Well this blanket did, twice!
But this blanket has a story behind it and the story is what is stirring up all the emotion. This blanket was specially knitted for my baby by my knitting friends back in Australia. Each of these friends (Zena, Ailsa, Donna, Kerry, Rae, Annie, Kate, Shirley, Becky and Sharon) knitted one or more of the squares and then Zena, my best friend, assembled them all together to make this absolutely stunning baby blanket. The yarn is Heirloom Bliss, a gorgeous soft merino which is machine washable for practicality and yet feels soooo luxurious. As Zena said on Ravelry, it will be a wonderful hug from all the girls when the baby arrives. I just don't know how to thank you all enough, it truly is so beautiful and so special.
Each of the squares is different and was identified with a small white tag as to it's creator. Here are shots of a few faves.
So what's all this talk of crying. Well, when Zena found out that my mum was coming over before the birth of the baby she sent the blanket to her rather than posting it directly to me. The post here in Abu Dhabi can be a little unpredictable and my guess is that she didn't want to risk something so precious to the possible perils of the UAE postal system. When mum saw it she couldn't help taking it to work with her to show her colleagues. Just a bit of background there, mum is a high school teacher, teaching Home Ec/Textiles and Design and most of her immediate colleagues are female. There has been much talk about the arrival of mum's first grandchild in the past few months. When mum produced the blanket at a special afternoon tea that they were throwing for her, the day before she was flying here, it was tears all 'round from the "Home Ec Aunties". They could really feel the sentiment behind the blanket.
The next round of crying came last Friday at our monthly Amiras meet up (our Abu Dhabi based knitting group). I proudly brought the blanket along to show to the girls and again the tears were flowing! Here's a shot of Sydney, myself and Rama, admiring the blanket at our usual haunt. Note the not very effective hiding of the bump!
I of course cried too when I first opened the blanket. Seeing all those little while tags with the names on them. Knowing that the girls were sending their love in this special way, really made me quite emotional. It might sound kind of corny to some, but this blanket really is going to be so special to me and my baby.
Thank you so much girls! Big hugs and kisses coming your way!
8 comments:
Mwah! xx
I still get teary-eyed when I remember it. Such amazing friends you have back home. :) (It should be noted that I told the story to husband and he just didn't get it, lol)
I cried when I read what you wrote. Heirloom Bliss is right, this blanket is so precious and crafted with so much love. I'm tearing up just typing this! It's beautiful, Charmaine!
Jeez - I cried too and I knit two of the squares!
Congratulations to the both of you on the arrival of baby Felix.
All of us are so excited for you three. We love you very much.
Ailsa
WOW - how special to have such lovely friends that care so much (gosh - seems like years ago when we made Sharon's one doesn't it).
Many many thoughts and congratulations on Felix and welcome to the club.
It makes me teary eyed seeing you with the blanket knowing that we all had a bit to do with. It turned out absolutely gorgeous, just like you. Congratulations on becoming a Mum and of course to Dad too!
My parents just moved to Abu Dhabi 2 months ago, my mother is looking for a good craft store with fabric for quilting, and making t-shirts. Do you know of any?
Oh what a very special blanket, I'm sure everytime you see it you'll think of your friends.
Congratulations on Felix again.
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