OT: Exciting news!

Can't see what is wrong with the superwash wool - can go in the machine/dryer. All my socks are made with it, someone on the group can apparently attest to their longevity - will have to knit her another pair now.

I swear my older skeins of Red Heart are much softer than the newer ones.

What was the reason for the no-wool edict? It was a bit rude - no?

Not at all rude. I happen to be one of the unlucky people who really can't tolerate wool next to my skin at all without getting an itchy rash. I can wear a wool jacket or cardigan as long as there's something underneath and skirts and slacks need to be lined.

Lucille

I think so too. I won't make anything with it any more. It's not only scratchy as heck, their color selection is woefully stuck in another era as well. They do have a newer line that's touted as "soft", but it still doesn't seem as soft as other brands. I haven't tried it yet.

Jinx

Not that it matters now, but the last couple of baby sweaters I did were actually machine washable wool The superwash stuff, that you can use for socks, is also available in some really fine, lush, soft, baby yarn. I had the opposite - 2 moms who only wanted "natural" fibers, and point blank, cotton wasn't going to do it for winter babies (November & January). The LKS had a lovely stash of some Italian yarns that were machine washable wool. I love doing baby sweaters - it's about the only thing I finish - and quickly - it seems.

I expect you do as I do for the most part - if I'm going to make something for a gift, I actually ask first if I'm not sure I know the people well enough to be sure of the gift being loved - or at least liked.

My first baby quilt, I had picked out adorable fabrics, was really sure it would be so suitable, the couples colors, even some novelty print that suited them - and then the expectant mother told me she was having everything for the baby done in exactly matching pieces and didn't really want any extra quilts, etc. Oh, well. I still have the cut pieces - not yet sewn - but think I have another local baby that would be a good giftee for me - or I'll just finish it one day and donate it.

Ellice

Those are fabulous things to have and cherish. I have an afghan my DM made for me when I was starting 7th grade, and got new furniture for my room. I love this afghan - it's not huge, and made of bulky, soft acrylic - which she used so it would be washable. Went to college, grad school, and survived my prior marriages. And, I have a sweater that my DM knitted for my DF just before we moved from NY to FLA. It's a gorgeous royal blue mohair - I had it cleaned, and it just sits on a shelf in my closet - and I look at it. Not exactly my size, as dad was 6'5", and quite fit - but I've been thinking about having DH use it. Won't do for the DB in S. Fl. Similarly, we have an old XS that DH's mom made for him when he was a baby in the hospital and they didn't know if he'd make it home. The "now I lay me down to sleep" prayer. Fun to have these treasures.

Ellice

I'm currently thinking along those lines. If I get started before they know the sex, that will probably be the color.

Wow, me too! I know better than to spend an effort like that for a baby! lol

Lucky you!

Joan

Thanks for the suggestions, Jinx! I'll have to check them out.

LOL! I know *exactly* what you mean, and I daresay that would apply to most of us! =A0

Joan

I found some really nice yellow with the flecks of blue and pink in it - went either way just fine. Also got some pretty off white, same thing. And some aqua which I couldn't resist. Then there was the mom who wanted nothing but pink, pink & orange for the baby's clothes. But the room is all pale yellow, white and purple, with some pink. Yup. So I've been very, very, slowly doing a pretty funny XS from Cricket collection on purple PTP fabric with yellow highlights for the baby's room. Maybe she'll get it by her 2nd birthday - in January. OTOH, this is the mom who won't let anyone babysit - except a couple of adult friends (let's just say dad is starting to go crazy).

Wow is right. Ditto.

That is so nice.

Ellice

I think this is true. Children in our family will get a number of items. My oldest sis makes denim quilts and my mom crochets an afghan for their confirmation gift and Mom also makes quilts for their wedding gifts. She has about 10 quilts done and waiting! The kids can hardly wait to get them.

You are so lucky to have something like that!

Joan

You might say the latter is quite the antique now lol

I don't believe in pink and blue at all. Nor "pastels." I think babies look great in ALL colors...so I make crocheted baby blankets in purple, or maroon, or red, or forest green, yellow, orange...and they work!

sue

Well, Sue, knowing you this certainly rings true - as I don't think I've seen you in other than a bold color! I loved the bright orange/pink cotton ( a tweeded kind of yarn) that I made for "Serafina" - it is really bright and bold.

Ellice

Me neither. Why restrict the baby to a particular colour based on gender?? The last set I knit was a little maillot and square hat in lime and white stripes. (I did end up putting fuschia tassels on the corners of the square hat, so suppose that was sort of pink). The last hat was a terrific Ghengis Baby in a red thick and thin tweeded with bright colour blobs. I think bright colours are much more fun to look at.

Dawne

Me also neither! I made one a couple of years ago in a red tweedy yarn. I knew the parents of the kid I was making the set for would like it when they told me the nursery would be decorated in bright colors and they did.

Lucille

I guess you have a point there, Sue! I'll be checking out yarn today or tomorrow since Michael's is having a sale right now. They had some special from 1-3 yesterday, but I couldn't go then. :(

Joan