Warning: this post contains sensitive images or content which could upset some people, so please do not continue reading if you think you could be affected.
When i was a small child i was given this book about the Littlest Angel, which i have treasured since then. This post is also about Littlest Angels, those who are born at 21 or 22 weeks preterm and asleep.In many Maternity Hospitals around the world when these tiny stillborn babes are handed to their parents there is nothing suitable to wrap them in, so i have been asked to make tiny knitted wraps or pods for our Maternity wing in the local hospital. I did a lot of research and the pod design shown below seems to be quite acceptable, however i have added a hood to keep the back of the head secure and safe.
The garter stitch knitted pod above with a small (6 inch) doll comfortably wrapped up.
The pod showing hood and knitted tie above.
Unfolded, showing the size and the two attached triangles for head and lower body.
The foundation square from behind.
so it would not be as easy to share the pattern,
but if you'd like to try it then ask me privately. You need to know how to double knit or knit in the round with only a few stitches on board first tho.
The garter stitch knitted pod above with a small (6 inch) doll comfortably wrapped up. 
The pod showing hood and knitted tie above.
Unfolded, showing the size and the two attached triangles for head and lower body.
The foundation square from behind.I also made another pod first, this one is in stocking stitch and is double knit based on the hexagon pieces i made a couple of weeks ago.
I actually prefer this one as it looks more cocoon-like to me but the knitting was more complex
I actually prefer this one as it looks more cocoon-like to me but the knitting was more complex
so it would not be as easy to share the pattern,
but if you'd like to try it then ask me privately. You need to know how to double knit or knit in the round with only a few stitches on board first tho. My knitting group which meets at Bathurst Spotlight are inspired to make these garter stitch angel pods shown first above for our local hospital. I have been told that they need about one a month here, as otherwise they have nothing really suitable for the babes. If you are interested you could ask at your maternity hospital if they have a need for something similar.
I have published my pattern on a separate stand alone page, see the bar above for this pattern. If you have any questions about it then ask me and i will endeavour to answer them to your satisfaction. I do hope i haven't offended or upset anyone, this is a very sad topic but a very important one to try to offer comfort.
15 comments:
My dear, an act of kindness for a tiny needy one can not offend anyone. These are really lovely.
Bless you Kaite for these generous acts of kindness. What a tenderheart you are. My daughter was one month early. With medical care, she was fine. My heart broke for all of the babies in the NIC unit with her.
Anything for little ones and their families...anything...
Thank you.
You are doing a great thing there Kaite x
Hi Kaite what a wonderful woman you are. We have a group up here called Blankets of Love, they make little quilts with flannalette backing for the little ones that come too early.. so many kind and caring women out in the world.
hugs
The pod idea is sweet. I have made tiny quilts for preemie babies but also thought of the littlest angels who would need something smaller. I will contact the local maternity ward.
What a kind and generous gesture to wrap these littlest angels in your knitted love!
What a lovely thing to come up with. I hadnt heard of a need for these before but what a gift to have your child wrapped in such a way, when you hold him or her for that first and maybe last time.
Im currently knitting tiny coats for 'fish and chip babies' in Ethiopia...so called cos once born all the medics have is old newsprint to wrap the babies in before they send them home with mum, if shes survived the birth.
I prefer that first shown pod myself, a clever design tnat.
This is the most beautiful gesture Kaite xxx
In loving memory of my angel ^i^ baby born 16.5 weeks
Cat dear, i'm pleased you were able to visit and that this post wasn't too difficult for you.
Liniecat i hadn't heard of this need before either, not until i met up with a Midwife and got talking to her. I was offering to make tiny beanies for the preterm bubs but she asked me to do this instead.
Ulla let me know the outcome please, i could perhaps send you one of mine.
Annette the Blankets of Love idea sounds good too, such generosity springs up in many small communities.
Nancy i'm pleased to hear your daughter had a good outcome, but it must be so very very sad for the others who didn't make it.
So very generous of you. Many people do not act on the opportunities that come thier way.
Your good heart shines. Hug
Terry not really, it just ripped me and i had to do it.
Kaite this is one of the most beautiful things...and while it may hurt for some I am sure that no one is offended.
such a loving gesture. a little swaddling cloth that is also a shroud. i think this is amazing love, kaite.
Deb yes, a good way to look at it.
Velma exactly, a swaddling shroud.
Oh Kaite - you are doing something very special.
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