Last week I became an Aunt for the very first time.*
One of my sisters had a baby boy and I can report, completely objectively of course, that he is one of the cutest little babies ever to be born.
I’d been knitting a blanket for the new arrival for a ridiculously long time, but of course it still wasn’t finished when he arrived, so I did a bit of frantic knitting while we were staying in Shropshire and managed to finish the second half in approximately one hundredth of the time I did the first half.
Together with the blanket, I put together a whole little new baby present pack. Here’s a photo of the whole thing.
I made three little babygrow tops, in the same style as the baby carrot set I made for my own sproglet, and using my tried and tested method of iron-on transfer paper. (I’ve got a step by step tutorial for doing this, if you’re interested: how to transfer images to fabric.)
I used a vintage bicycle image (which you can find at the Graphics Fairy: vintage bike) because the baby’s Dad loves to cycle. I love the caption underneath: “the dandy horse.”
For the second babygrow, I found this lovely balloon image, with the word “TOYS” emblazoned across it (also from the Graphics Fairy: toys balloon). Perfect for any child, really…
And the third babygrow reads, “D is for the dirigible, a motor driven balloon.” The baby’s name starts with D, as I’m sure you guessed, and this was far more appealing to me than “D is for dog”…
Then I made another pair of the baby trousers in the same elephant fabric I used recently for Laura’s baby. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, I can’t stand the persistent blue-for-boys and pink-for-girls, so I always like to use any other colour that I possibly can.
And, in an amazing instance of learning from my own mistakes, I lined the elephants all up in a straight line this time, so none of them were diving off a cliff. Look, look!
Finally, the blanket. It’s called the baby chalice blanket and is a free pattern by Karen S. Lauger. You can see full details on my Ravelry page: baby chalice blanket.
The pattern is really beautiful, when finished. Intricate, but yet quite bold too. I found it less pleasing to knit than my previous shale baby blanket which was exceedingly simple to remember, but the overall result is really lovely.
I used a Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino yarn, which is just lovely to knit with (though not cheap…) I think I could have used a slightly smaller pair of needles, actually, but it’s never worth worrying about that sort of thing at the end of the knitting.
She was pretty happy with the box, I think. Lots of things to dress my tiny nephew in, when he gets a little bigger…
*If that wasn’t exciting enough, I’ll also become a double Aunt in a few weeks. When I get married, my partner’s niece will officially become my niece too. (I already call her my niece, in fact, but if I do so in his earshot, he always says to me, “She’s not your niece, she’s my niece…”)
It’s been a little while since I’ve joined up with any link parties, but I’ve just seen a new one that’s started on one of my favourite blogs, Dream a Little Bigger, so I’m joining up there this week. Also back to my old favourite, Brag Monday at the Graphics Fairy. And finally remembering to link up with Handmade Monday, A UK-based link party (hooray! they are few and far between) on Handmade Harbour run by the very lovely Wendy Massey who I met earlier this year at the Pinterest party.
Related articles:
- If you’re looking for something to make a new baby, I’ve got a free tutorial and pattern for a baby bib
- Or take a look at my tutorials page for more projects that use lovely vintage images
Wolves in London 
Lucky baby and lucky sister to get such a lovely gift box! Well done you :o) I use undyed baby alpaca yarn for baby blankets because it is super soft and is lanolin free so less likely that baby will be allergic. It feels lovely to knit (or crochet) with and once blocked it becomes amazingly soft and light. Not cheaper than brands like Debbie Bliss, but in another league entirely to work with. Treat yourself next time you do a baby knit, bet you will love it!
Such a beautiful gift. Every single item a treasure. Compliments to the maker.
So beautiful … I’m sure you sister will treasure this love filled gift … Bee xx
Thanks all for your lovely comments. There’s something so nice about making a present for someone special, isn’t there? I’ll have to hurry along some other siblings, so I can try out some more tiny baby items!
a wonderful gift! I can’t imagine how much work went into this! The little onesie with the bicycle on it is my favourite and the blanket is stunning!
Home crafted goodies are the best in my opinion as it shows how much thought and love went into it all. The blanket is a lovely pattern, and the little elephant trews are so cheery.
Oh, Goodness. I am not sure what I love the most – the whole set is amazing. I love that you used the word dirigible. Such a good and underused term! And that blanket is gorgeous. The whole set was so lovingly made and it comes through. I’m positive that babies can pick up on these things. Well done.
Oh, and thanks so much for linking up!!
What an amazing gift. Your nephew is one very lucky boy.
Lovely new baby set and the elephant trousers are fabulous! The blanket is very delicately pretty – it looks hard and fiddly to knit and is a very kind gift for your nephew. [Patchwork Fairy http://patchworkfairy.com/diary-of-a-crafty-fairy/ ]
What a beautiful gift box. I am sure she was delighted. Love the pictures on the babygrows.
What a lucky nephew! your gifts are gorgeous….wish I had known about the transfers when my kids were babies. Will now have to wait for grandkids….sigh….
Thanks Leeanne. The transfer paper works great for adult T-shirts too! I made my partner one with a shark and one with an octopus (he likes fish, ha ha) and they look really good as well…
What a wonderful Aunt you are! A gorgeous gift box to recieve. Your blanket is wonderful x
Wonderful collection. I’ve used that Dandy Horse too and intend to use it again…and again! (via Graphics Fairy as opposed to the WordPress reader which I never seem to have time to go through!)
The whole ensemble is gorgeous – and so marketable. Not sure which I love best think the babygro with the promise of toys may just be the winner. Cx
A whole balloonful of toys has got to be pleasing, hasn’t it?!
What a fantastic gift idea, I’m sure it will be treasured for years to come.
Now this is (objectively) the cutest baby gift box ever! How lucky is your nephew. I am particularly jealous of these babygrows, too bad I am too old to wear any 😉
I think the dandy horse picture, in particular, would look great on an adult T-shirt. Perfect for a serious bike lover!
Congrats on becoming an Auntie. I became one 4 years ago and burst into tears at home I was sooo overwhelmed lol! Love the baby grows – very original and hope if design more I hope they sell for you to o.
Lesley & ray
Bath Bomb Creations & Grumpy Joe’s Pet Care
I have it on very good authority that both the sister and the baby were completely thrilled with such a gorgeous present! He loves wearing his clothes and sleeping under his lovely blanket. What a lucky bambino!