightly and slows me waaaay down. I like the metal ones and have no preference between brand names.