The Outfit .... yes, for burial

I finally finished the outfit (all except ties in the back) that goes with the preemie's boy burial set I was working on. Quite a challenge since these usually need to be left open in the back due to the babies' delicate nature and the necessary ease of dressing therefore. Lost ya? In other words the babies are fragile and any burial outfit needs to be easy to put on.

Since this doll is a little overstuffed, a preemie body would be smaller so it would fit a little looser (sorry still no pic yet) than the doll I have it on. The bonnet is very simple and not frilly at all for a boy yet elegant. The outfit is somewhat of a sleeper without the long legs (may try a version of this later)and no sleeves. It is based on my Preemie Onesie but made very different at the bottom.

The pattern itself must be written out in detail so it will not be in this post but I will have it up as soon as I can get the details written out. So you will have to be in suspense until then....

Preemie Boy Bonnet

I'm working on a set for a preemie boy- I decided since I had come up with a pattern for what will probably be burial booties, I needed to come up with a set. Since there's tons of patterns out there for preemie girls' burial, this one will be for a boy. Maybe more than one option. Depends on what I come up with. Here's the Bonnet, a very simple pattern- sorry no picture yet.

2-3lb Bonnet to go with booties

Baby yarn- 1/2 to 3/4 ounce Main Color
for bonnet and booties on previous post
About 2 yards of coordinating color
for ties on bonnet and booties

Note: Chain 2 counts as first stitch in each row.

G hook

Chain 34

Row 1 Hdc in 3rd chain from hook (on first row) and each chain across.
Rows 2-10 Hdc in each chain across, chain 2 and turn.

At the end of Row 10 finish off, leaving about a 6" tail. Weave tail through every other stitch on last row and gather to form the back of the bonnet. Tie or join with a slip stitch using a crochet hook to other side of bottom row of back. Weave in ends or you may tie a bow at the back of the neck.

Using same or coordinating yarn, cut a piece approx. 16" long, weave through the sides and top of the front of the bonnet to form a tie. I prefer to use the yarn especially on non-burial bonnets since some ribbon may irritate a live preemie's delicate skin. If used for burial, however, you may use either you wish.

Will come up with a pic as soon as possible.

Quick Medium Preemie Bootie

I posted this one a couple of days ago and made a correction or two. Like I said it's not an original design but my own details and idea. Sorry no pictures yet.

Quick Medium Preemie Booties

2 strands baby yarn or 1 strand soft sport or worsted weight
I used 2 strands Caron Cuddlesoft.
G hook
Note: Chain 2 counts as first stitch in each row

Chain (19)21

Rows 1-3: Hdc in third chain from hook and each chain across. Chain 2, turn. At the end of row 3, turn but do not chain 2.

Row 4: Slip stitch in first 5 stitches, hdc in each stitch across to the last 4 stitches, chain 2, turn.

Row 5-6: Hdc in each stitch across.

Leaving ankle part open, Fold bootie in half and slip stitch in ends of row 4 and 5 and join top of foot, toe, and bottom of foot with a slip stitch. Finish off and turn bootie inside out. You may use a piece of yarn or ribbon to tie ankle part closed or leave it open, your choice.

I haven't measured these yet but it should fit a medium size preemie maybe 2-3lbs. or so.

I love Bev's pattern for a Preemie Hat in the Round with this pattern, they make a great set- don't have the link handy to the pattern but it's on the preemie baby part of her site. http://www.bevscountrycottage.com

Pattern change - please read and pass along

If you've ever printed off a copy of my Marla's Preemie Shell Afghan or Marla's Baby Shell afghan from my website, this blog or Bev's Country Cottage or other site, please go print off a new copy.

I had to change both patterns a few days ago due to a crucial error in the third row on each one. Sorry for any mix up this may have caused. Very experienced crocheters may have been able to figure out what was missing but some others may have missed it. Hope you'll use these patterns to donate some baby blankets!

In Addition please pray for the family of Chris Copeland. Chris was killed this week in an auto accident. His sister Jodie has been my best friend for 25 years, ever since first grade.

I haven't posted any patterns in a while- here's one for a quickie preemie bootie I made up. I know there's some similar ones out there that are purely coincidental. I just happened to think this one up, it's not an original design but my own idea.

Quick Medium Preemie Booties

2 strands baby yarn or 1 strand soft sport or worsted weight
G hook
Note: Chain 2 counts as first stitch in each row

Chain 21

Rows 1-3: Hdc in third chain from hook and each chain across. Chain 2, turn. At the end of row 3, turn but do not chain 2.

Row 4: Slip stitch in first 5 stitches, hdc in each stitch across to the last 4 stitches, chain 2, turn.

Row 5: Hdc in each stitch across.

Leaving ankle part open, Fold bootie in half and slip stitch in ends of row 4 and 5 and join top of foot, toe, and bottom of foot with a slip stitch. Finish off and turn bootie inside out. You may use a piece of yarn or ribbon to tie ankle part closed or leave it open, your choice.

I've also been doing some knitting but not ready to venture into making patterns there yet!!

Brrrrr it's cold outside

Hope everyone's staying warm- we're freezin here at highs in the 20's and 30's but I know many people have it much colder. Hope all you crafters are making lots of warm items either for yourself or to share with those less fortunate.

