The ladies
When my crochet has a real name
Addyson…
In 2022, one of my coworkers told me he and his wife were expecting a baby. First, I asked if it was okay for me to make her something, and then I asked if he knew the gender of the child. He didn’t, but something in me did.
When I told him she was a girl, he laughed. When a few months later at the ultrasound proved me right, he couldn’t believe I somehow already knew.
Addyson was added to his family in October, and this layette was added to my completed crocheted projects.
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Addyson’s owls was a quick and fun project for me to make. With a “crib-sized” blanket, hat, matching booties, and little mitts to keep her from scratching her face with those super-sharp baby fingernails, the set was completed in a weekend.
As with everything I make, this one was meant to be used by the recipient. A simple little “granny-square” type blanket that has both flowers and owls spread throughout, I crocheted with the idea of creating a life-long “wubbie” that Addyson will cling to into adulthood.
I always choose the softest yarns for baby gifts because I truly want them to be able to use them against their skin. I know from experience that many babies are born with very sensitive skin.
A few months ago, I asked him if they let their daughter play with or use her blanket; he said his wife was so worried about ruining it that she had put it up. I encouraged him to have her bring it down and let Addyson get the full benefit of the blanket while she was still young enough to get attached to it.
When my daughters were young, I crocheted many things for them. Their first blankets, dresses, booties; I made them all, and I used them all. When my girls became mothers, I sent the saved baby clothing and blankets to them; I wanted my daughters to have that piece of their history.
My oldest daughter has taken one of her baby blankets and added to it. I’m not sure if she still has it, as she frequently sells and gives away the things she crochets; however, I hope she does still have that blanket.
My youngest daughter has lost most of what I saved from her childhood through moving, and just “tossing it out” because that’s what she does with things that seemingly have no real value or feel like clutter to her.
I always tell my crochet recipients that I hope they get many years of usage from the things I make for them, but I’m aware that people’s idea of what something material means to them can change over the years.
Another thing I’m also well aware of is the fact that some people aren’t going to use what I make and may just donate it, give it away, or the very worst thought possible — throw it away.
Honestly, I’m okay with people giving away or donating the things I create, but it truly saddens me to think of my hard work being tossed in the trash. Thankfully, if this has happened, I’m not aware of it.
Although I’ve yet to meet Addyson and truly might never meet her, I hope that she will carry her baby layette set into adulthood and use it for one of her children, too; that would be the ultimate compliment to me, the maker.
