Crochet Edging, it is.

So it's done, the Preemie Blankie. It's done, and I tell you what: It was one of those things I just couldn't wrap my head around. I think it has more to do with the fact that I have been over-scheduling myself (like watching the View each day [that Whoopi is a hoot], sitting on the bike at the gym and staring straight ahead instead of pedaling, or falling asleep during Cheers re-runs) rather than dealing with my own personal experience with that business: Premature babies. I know, I know, I have one of my little girls in an urn next to my bed but still my mind doesn't go there very much anymore. Life does go on, although you never stop thinking you might be missing them even more if you actually really knew them or wondering what would have ever become of them, if they would have been the next Supermodel, or maybe the next Mother Teresa, or if they would just be snappy, cool and friendly like Girlfriend is.

The other day she asked me what was in that tiny urn as she picked it up and shook it next to her ear. I still can't bear to tell her. Instead, I grabbed it out of her hands and placed it on the far side of my bedside table to a place she couldn't reach.

On another subject. The underwear I spotted on, or just above, that bamboo Yoga floor the other day, well, they are pretty darn cool (not hers; mine). Read through the last post's comments for what type they are. I will say, if you're under about a size 4-ish, they might be too big. And if you're over a size 10 or so, go for the non-low rise type. The ones I got are the low rise and let's just say that if I decided to do a surprise back bend or maybe some other really cool sort of backwards flip which I wouldn't do even if George Clooney begged me to with the promise of a handshake (I recently saw an unfortunate closeup of his teeth), they'd fall down in the front and I'd have to run to the bathroom and fix them. Even so, I say go get them--but don't wear them with see-through white yoga pants unless you want to start another grassroots marketing campaign for them.

Back to the Preemie Project and the blankie (I'm calling it the "Tender Blankie"): I will post the free pattern on this site on or after February 8th, which is the day of their Craft-a-thon. They'll also post the pattern, so you can get it there, too. They are also hosting a contest for preemie and infant patterns, so if you want to submit something, go here.

Whoops! I am listening to Led Zeppelin 1. The song, "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" just came on and I need to sign off. I once had a boyfriend who used to sing that to me whilst strumming on his guitar whenever we went camping. Go ahead and laugh your heads off, but I honestly thought it was a love song until he broke up with me.

Comments

[Jennifer]

It's a beautiful blanket Wendy, made all the more special because of your own experiences. You've inspired me to give back myself.

[Isabella]

thank you for sharing your premmie story. sometimes it seems so hard to tell kids things break our own hearts. the blanket is lovely, i especially like the ruffle.

[Kirsten]

The blanket is beautiful Wendy! And the crochet edging? Just the right thing!

[Lydia]

the crochet edging is perfect look forward to having the pattern- giving back is a great way to heal. I feel very blessed when I look at my oldest who was 7 weeks early due to a car accident-

[Lisa]

Wow, Wendy the blanket looks great. I too have lost two babies very early on. I make premmie bassinet blankets for one of the local hospitals but they are nearly as beautiful as yours. Thank you for sharing both the blanket and your personal experience.

[Emily]

Oh Wendy! What a beautiful blanket! Your story is heartbreaking, but it makes the pattern and your donation all the more meaningful. Thanks again, we really appreciate it.

Also, I'll have to check out those underwear! (Hopefully on my own, and not on the tush of someone in front of me in yoga!)

[Jennifer]

The blanket is wonderful. It is hard to talk about these things with the little ones. I've got a little (not so little anymore, actually) girl who asks regularly for a younger brother or sister.

[Janet]

The blanket is beautiful. Sometimes wrapping your head around things just isn't possible, and that's okay.

Also, I've heard many good things about these underoos. I may have to check 'em out...

[DebbieKnitter]

It never gets easier Wendy, just longer. Ya just gotta do what ya gotta do such as you are and know that she is with you in other ways. Sometimes it just is what it is, and I for one, think thats so unfair.....your in my thoughts. The blankie is very pretty.

[Amie]

Beautiful blanket and thank you for sharing your story-

[Cheri]

Beautiful blanket, and touching story. I have nothing of my losses, but the memory. My kids will every now and again ask about our angels. You'll know when the time is right to answer Girlfriends questions.

[Tammy]

The blanket is adorable.

[megan]

I lost my first child as well-though with different complications than yours. anyway-the best thing anyone ever told me was that it never gets easy-just less hard.

I have no idea how ill tell my daughter when its time...so I'm no help at all there.

wishing you the best.

[AnnieB]

beautiful blanket - you have done a wonderful job. I guess the time will be right to share with girlfriend, someday. And you'll know it when it is

[Dorothy]

The blanket is beautiful and a crochet edging was the perfect thing.

I wish you strength to find the right time to tell Girlfriend and the right words.

George Clooney does have rather British teeth.

[Jeanie]

Your little blanket is adorable. I will be downloading ASAP!

[Tiny Tyrant]

I like the blanket.

So sorry for your loss. Kids understand more than we give them credit for, perhaps telling Girlfriend will be less hard than you believe.

[tina]

What a lovely thing to have made that lovely preemie blanket. We have a very small charity like that as well (Wee Angels) because we are part of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, photographing babies that are either stillborn or will not survive long. It always fills me with wonder and joy to know that giving people contribute these small items to families that are in such pain. The beauty is that we get to see these mom's and dad's touch that bit of handmade beauty and love and somehow, it adds a bit of transformative magic to such deep sadness. I know you understand this full well.

Big hugs and blessings to you!

[Linda]

The blanket is beautiful and the crochet edging is perfect. I'll be getting this pattern. I have knitted and crocheted tiny blankets and hats for stillbirths, and preemies. I'm a nurse on a neonatal floor, and these tiny ones are the hardest part of the job for those of us working there.

So sorry for your loss, and a hug to you.

[Linda]

The blanket is beautiful and the crochet edging is perfect. I'll be getting this pattern. I have knitted and crocheted tiny blankets and hats for stillbirths, and preemies. I'm a nurse on a neonatal floor, and these tiny ones are the hardest part of the job for those of us working there.

So sorry for your loss, and a hug to you.

[Virginia]

As my mom said to me after my near-death miscarriage, speaking from the experience of her own: there are some things you just never get over.

I'm glad you got to meet your sweet girl, even if she couldn't stay.

[Miss Scarlett]

That is my favourite Zeppelin song - but...I never had a boyfriend sing it to me. I think that would change things significantly.

One day you'll be able to explain things to Girlfriend. In your own time and your own way.

[MonkeyGurrl]

I can't even imagine dealing with the loss of a wee one, and I'm a grown up (sort of), so yeah, let GF have her innocence a while longer. Childhood goes by so quickly, we don't need to hurry it along.

BEAUTIFUL blankie. :)

[Julie Raymond]

if that's what crochet edging looks like, i think i need to learn to crochet! a great, sweet edge, all ruffly and what not. sharp indeed. and btw, what's with the book by the bathtub? your next you-know-what should be about how girls in their 20s can be as hip and styly as a gal like yourself. :)

[melanie]

I love the blanket! And the crochet edging is perfect for it. Just the right touch. I had sworn that I would never knit another baby blanket again ( I started one when pregnant with my first and finished it after my second was born. Granted, they are 15 months apart...) but I'll be making this one!