Let's Knit Magazine - Your knitting, your style

My son was in the special nursery and the nurses suggested that a hat should fit an orange. They need them because they can’t regulate their body heat if they’re very early. He was there in an incubator with naught but a nappy and a hat.

(He’s 19, and nearly 6ft now)

Yes thats what the hospitals says to us, A small orange though, But they go through so many hats as if one drops on the floor they will have to have a new one on because of the germs

“HWN” was born early weighing 1lb 8oz and made it to 68years and still going strong. He said they used a fountain pen inner to feed him so he has “blue blood”   This was in 1940, before special care units and the like, so it is amazing that he has got this far. He never had a days illness either till he reached 50.

Thanks Shelley, I’ll carry on and do a few of each size. When I’ve done half a dozen or so, I’ll send them through.

I’ll then tackle something a bit more substantial like a gown or sleep sack or a burial sack.

I found it quite sobering looking at the patterns - it made me think about the terrible traumas families must go through when their baby is born premature, especially if they don’t eventually pull through.

My hubby was very premature, touch and go whether he would make it, but now he’s a strapping 6 foot 5 inches - amazing really.

Are you collecting long term?

Yes its long term thing,

Hats we run out all the time, but recently we are being asked for burial so i am trying to get as many in as possible. I am knitting like mad use all my odd bits up for booties and mittens and the rest i am knitting burial, its sad but someone has to do it as if it wasn’t for us knitters babies will have nothing, Thats the only way i get through it.

shelley

Thanks Shelley, I often knit to raise money for charity, but this feels better. Although initially it seems really sad, I actually feel quite privilaged to be able to soften someone’s suffering.

I think I’ll try some burial buntings. I’m thinking I could crochet them quite quickly with pastel colours and line with flannelette using the sewing machine. I’ll give it a go. If it doesn’t work out I’ll just knit them.

I’ll take in turns with knitting for preemies and knitting cakes (I have an order for 10 doughnuts). I wish I didn’t have to work, then I could just knit all the time. Mind you, I probably wouldn’t be able to afford to buy wool etc. Needs msut, I suppose.

I’m thinking of putting a poster up in our local wool shop to see whether I can get any more support for you.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

The buntings does not need to be lined but if you want to you can,

All the help is so much appreciated

thanks everyone

I still have the stuff I promised before, I was going to add some more to it before i sent it. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone. i still have some Barbie stuff for Anne as well.

hi I have just finished 3 cardigans 1 hat and a pair of boots, just copied the tea cosy hats going to do them next, a few months ago, my friends daughter/ son in law lost their baby, he was christened Jack, he only lived for just under an hour,they are still eaten up with grief and go to the grave every night and just sit there for hours. must be a really difficult time for them and anyone else going through this.
ann

Hi. Hope my parcel of blue babies bits arrived safely.My self and a pal are knitting more for you..Jenifer

yes it arrived and already been sent out to a hospital thankyou ever so much and keep knitting LOL

shelley

We will, already have about 6 sets for you..

I have some more for you Shelley,just need to add a couple more then i will send them.

i have had 5 children 3 who were 38 wks 28 wks and 23wks when born and on s care units then sadly my other daughter died at 25 wks i have knitted for the unit and they love it when the little parcels arrive

and im so grateful for what ever lovly knitter knitted my daughter chynas hat its the only thing that was hers and i cherish it ever day

Shelly, just letting you know I am sending some bits through this week - not much, but I’m sure every little helps. My mum has crocheted the blankets and I’ve done the hats and socks.

I’ll carry on knitting and send some more things when finished.