With the news of the royal birth has got me thinking about baby traditions.
Being the youngest of 5 siblings I have many many many nieces and nephews. One thing you could grantee was as soon as the news broke that a baby was on the way, my mother would dig out her finest patterns and needles…. and a Baby shawl was in the making.
The shawl would be gifted upon arrival of the bundle of joy . Baby would be wrapped in the shawl for its 1st trip home and used as a receiving blanket for the many visitors that would sure to come knocking on the door.
The same shawl would be used for the baby’s christening/blessing. It would then be packed away in a special box ready to be brought out when baby was grown and used as a wedding shawl, if baby was a boy then it would be gifted to his wife to be. Thus becoming a heirloom piece.
I have noticed over the years this tradition is fading out, Why! I always remember it as a special moment.. the gifting… the coming home.. the baby tightly wrapped in this cocoon of white lace, it was a sweet treasured moment.
So keep the tradition alive, and the next time you hear of baby news consider a baby shawl over a baby blanket.
Pippin Poppycock 
Would love to do a lacy baby shawl. Have done several but need a new pattern.
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Well your in luck Lynn.. My new shawl design is lacy.. It should be ready for release in May
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I agree. All my friends come to me for a shawl and I agonise over which one. Will it be roo lacy for babies fingers and toes etc
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I don’t do it often because of the negative comments and/or reactions I’ve received over the years upon gifting the item. I’m not a designer or artist, by any means, but my work has been well received, won a blue ribbon or two, etc. I love to crochet, but rather than give blankets, hats, etc. to someone who really doens’t want it (and thereby putting them in an uncomfortable position) I donate to various charities for the homeless, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. It seemed the best compromise I could come up with…lol
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Is there a pattern for the baby shawl? I would really love a pattern for it..I know a baby who will be born in December whose family would love one.
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Check out the gypsy Queen Shawl it can be made to any size. It’s listed under patterns
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