July 04, 2008

Showered with Knitted (& Sewn!) Love

FebBabySweater.jpg FootieWashcloth.jpg AlsaceHat.jpg
Mobile.jpg PsychadelicBlanket.jpg
SaartjesBooties%26Jacket.jpg SleepSac.jpg Bibs.jpg
TownieMobile.jpgBurpCloths.jpg
AlsaceLeMonsteur.jpgSnail%26Soakers.jpgBlocks.jpg
Quilt.jpgKimonoVest.jpg


Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
First Row: February Baby Sweater (Mary Heather); Footie Washcloth (Amiee); Alsace Le Monsteur Hat (Marnie)
Second Row: Garden Mobile (Mary Heather); Psychadelic Blankie (Kat);
Third Row: Saartje's Booties & Jacket (Jennie); Sleep Sac (Mary Heather); Reversible Bibs (Amiee)
Fourth Row: Townes takes possession of MH's Mobile; Burbcloths (Lori)
Fifth Row: Alsace Le Monsteur (Marnie); Soaker & Garden Snail (Shannon); Fabric Play Blocks (Amiee)
Last Row: Jungle Quilt (Ellen); Handspun Kimono Vest (Lori).



I hate to admit it, but in my impregnated and over-worked state, it is pretty much all that I can do to gather, re-size, watermark, link and code these photos. Perhaps it is time to stop coding absolutely everything by hand and look into automating it by baby time! I think that this bounty of handmade love pretty much says it all (though there is also quite a bit of incredible store-bought love that accompanied it as well). Eventually, I would love to put up a gallery of all the hand knit, crocheted and sewn items that this baby accrues, both from myself and from friends. It's such a wonderful part of the history of a new little life. Whether this - and all the other things I have planned - will ever get off the ground is questionable, but the blog post is a start.

I cannot begin to tell you how overwhelming it has been to have so much support from my crafting friends, both known to me and in some cases, unknown. The gift of a handmade item is an amazing thing, and I will be comforted and feel loved every time either I or the baby uses these amazing treasures. The thought that he will be surrounded by soft, unique toys and clothes that carry the spirits of their makers rather than the usual battery-operated plastic makes me feel like we will be starting him off on the right path. Hopefully I can gather strength from all of you in those first sleepless months. I am also truly grateful for all who have commented on delivery and baby care. I haven't even corresponded with many of you, and yet you have taken the time to leave heartfelt and helpful advice in a time when it is much needed. I love that about blogging - it means that you are always surrounded by friends, whether you are fully aware of it or not. I hope that no matter how busy family, craft and work make my life that I will remember to take the same time and care for you and that we teach this baby the same generosity of spirit through our example and yours.

Okay, I think I'm making myself a little verklempt - must be those hormones - but you get the picture:

Thank you, THANK YOU, Thank you.
Posted by Julia at July 4, 2008 08:07 AM
In kiddie knits | main | pregnancy | talented friends

Comments

Too. Much. Cuteness. I am overwhelmed just looking at the images.

Can I just say that Kat's mitered blanket is an amazing layout? Love it so much!

Also Third Eye hat with matching monster! Shriek!

xoxo Kay

Posted by: Kay at July 9, 2008 09:13 AM

Hi Missy, The garden mobile is from Boho Baby by Kat Coyle. It was designed by Mary Heather Cogar and I am lucky enough to have the original sample from the book, which is particularly meaningful for me, because the book was an amalgamation of projects by friends (myself included for one teensy pattern), and a wonderful reminder of the time we spent on it together. Mary Heather's Sleep Sac is also from the book. It's a pretty great book if I do say so myself - definitely check it out.
Happy Knitting! J

Posted by: Julia at July 8, 2008 11:57 AM

I love the garden mobile. Do you know where the pattern came from?

Posted by: Missy at July 8, 2008 11:29 AM

ah, it was such a fun shower! we all had a great time looking at what everyone made for the baby. the baby!

Posted by: kat at July 8, 2008 09:10 AM

Looks like you had a fantastic baby shower, congrats!!

Posted by: Heather at July 8, 2008 07:03 AM


Hello. I enjoyed reading your website.
Have a wonderful day and keep up the good work.
Brutellio.

Posted by: Brutellio at July 7, 2008 09:48 AM

OMG such awesome knitted gift. I love the mobile, booties and blocks. you can use the mobile just as things to hang in the play gym. Babies simply love to swipe at things. Judging by the colors, looks like your friends are knitting for a boy.

Posted by: Orli at July 6, 2008 07:19 AM

Lovely handknits. There is love in each and every stitch! ::hugs::

Posted by: Alicia at July 5, 2008 07:13 PM

Lovely handknits. There is love in each and every stitch! ::hugs::

Posted by: Alicia at July 5, 2008 07:13 PM

great photos montage. so many beautiful things from such great people (ahem, not to toot my own horn). cannot wait to see the alsace decked out in his finery.

Posted by: mamie at July 5, 2008 12:22 PM

I'm in awe all over again, looking at all these amazing handmade gifts. Truly special indeed, and I'm so happy to have been a part of such a fun day. Now you're making me a little verklempt! xo-S.

Posted by: Nonnahs at July 4, 2008 11:12 PM

Your photos are so fantastic and a wonderful reminder of a great day.

There is no doubt that the little one is already surrounded by love, and the parents as well. So glad to be a small part of the festivities and, much credit must be given to Ellen for her role too.

Posted by: Marnie at July 4, 2008 08:37 PM

Mwah!!!!

Posted by: Jennie at July 4, 2008 07:39 PM

Oh, how wonderful! :)

Posted by: jane at July 4, 2008 06:53 PM

Congratulations!
Looks like everyone had a great time!! Your baby is certainly getting off to a great start!
Love your blog-can't wait to see baby photos! :)

Posted by: Rene' at July 4, 2008 06:29 PM

what a fantastic party your friends gave you! the mobile and mitered "psychedelic" blanket are my favorites.

Posted by: gleek at July 4, 2008 05:51 PM

Gorgeous gifts! YAY!

Posted by: Cara at July 4, 2008 02:55 PM

Dear Julia, first of all, congratulations! I love your blog, but I think I never left a comment... I dont know why, I thought you were expecting a girl.... nice to know it is a boy!! I think it is overwhelming to receive so many knitted and sewed gifts... take care,
paty

Posted by: Patricia Fontes at July 4, 2008 02:22 PM

Wowser! All the cute!

I've seen some of these luscious handmade items elsewhere, but to see it all together is really something.

Posted by: jillian at July 4, 2008 02:09 PM

It's so much fun to "see" the party! And the the gifts are overwhelming both in their creativity and abundance. We will get the chest of drawers out to you so you have some where to put it all. Did I say that a tiny baby didn't take up too much room to start with? Scratch that. Such fun. Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: Mom at July 4, 2008 01:33 PM