Preggo Friends

Looks like people are getting pregnant on a regular basis these days. Almost every month I hear from some friend or family member--is there some schedule going around that I am not aware of?

So I have a gifting sweatshop of sorts going on. And before you ask--No, I dont craft for all my preggo friends/family. Over the years, I have learned the hard way...initially, I would make something for anyone and everyone...birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Xmas, babies. Most recipients were truly appreciative, no matter what the outcome. And then there were those--who wanted it, and at the same time, really didnt care much for it. It was just another something. (Hell Yeah. When was the last time someone gave you something handmade. I mean, truly handmade, not store bought, fancy-vancy, "I paid a zillion dollars for this, kinda handmade). I must admit that I was disappointed, border-line heart broken. I think people forget (or dont appreciate the magical phenomenon) that gifting something handmade is to someone is a literal translation of giving away a part of you.

Well. Then a year or so ago, one wise friend, Bitsy, told me that she only crafts for people who are deeply committed to her. Not to her craft, but to her philosophy about social justice and change, and her sensibilities about the ways in which handcrafting radically changes the ways in which we view this world. So simple.

Since then, I think about this every time I set out to make a gift. It has made decision making so much easier. Suketu and I also share similar life philosophies and politics--and he is a constant reminder...of the means, processes, and the ends.

So here is another gift. Anita, my friend from undergraduate school, is due any day. Over the years, we have talked so much about babies--I had promised her that my crafting gift to her would be a baby knit. I made a diagonal baby blanket--mindless garter stitch. Though I dislike the mindlessness, the results from the pattern are always stunning.

Pattern: Grandmother's Favorite (this is a dishcloth pattern--I just knit a huge size)
Yarn: Lion Brand's Cotton Ease in Terracotta
Needle: US 8
Size: 35 inches * 35 inches