Blanket, Gown and Hat

For the Emmazing Grace Foundation.



Baby Blanket
The pattern I used is similar to this one.
Yarn: Red Heart Baby Clouds
Color: Seaspray
Needles: US 15
Size: 22" sqaure



Gown and Hat
The gown pattern I used is similar to this one. I made up the hat as I knitted.
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Baby Sport
Color: Off White
Needles: US 5
Size: 1-3 pounds



Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.

Purposeful Knitting

When I learned to knit I never considered that I could use this craft to help others. I started out like many of us do, knitting scarves, hats and dishcloths nonstop. The dishcloth drawer filled to overflowing and I gave scarves and hats to many family members. Soon it became evident that I needed someone else to knit for. That's when I discovered charity knitting and in particular, knitting for preemies. There will always be a baby in need of a hat or a family in need of comfort. I have found a purpose for my passion and I am better for it.

Sleeper Sacks and Bonnets



Patterns: Sleeper Sack and Preemie Bonnets
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Baby, Sport Weight, 100% Acrylic
Color: Powder Yellow
Needles: US 3
Sizes: Less than 1 lb and 1-3 lbs
For: The Preemie Project and Marlowe



Blankets

Also included with this donation are these cute flannel blankets in sizes 30"x30" and 25"x25".

A Different Kind of Memorial

It isn't easy to know what to say to someone who has lost a child. No one wants to bring up sad feelings, but remaining silent is often worse than saying something. Mama Bear has a helpful post about this very subject.

Recently on the Lucy Ladybug Knit-Along, a request was made by a member wanting to help her friend deal with the loss of her baby. Her friend has a fear that as time goes by, no one will remember her precious daughter, Marlowe. Her plan is to donate 200 baby items in Marlowe's name and then present a photo scrapbook of all the items to her friend as a tribute to Marlowe. Anyone can help. Just make a baby item, donate it in Marlowe's name to the charity of your choice, then email a picture of your item to the address here.

This bunting is going to The Preemie Project in memory of Marlowe.



Pattern: Inspired by Burial Bunting With Hat
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft
Needles: US 6
Size: 1-3 lbs

Lacy Gown and Hat

This bereavement set is for the Emmazing Grace Foundation. Candy started this foundation as a way to honor the memory of her daughter Emma Grace. Through this foundation, families that experience the tragedy of the loss of a child are assisted financially to help ease the burden of burial costs. Bereavement clothing is also provided to hospitals and funeral homes.



Some people find it too emotionally difficult to make bereavement clothing for the little ones. For some reason, this is something I can do. I think it's because I have heard the stories of so many who have lost preemies and the challenge they experienced when trying to find clothing to fit their baby. Candy shared why she makes bereavement clothing in her January 9, 2007 post (scroll down the page). Her story inspires me to help others.



Patterns: Jenny's Tiny Knitted Burial Gown and Lacy Hat
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Baby Sport
Needles: US 5
Size: 1-3 lbs

The way the gown pattern is written is confusing in places to me, but it can be figured out. Just be sure to increase the stitches to 72 before beginning the skirt. The stitches will be arranged on the needles as follows:
10 stitches, stitch marker (SM), 16 stitches, SM, 20 stitches, SM, 16 stitches, SM, 10 stitches

Before I send this off, I'll knit a pair of booties to go with it. I will probably use this pattern.

Second Verse, Same As The First

Except this one is blue.



Pattern: Sleeper Sack
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby D.K.
Needles: US 3
Size: Less than 1 lb. (chest circumference: 8", length: 11")



This set took about ten hours to make and is my last item for Knit Unto Others. It's been a productive two weeks. Items made for KUO and The Preemie Project include eight preemie sized Santa hats with matching booties and two tiny bereavement sets for a total of forty-four hours of knitting.

Knit Unto Others

Pattern: Sleeper Sack
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby D.K.
Needles: US 3
Size: Less than 1 lb. (chest circumference: 8", length: 11")

There's been a whole lot of knitting going on at my house! Participating in KUO has given me the motivation I need to get together a nice donation for The Preemie Project. For me, knitting bereavement clothing it is the most important charity work I do. This gown has become my favorite to knit. It's simple, no frills look makes it perfect for a boy. I only wish you could see it in person, because the picture doesn't do it justice. The Dreambaby yarn is incredibly soft and perfect for this pattern. I still have enough to make another set like this in blue and there are still a few days left of KUO, so why stop now?

