Many (many) years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter I was given three baby blankets.
The first arrived from my Mother – in – Law, a machine knitted white acrylic blanket. “You can put it straight in the washing machine, no special care needed” she added. I loved that knitting machine, the ability to whip up a garment in no time, I’m hoping it will find it’s way to me one day.
The second and third arrived from my best friend, “M” with whom I’ve sadly lost touch. One, a knitted blanket she had made for her fist baby and the other, in crochet, had been made for her youngest son by my Dad.
Sadly, by the time I produced a Grandchild Dad’s crochet days were over, so this hand me down was extra special.
These blankets were used and loved, moved house with us and now reside in ziploc bags under my bed. Whenever a baby visits they are pulled out and the little one is allowed to lie on them and gurgle up at the adoring adults.
OK, so none of these three will win prizes for the most luxurious yarn used or the most complicated stitch pattern. But, they were made with affection and given in a spirit of generosity, two things you just can’t buy at your Local Yarn Store.
“Ah”, I hear you say “That’s only three, what about the fourth, the one you promised us . Did you forget or miscount?”
No, it’s just the fourth baby blanket is still on the hook. My contribution to a collection I would call true “Heirloom Blankets”. It’s destined for a friend of a friend. No fancy stitches, just a rather large Granny Square, crocheted in organic cotton for a summer baby. I hope it will carry on the tradition to another generation. A simple gift made with care means far more to me than any fancy designer label.
(Shoes and handbags excepted, of course!)
Tx
Ali
/ March 27, 2011What a lovely post Tracey and great to keep the heirloom traditions going – its through blogging and chatting that you can pass on the information too so it keeps being remembered.
…we have some well loved blankets and kept lots of knitted baby cardies too!
I knitted a friend’s baby a blanket 5 years ago (this week!) and I’m really pleased she now uses it for her dolls!
Keep up the hooking – must be in your genes !
A xx
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Knitsister
/ March 28, 2011I love your blankets and good for you to keep tradition going, so many wouldn’t.
Great seeing you on Saturday, have fun with Cat Bordhi’s sock book ;))
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Andrea Ellison
/ March 29, 2011ahhhhhh…I just love the way you word your posts…you shine in every one x love ya….I feel its coffee time x
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Tracey Todhunter
/ March 29, 2011Def time for a coffee!!
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Tracey Todhunter
/ March 29, 2011It was lovely to see you too. I notice there are already pics of a cowl made on Sat on the Ravelry page for Fibre + Clay!
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Country Kissed Crochet
/ April 7, 2011Love the color scheme on this one…nice job!
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