Crochet: A mystery, and a plan

A crochet mystery.  

My grandma made a beautifully complex-looking blanket for the baby, but doesn't know what stitch she used since she can no longer read patterns after a stroke.  She just made up the stitch, or had it stored somewhere in her subconscious!

Whatever it is, it's definitely cozy and super soft!

I can tell that the edging is a shell stitch pattern, because my first crochet project of a scarf used it.  But what about the middle?  Is it some form of shell stitch too?


In other news...

I've spent the past 2 weeks finally trying to really teach myself to crochet (projects 3-7).  Here are all the projects I have ever done: 

1. A 1-skein scarf.  (This was done probably a year ago.)
2. A perfect sphere.  (Done in February)
3. A newborn pumpkin hat & cocoon for a halloween costume
4. A newborn boob hat, for nursing hilarity
5. Another newborn boob hat for a friend
6. A 4-inch snowflake
7. A mini pumpkin

I'm just waiting for a larger tapestry needle to show up in the mail so I can finish weaving in some ends, and then I will post some photos and link to the patterns!

Assuming I have plenty of time before the baby arrives, what patterns should I work on next?