In Memory

Knitted to honor the life of sweet baby Isabella (3/31/06 - 8/5/06). Though her journey on earth was short, she was loved dearly and brought joy to her parents and family. She captured my heart and I will think of her every time I knit for the little ones. This gown will be donated to The Preemie Project in her name. It is my prayer that in some small way it bless and comfort the family it is given to.

Pattern Details:

The gown was knitted from the pattern called Spring Purple Burial Gown. I modified the neckline slightly and lined the skirt with a pink silky fabric.

The hat pattern is just one in my head, but the socks are called Easy Socks. I knitted them in the round to avoid having to seam them.

The yarn I used was given to me by Laura and Linda when I was in Iowa this summer. It's called King Cole Smooth DK. It is an extremly soft 100% acylic. Very nice to work with and perfect for baby knits.




Psalm 139: 13-16

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,

your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

Preemie Baby Kimono

When I joined The Lucy Ladybug Knit-Along, I set a personal goal of contributing one bereavement set per month. This is not a requirement of the group, just something I determined to do on my own. Well, it dawned on me at the beginning of this month that I let July slip by without knitting a stitch for Lucy, so I pulled out some yarn, needles and a favorite pattern and cast on right away before August became a memory too.



PATTERNS: Preemie Baby Kimono and Knitted Preemie Hat
YARN: Kraemer Yarns Little Lehigh (blue) and Red Heart Soft Baby (white)
NEEDLES: US 5
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Chest cicumference = 10"
Length from neck to toe = 14.5"
Hat circumference = 10"

I've used this pattern or a variation of this pattern at least four times now. The simple, classic style is one I never get tired of. It's my first choice for a boy's set, but would be nice for a girl too.




I wanted to make the gown a little longer, but I had to stop when I got down to the last little bit of yarn. See the two thin stripes of blue yarn in the hat? That's all I had left!




It's not neccesary, but I always like to include a ladybug somewhere on the set as a remembrance of LucyBug.

Sleeper Sack

I've been working on a few more things for The Preemie Project to bring with me on my trip to Iowa later this week. This bereavement bunting was designed by Debbie, one of TPP volunteers. I've been wanting to try it for a while and finally found the time. It turned out so well! I followed this pattern as written for the smaller size except for using a fingering weight yarn (Ornaghi Filati Baby Cotton, 100% mercanized cotton) and knitting a ribbed cuff on the sleeves. This tiny bunting will fit a baby weighing less than one pound. Debbie designed the side with the buttons to be the back, but I like it for the front. I wonder which way the nurses will use it?



In other news, Matt is spending a week at camp, so we're finding out what an empty nest feels like. In less than one month he will leave for college and this will be the norm. It's not the first year he's been to camp, but John and I usually take a vacation at the same time so we're rarely home when he's gone. This week is sort of a trial run. Big changes are ahead, but I think we are prepared.

Also, you may notice some sunshine in the pictures above. This make me happy. Sunny skies have been a rare thing here lately. It rained almost every day in June. And July has started out with more of the same. So unusal for Houston this time of year. It's true we needed the rain, but we are all craving sunshine now. Of course, with sunshine there will be heat. It'll feel like a sauna outside before the day's over. The mosquitos are really bad right now too, so pack some insect repellent if you travel this way. The stores are likely to be sold out.

Later on Saturday

On Saturday afternoon I met Marcia and her lovely daughter in Salt Lake City at the Gateway Center. This was the first time we've met in person. I know Marcia from the Lucy Ladybug Knit-Along. This charity knit-along provides burial clothing to hospitals in Utah for premature and full term babies. I am a volunteer and Marcia is the founder. She (along with friends) started this group in memory of her niece, LucyBug.

We browsed the knitting books in Barnes and Noble and spent time visiting over ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. Later Marcia's sister joined us and we visited some more. Both ladies are just as nice as I thought they would be and I'm really glad we had a chance to meet! I had my camera with me, but forgot to take pictures. I was able to deliver this donation in person though.

