so today i want to share a really special project i have been working on: a baby blanket. i am almost a qualified midwife, and for the most part my job is amazing, however i also support families during very painful times such as bereavement.
The UK charity, Sands supports families who have been affected by the death of a baby and one such example is a memory box which is given to families at such a painful time. in this memory box are several items including hand knitted baby blankets. having been personally involved in the care of families who have had the heartbreaking experience i spent a long time speaking with a midwife at the hospital i am training at about the memory boxes and in particular the blankets, and she explained that they are all made and donated by volunteers and are a much needed commodity. she also told me that sadly the blankets are in very short supply, which is a shame as parents that have received the memory boxes have told the charity these blankets provided them with tangible comfort at such a difficult time.
being a knitter i decided to help and i found a pattern for these blankets and started to make one, my progress hasn't been fast, however i also told a few people i know who are knitters about the project, including my mum who were really moved by the idea and they also volunteered to make a few. my mum is amazing and has made seven - she is a whizz compared to me, and they have all been very gratefully received by the hospital. it is something so simple yet so personal to the family. i apologise if this post has upset anyone as the death of a baby is a very painful experience.
if you feel like you would like to help your local hospital or sands the pattern is availble for free here and if you are a member of ravelry you can find the pattern here there is also a thread about the appeal on ravelry.
What a lovely idea and you are making a great job of your shawl
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
That's a really nice idea for such a good cause :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on becoming a midwife. My sister is having a baby in May. That is very generous of you to make these blankets. I haven't learned how to knit myself, I'm jealous of your talent!!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteAww! Such a gr8 cause! Ur knittings fab!
ReplyDelete{I said Lilo and Stitch wud make a gr8 couple ;) }
That is such a lovely idea for a great cause!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful blanket and what an amazing cause. I had two different friends who each lost twins when they were close to delivery. It is unbelievably sad, but I think the memory box is a wonderful gesture.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on becoming a midwife. When my little sis had my nephew, her midwife was amazing. My daughter's doctor was a troll. I wish she could have experienced delivery with a midwife too.
This sounds like a wonderful idea. I've worked with bereaved families making memory albums....and they always say how much it has helped them.
ReplyDeleteWhat you show here is beautiful and will obviously be a comfort to others. Marvelous work you're doing!
ReplyDeletethank you all so much for your encouraging comments, i was so nervous about putting this 'out there'
ReplyDelete