Crocheted Baby Blankets-A Special Gift for the Special Baby

The arrival of a new baby is a joy for the entire family. Friends and family gather round and can't wait to see and hold the precious child. Everyone brings gifts for the little one and nothing is more special that a crocheted baby blanket. The delicate weave of lace patterns makes the gift seem very fine and delicate. When you wrap your precious child in one of these crocheted blankets it almost seems magical and angelic due to its fine, soft, texture and appearance.

Crocheted baby blankets come in a wide variety of colors including some elegant pastels that enhance the appearance of the soft yarns. Of course there are a whole series of shades of traditional blues and pinks but there is also a host of other colors including ones made from a rainbow type yarn that weaves numerous colors throughout the blanket.

White crocheted baby blankets are also very popular for baptisms and christenings and just plain showing off the newborn at any number of occasions. There is something truly beautiful about seeing a newborn baby wrapped in a crocheted white blanket. Maybe it is as simple as the symbol of innocence that both the color white and the newborn baby represent or maybe it the pure cleanliness that white is so noted for.

Crochet was originally conceived as a way to weave clothing and blankets for the family at home. It is a craft that has considerable debated origins but what is known for sure that it has been in existence for hundreds of years.

One of the more popular historical theories is that crochet was designed as imitation to the more expensive lace and lacework that the common family could not afford. The crochet hook allows for creation of loops and weaves and open patterns common in lace work.

In some cultures the women would all gather together and crochet, much like Amish did with their quilting and crochet as they visited. For them it was a form of fellowship and socialization. Also in earlier times women did not have time to just sit and visit, their days were consumed by chores for sustaining the home and family. Crocheting was one of those chores. It was useful for making blankets, hats, mittens, baby clothes and warm clothing.

In some families the women would gather and crochet items when it was announced a baby was expected in the community. It was their gift to the child and to help the new mother with the necessary items. Still other families followed the tradition where the eldest female member of the family was expected to crochet a blanket as a gift for the newest expected member's arrival.

Today, crocheted baby blankets are popular as ever.  Giving the gift of a baby blanket is a time honored tradition enjoyed by all women.  It is a rite of passage from generation to generation signifying the welcoming of a new life into the family and the community. It is also a way of honoring the tradition of assisting the mom with some of the necessities that a baby requires.  All new moms love and cherish the gifts they receive for their infant.  Crocheted baby blankets are just one of those gifts and hopefully it will remain a time honored gifts for many more years to come.