More pictures and pattern details here.

New Knit-Along

Some of you may have noticed a new button on my blog. It's for The Lucy Ladybug Knit-Along, a charity knit-along that provides burial clothing to hospitals in Utah in memory of "LucyBug". Check out this worthy cause and consider joining. There are no deadlines and items can be knitted, crocheted or sewn. While you're there be sure to read the poem called The Incredible Feats of Lucy. I know it will touch your heart as it did mine. Though most of the bereavement outfits I make will be donated to The Preemie Project, it is my goal to knit one outfit a month for this charity. This month I have two tiny buntings to donate.


All the pattern details are posted on The Lucy Ladybug Knit-Along Weblog.
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One More

Gown Set

I decided to try another tiny gown for a boy. According to the measurement guide that The Preemie Project uses, I think it will fit a baby that weighs close to one pound. This gown is a little larger than the buntings I made the other day. The biggest difference is in the width of the skirt. It measures 7 1/2" when opened flat. The length of the bodice may be slightly longer too, but not much. I think the width of the bodice is similar to the buntings. The addition of the sleeves gives it a look I like. Sizing is the hard part when making these little gowns, but I know it will fit some precious baby and hopefully bring a blessing to a grieving family.


The Back

Pattern: Extra Small Preemie Gown by Lenore English
Yarn: Caron Cuddle Soft (fingering weight)
Needles: US 3
Finished Measurements: 8" from top of neck to hem, 7 1/2" wide when opened flat, 2 1/2" across the front of the bodice just above the ribbing
Changes:

Used smaller weight yarn and smaller needles.

Worked rows 1-4 of the Dot Stitch Pattern until 7" from the neckline instead of 9".

Worked 4 rows for the sleeves instead of 12 that is suggested, then followed instructions for the decreases and garter stitch border.

This pattern does not include an eyelet row under the bodice. But when it was finished, I decided it would be a good idea to have the ability to adjust the width in this area, so I improvised and wove a ribbon through the stitches. You might want to add an eyelet row instead.


Close-up of the Improvised Eyelet Row


Hat:
Used the same yarn and needle size and this pattern (Itty-Bitty Hat), but cast on 48 stitches.

Socks:
Used the same yarn and needle size and this pattern (Easy Socks). Worked the ribbing for 3/4", added the eyelet row, worked stockinette stitch for 1 1/2" from cast on edge, and then decreased and finished as instructed. I knitted these in the round on dpns, but the pattern is written for straight needles.

Forgot Something

I forgot to say that if you choose to knit the Itty-Bitty Bunting in stockinette stitch, be sure to work the first four rows in garter stitch or seed stitch so the bottom will not curl. I've gone back and added this instruction to the pattern.

Itty-Bitty Bunting

*NEW SIZING INFORMATION AT THE END OF THIS POST*


The Preemie Project has requested very tiny gowns and buntings for babies less than one pound. One of our volunteers, Sara, used this pattern (Tiny Micro Preemie Gown/Bunting), casting on half the number of stitches and working the skirt in stockinette stitch instead of the lace pattern. The nurses described this gown as "the perfect fit" and said it would be good for either a girl or boy. I would have thought this style would be too feminine for a boy, but I decided to trust the judgement of the nurses and give it a try. I opted to close the bottom, making it a bunting instead of a gown. I like this better for a boy. Also, it was easy to change the look by varying the stitch pattern. I came up with three versions, but there are more possibilities just waiting to be knitted.

The three versions I came up with for these buntings from left to right are:
#1-skirt and bodice both worked in stockinette stitch.
#2-skirt and bodice both worked in garter stitch.
#3-skirt worked in seed stitch, bodice worked in stockinette stitch.

You will notice that the back is not sewn together, but is instead closed with ribbons. This makes it easy to dress the baby and is a necessary feature on clothing for babies this tiny.


