Gifts for an Angel Baby

A year after my angel baby, granddaughter, Ember Ruby, was born, we celebrated her birthday with a family gathering, over the Winter Solstice weekend.

My DIL's family rented a seaside cottage and we gathered there.

The  living area was decorated with hearts and beautiful balloons, made by POP Balloons.

 

On the second night the family made a bonfire on the beach and launched heart lanterns that soared out to sea.

 Later there were fireworks. 

It was a very special time that warmed our hearts and created precious memories to help carry us foward in a positive way.

My personal project for the occasion, has been to make some gifts for other angel babies.
 I know how much we were comforted by the beautiful items provided at the hospital. Some lovely things  to dress and cherish our angel, and more, to make a  Memory Box to treasure.

I was deeply touched by the kindness of the people who provide these items.

Now I want to pay it foward.

I am making two sets, one pink and one blue.

I've learnt that soft colours are best for items that will dress the babies.

My items are sized for a baby of 18-20 weeks gestation.
First I made cocoons - these are practical for wrapping and holding such a tiny baby. 

Basic pattern, by Myshelle Cole, is here  

I made my own variations for trims and hoods.  I made the closures adjustable for size

There are more details on my Ravelry project pages

I made matching blankets for keepsakes.

Pattern by Maria Bittner, for the blue blanket, is here 

Each set will have two tiny teddies-one for the baby and one for a keepsake.

The Tiny Teddy pattern is by Lucy Ravenscar and can be found here

I hope my gifts bring comfort to a family with a new angel baby.

If you would like to make items for angel babies there are many organisations that will foward on your donations.

They are often local, so try an internet search for 'angel baby' to see what organisations there are in your country.

Photographs of balloons, lanterns, and fireworks by Hayley Munro Photography.

Wabbit

Wabbit, a photo by Hesterb on Flickr.

I crocheted this little rabbit for my baby grandaughter (nicknamed Blossom). I made this little crochet rabbit from cotton yarn. She has some bells inside and a detachable lavender scented flower.
I used this free pattern http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rabbit- by Kristelle Trafarski

I was going to make Blossom a calico rabbit with lavender inside it for her bassinet, but I couldn’t find my pattern so I decided to make her this crochet rabbit instead.
I like this pattern. It was easy to make and I enjoyed adding my own embellishments.
I added hind feet and a pompom tail.

The feet are made the same way as the arms but with 7 stitches and are a bit longer. I sewed them firmly to the base of the body and now the rabbit can stand on its own.
I made a crochet rose that attaches with velcro. This has a few drops of lavender oil underneath it, as a sleep aid.

I really like how the rabbit has turned out.
I hope Blossom likes it too.

Postscript: As soon as Blossom began grasping I sewed the rose onto Wabbit securely, so that it was not a choking hazard.

Craftiness

I love making stuff.
It is a family tradition.
My Dad was born in 1907, to a farming family, at a time when it was normal for people in New Zealand to make or repair many of the things that they needed.
My Mum also grew up on farms and learnt to bake and sew. She did beautiful embroidery and always mended our woollens.

As a child I watched my parents and family friends create all sorts of things with carpentry, sewing, knitting and crochet ( to name a few of the techniques). I was taught to sew knit and crochet.
The knitting didn't take, but  I still love to sew and crochet.

In the 1970's handcraft was trendy. My friends and I tried all sorts of crafts: macrame, candle making, papercraft, corn dollies, pottery, floristry........ and I continued with my love of crochet.
Throughout my adult life I've made many of the things that I needed or wanted.
Soft furnishings, plant supports, clothing, baby items, toys, items for pets, cosmetics and many more.

I love the internet because it is so easy to find inspiration and instructions.
I also enjoy sharing my creations with others.

This is my creative blog.

                                          Here are a few things that I have crafted recently

                                                          Crochet Hook Case

                                                      Gingerbread Man  Finger Puppets

                                                    100th Birthday Card for my Uncle

                                                                    Bean Tripod

                                                                  Wedding Bouquet

                                                                        Face Cream