Simple and Handmade: How to Give an Heirloom Quality Baby Gift

One of my favorite baby gifts is a simple hand knit item paired with a store-bought toy or essential item that I personally found helpful when my daughter was a baby. I like the combination of something handmade and heirloom quality with something that the new mom will find really helpful. I recently discovered a beautiful but simple knitting pattern for a three-color baby blanket that is modern in its look but so simple to execute. It requires only the ability to knit and purl, which many of us learned as a child and can easily pick up again. I even got Elizabeth and Angela started on their own versions!   The “Lots of Love” blanket pattern uses Spud and Chloe Sweater yarn, a baby friendly blend of organic cotton and washable soft wool that comes in a huge variety of colors. The pattern requires two skeins in each of three colors and a pair of US#9 circular needles. The finished blanket is the perfect size to throw over a stroller on a chilly day or to soften the floor for some good belly time. And because it is handmade of quality fiber, it is sure to be around for decades. We have put together Lots of Love Blanket kits that include everything you need to make your own version (pattern, needles, and yarn) in some really wonderful color combinations. Be sure to ask us to wind your yarn up before you pick up your kit!  For my most recent baby gift, I knitted up this blanket in two neutrals with a pop of pink and then paired it with stainless steel toy keys from Pink and Brown here in Old Town. I love Pink and Brown for baby gifts because they focus on high quality and organic toys and clothing. They always have something special to pair with my handmade gifts. 

Danielle Romanetti

See all posts

Danielle, owner of the fibre space shop, has been knitting since the age of six or so, when she completed her first project – a Cabbage Patch doll scarf. A Pittsburgh native with a degree in international development, she moved to the D.C. area to find a job and quickly established a career in non profit management and fundraising. For extra cash, she decided to turn her hobby into a job and taught knitting classes in the evening at area shops. With a heavy dose of sarcasm and a tough love style of teaching, Danielle quickly developed a following of students – busy D.C. professionals looking for a creative outlet. In October 2006, she struck out on her own with Knit-a-Gogo, Inc. – offering knitting classes and events all over the D.C. metro area.  Before she knew it, Knit-a-Gogo had grown out of control and Danielle moved to the next natural step – a full service yarn shop. In July 2009 fibre space was born and has been rockin’ ever since. When she isn’t behind the scenes with a mocha in hand, Danielle is hanging with her daughter or lobbying for small business needs at City Hall.

fibre space™ specializes in unique yarns and fibres from hand dyed, independent, local and U.S.-made sources for knitting, crochet & spinning. Enjoy our wide selection of classes, designer workshops, yarn tastings, movie nights & more. Join the community in our comfy lounge, and let the helpful staff at fibre space™ get you started on your next handmade creation!

www.fibrespace.com

1319 Prince Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703.664.0344


Previous
Previous

Annual Summer Courtyard Clearance

Next
Next

Psophía Now at TSALT