Itty-Bitty Bunting
Inspired by Tiny Micro Preemie Gown/Bunting designed Mary Glynn of Heavenly Angels in Need
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Baby Sport
Needles: US5
Finished Size: 9" from neck to cast on edge, 5 1/2" wide when opened flat

For Skirt
Cast on 25 sts.
Work 4 rows in your choice of stitch pattern (stockinette, garter or seed). *If you want the gown to be worked in stockinette stitch, these first four rows should be worked in garter stitch or seed stitch to prevent curling. Change to stockinette stitch after the eyelet row.*
Work eyelet row: *K2tog, yo, rep from * to last stitch, k1.
Continue working in chosen stitch pattern until 7" from cast on edge.
Work eyelet row (same as above).
For Bodice
Work 3 rows in your choice of stitch pattern (stockinette, garter or seed).
K6, cast on 10, k13, cast on 10, k6.
Work 3 rows, continuing in chosen stitch pattern.
K1, p1 across row.
K1, p1 across row.
K2tog across to last stitch, k1.
BO all stitches purlwise.
Weave in ends.
Do not sew the back closed, instead weave ribbon through eyelet holes and tie in the back to close.
If you wish to make this a gown instead of a bunting, do not cinch bottom closed and decrease the length of the skirt by 1" or more.


Itty-Bitty Hat
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Baby Sport
Needles: US 5 dpns
Finished size: 6"circumference to fit a baby less than l pound
Cast on 30 sts.
Join in the round.
Choose one of the following and work until 3/4": 1x1 rib, seed stitch or rolled brim (knit every stitch).
Then knit all rounds until 2 3/4" from cast on edge.
*K2 tog, repeat from * (15 sts)
*K2 tog, repeat from * to last stitch, k1. (7 sts)
Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches and secure end.
Weave in ends.
Add ribbon loop topper, if desired.

Thoughts:

I was very surprised at how narrow this bunting is. I actually double checked with Sara to make sure I had cast on the correct number of stitches.

I do not think it is necessary to make booties to complete this set because the baby's feet will be enclosed.

I would like to publicly thank Mary Glynn for designing so many wonderful patterns for premature infants. I find myself using her patterns over and over, because they are well written and work up beautifully. She deserves all design credit for the bodice of this bunting. It would have been an exact copy of the pattern she wrote that inspired this one, except that I accidently left off one knit row. I liked it this way, so I left it like that. Through this blog, I recently corresponded with Mary Glynn. She is a wonderful person with the heart of a servant and a great love for the little babies and families she helps through her group, Heavenly Angels in Need. I am blessed to have met her.


ADDED 8/29/06: Though I had been told this narrow version of this gown was deemed a "perfect fit", I have just recently found out that the nurses now say it is too narrow. So, if you make this gown, please use more stitches in the body.

Baby Boy Romper

This pattern came highly recommended by Preemie Project volunteer, Linda, as an alternative to a bereavement gown for a boy. She said it was a good one and she was right. This romper features some special details without being too feminine. The stitch pattern on the yoke keeps you on your toes with many increases and decreases. Take a look at the instructions and you'll see what I mean. The stitch count jumps back and forth all over the place. It was a mystery to me as to how it was going to turn out as I was knitting it, because the picture included with the pattern doesn't show the yoke clearly. I hope you get a better idea from my photo. Set some time aside for this one. It took me about 11 hours to complete, not including the hat and booties. This set along with all my other finished items will be boxed up and mailed to The Preemie Project today. Be sure to follow these directions when you send in your donation. And, don't forget to enter the contest that runs through the end of this month.

Pattern: Baby Boy Romper
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby (Sport D.K.)
Needles: One pair of US 5 straights
Finished Size: 3-5 lbs
Notes:

I had to make a decision when I came to these instructions in Row 8: K1 in strand between sts. If you follow that literally, you will end up with a hole which will result in a lace pattern like in this sweater on which the romper is based. I decided to eliminate the hole by interpreting this as a M1. It worked fine, but was very tedious as you must M1 every other stitch and this row is repeated several times. I found another version of this yoke that eliminates the hole in a different way and I may try it like this next time.

The stripe of color is worked on rows 33-36.

I hand sewed Velcro to the bottom of the romper to keep it closed instead of the recommended snap tape. I think it worked well.

To complete the set I used my old stand-by patterns for the hat and booties.

