Handmade treasures

While I consider myself a semi-creative person in some areas, one thing that I absolutely have no talent or inclination for is anything having to do with fabric. Sewing, knitting, cutting, gluing are activities I simply do not do well or enjoy. This may be why I am so impressed by people who are crafty in this way. And I am so blessed that I have so many creative and generous friends who have shared their talents with me and my children.

Here is just a small sampling of handmade goodies that our friends have made for us over the last several months. If you click on the picture, you should be able to see these projects in greater detail.


1 - sweater knitted by my sister

2 - tote bag by Van

3 - bib by Danielle, who somehow made this and other adorable things for Violet in addition to throwing me a beautiful baby shower- while going to school and working!

4 - KeepAsleep nursing/transfer pad invented and made by Erin

5 - blanket by Galit

6 - tutu by Dana (also available at an Etsy shop near you!)

7 - clips by Van

8 - one of two clips by Danielle

9 - one of two pairs of shoes by Nat; here are close-up pics of the shoes on Violet's feet and a link to Nat's blog post about making them:

One of my favorite stories about these shoes has to do with the purple ones (notice the "V" on the soles!). When Nat told me she'd make some shoes for Violet, she asked what color I wanted. She said she could make purple, but maybe I was tired of purple? I told her that, in fact, we had very little purple clothing for Violet, probably because so many people assumed we'd be getting so much. I mentioned this to another friend of mine, who looked puzzled and asked, "Why would people think you'd be getting lots of purple?" I love how "Violet" is now primarily my baby's name and not a flower or a color to our friends.

10 - burp cloth and blanket by Kari

11 - seat cover by Kari. If you look closely, you'll notice that the fabric features scenes from Winnie the Pooh. It's not exactly that versatile a design as far as seat covers go, but I thought it was a nice way to capture just how into Pooh Jack is at this age. Here is a link to Kari's blog post about making it.

For my baby shower, my sister knitted this blanket for Violet. On one side it says Violet:


And on the other side, it says Clara:


I can't believe that my sister only just recently learned how to knit. One day, she just decided she wanted to learn and she did it. Now, she knits all sorts of beautiful things that I find absolutely amazing. Like this blanket.

All these handmade gifts mean the world to us. I will treasure them always, and I know my children will too. While my sister is proof that there is craftiness in our genes, for my kids' sake, I hope that it is also a talent that is acquired through osmosis.