I've been doing some crocheting lately and a little knitting- it's been hard since Scott had surgery a week and a half ago. He's doing fine, just got him still home from work and in my hair so I can't get much done.

Been doing more cleaning out all around- trying desperately to keep the junk factor down but also getting ready for a yard sale in the spring.... debating what's worth keeping around til then and what to get rid of ASAP. I've put some things on Freecycle, took another batch to Goodwill and still cleaning out. Cleaning out some things from my booth downtown too that haven't sold and debating what to put in yard sale there and what to offer on Freecycle or take to Goodwill.

More than likely will stay inside for tonight- cooooold out there. Check out bevq.blogspot.com- she's got a new pattern or two for charity purposes on her blog last day or two! Have fun!!

later all!!

Well the Prodigal returns....

Well, the Prodigal (ME) is checking in again. Busy busy busy lately, but I do have to refute one comment- Mimi said I put her to shame washing and putting things up etc.... YEAH RIGHT!!! My dear come on over from MO to KY and take a look at my beautiful house! Junk everywhere, Christmas stuff (including gifts and boxes from) still strewn everywhere because I haven't found a place to put them yet. Then come into my spotless kitchen with the dishes in the sink and laundry next to the washer and dryer and clean waiting on the table to be folded or hung.... Cleaning house... yeah right!! I need to be but as you said, a woman's work is never done. Especially with one of those husbands that has a recliner and a tv!!!

So yes, I have been working at cleaning things out.... just not cleaning UP or working at it but barely making a dent in this mess. I feel like throwing everything out and starting over!!

My Computer/Craft/Yarn room is a total wreck of stuff I haven't been able to part with, mostly YARN and UFO's... unfinished objects. Chances are it will either be finished quickly or go to someone who can. That's about the only way I can organize so much stuff is to get rid of loads at a time that's unusable or not being used.

OK enough writing- I know I am missed, but if anyone misses me that much they can come down and help me sort out this mess and deal with a messy husband.... I love him but I'm about to trade him and his messes to the Indians. Of course, by Sunset I'd be ready to trade again and get him back.... LOL Maybe one of these days I'll even have time for crocheting and posting patterns again!

Speaking of husbands, tests confirmed it- he has gallstones as well as a hiatal hernia which can both be fixed in one operation so we have an appointment with a wonderful surgeon I know of next Tuesday. He has saved the lives of two people I love very much already (literally) and also took my dad's gallbladder out several years earlier. He is the one (with God's help and guidance) who pulled my grandfather out of a massive amount of cancer three years ago that would have otherwise been terminal in a couple of weeks and at a time when noone else would even take the chance to operate on him. He also saved another dear friend's life several months ago who was told she only had a few months to live due to cancer. As of about a month ago, she is at present Cancer free. I have absolutely no hesitations letting him take care of Scott, but please do pray for us anyway that the healing will take place quickly.

Till next time everyone!

Marla

More cleaning out....

Here we go again with the cleaning out phase.... seems it's never enough. I've been cleaning out trash, unusable items for Freecycle or our Church's Benevolence room to give to someone in need, etc. So far several items have gone- our old Stove went to someone needing one (We got a new one for Christmas!), some odds and ends and books that are just collecting dust went on Freecycle with more to go, and noone has picked up the microwave on Freecycle so it will go to church Sunday to give to someone.

In the midst of it all I've been trying to crochet a couple of preemie caps and a small teddy bear. No hurry on either project so they are relaxing. Just some in-between-projects crocheting. Scott is doing much better and went back to work from vacation and sick leave tonight. They haven't officially told us the results of his tests this morning but the girl did tell him today she saw some stones in his gall bladder so I am sure they will at least suggest that coming out sooner or later.

Just thought I'd check in- I haven't had time to work much on my knitting lately but I'm determined to get back to it so as not to forget it. If I can just master baby hats and maybe booties I'll be satisfied- I can crochet the rest!

Speaking of Freecycle and giving, I had left some books out for a lady I know on my group today and when I returned home there was a huge sack on my porch. Scott said "Look, someone left you a present!" I didn't see it and said "What the heck are you talking about??" Then I saw the garbage bag on my porch and went to investigate thinking it must be a wierdo neighbor's prank to leave garbage on the front porch. I opened the sack and it was FULL of jeans and a couple of pairs of shorts which I needed badly and had asked for a couple of weeks ago on Freecycle and forgotten about since noone replied. I have had SUCH a terrible time finding decent jeans lately- most of mine, the legs if nothing else are worn to a frazzle and even if I could afford the ones in stores they're crappy looking at present (I hate the "style" that's out right now... such a crappy looking wash and design) and more importantly haven't been able to get the new "trendy" ones to fit. If they fit in the waist, they don't in the seat or the crotch or so on... you get the idea. Come to find out they were from the lady who picked up the books- she had seen my request and her daughter had just cleaned out her closet. I am so grateful even though I haven't been able to try them all on yet to see how many I could wear.

I'm not complaining though, but that is almost worth the added laundry to the countless loads I have around here to do or put up etc. Mom folded some while she was here the other day but I have been so busy they are still sitting on the table. Think Scott put any up? Of course not. Usually I make him at least put up a few of his but he hasn't either lately so more laundry is sitting around. At least I can tell Clean from dirty.

So with laundry and cleaning out, I'd better get back to the houseWORK!! Later all!!