Dear Readers,

Thanks for all your kind comments. Your notes are encouraging to me and I appreciate everyone of you! I like to reply to your comments by email, but it's not always possible because Blogger does not require that you leave an address in order to comment. So, I especially want to acknowledge those I have not been able to contact personally. Thank you so much. --Tracy


From your comments, I realize I left out some details in yesterday's post. Libby and Stephanie wanted to know more about the embellishments I used on the gown set. I did some editing yesterday to add that information. Scroll down if you missed it. Also, Sara wants to know what pattern I used for the booties. So, here's what I forgot to mention yesterday...

Pattern for Booties: Michelle's Booties
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby (Sport D.K.)
Needles: US5
Finished Size: 3-5 lbs
Notes and Changes:
CO 25 sts. Work garter stitch rows and decreases. Work a K1,P1 rib for five rows, then work three rows of seed stitch. Bind off in pattern. For a special touch, add a store bought ribbon flower to each little shoe.

Pattern for Hat: Knitted Preemie Hat
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby (Sport D.K.)
Needles: US5 DPN
Finished Size: 3-5 lbs (circumference = 11")
Notes and Changes:
CO 56 sts. Work seed stitch pattern for 1". Knit until 4" from CO edge. Work decreases. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and secure. Top with a ribbon flower. Turn up edge to form cuff.

Touching Hearts

The Preemie Project helps to support the Touching Hearts Program of The University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa. We provide bereavement items such as gowns, layettes, blankets and items of remembrance for grieving families. Not all of the volunteers are able to participate in this program because of the sadness it brings them--that is understandable. Some have even experienced this kind of loss first hand and though the desire to reach out to the grieving parents is there, the personal pain is just too great. If you talk to those that have lost an infant, you will find that the kindness of receiving a beautiful gown for their little one touches their heart in a special way. That is my prayer for this little gown.

Pattern: Little Sunshine Burial Gown from Heavenly Angels in Need
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby (Sport D.K.)
Needles: US 5
Finished Size: 3-5 lbs
Finished Measurements: Chest = 10" circumference, Length = 14" from neck to bottom edge.
Notes:

This gown is open in the back for ease in dressing.

The pattern did not call for it, but I added a small ribbon at the neck to keep it closed.

When making the eyelet row, be sure to end with a YO. I didn't do this and ended up one stitch short. This was easily fixed by increasing one stitch.

The edges of this gown do not have a seed stitch or garter stitch border as some gowns do, therefore the edges curl. I do not see this a problem, but you do need to block the gown slightly to prevent excessive curling. I used steam.



Added later:

The rose trim on this gown was purchased at Wal-Mart. It is sold by the spool. There was nothing on the package to indicate the amount of trim. It was probably about 1 yard. I think the price was less than $2.00. I found it where they sell the lace by the spool. The manufacturer is Model Crafts. It is sewn on by hand.

The small ribbon flowers were bought at Jo-Ann's. These are very inexpensive, I think something like 50 cents a package. This particular style came six to a package. The manufacturer is Offray. It is easy to hand sew these in place. I used one on the top of the hat, one on each bootie and one sewn on top of the rose trim on the front of the gown.

Using store bought embellishments is a quick and easy way to dress up a simple garmet and give it a special touch. You can find many choices in all fabric and craft centers. Options for boy's outfits are harder to find.

Buntings and Bears...

...for The Preemie Project.

Tiny Bunting

This tiny bunting (for a baby less than 1 pound) is based on this pattern. I knit it with size 5 needles and Caron Simply Soft Baby Sport.

Instead of garter stitch, I used stockinette with a garter stitch border.

I lined it with a piece of flannel, left over from blanket making, sewing it on by hand to avoid flattening the stitches.

The whole process took about 3 hours. Two hours to knit and one hour to add the lining. I'm hoping to make several of these for The Preemie Project. The flower embellishments on the front are purely decorative.

Back to Knitting

I started knitting a small hat for The Preemie Project a few days ago. I was trying for size 1-3 lbs, but when I realized it would be smaller, I decided to make it part of a bereavement set (Micro Bunting).

So tiny. It will fit a baby less than 1 lb.


Lined with soft blue flannel for a special touch.


Simple hat and socks (Easy Socks) to match.


May God bring peace and comfort to the family that receives this gift.