Though it's been more than 20 years, I clearly remember my time as a mom-to-be… those 9 months before I welcomed my first daughter into the world. I remember shopping for stuff I'd never heard of before (onesie, anyone?!), staying away from all the foods (and, yes, beverages) that wouldn't be good for baby, and reading everything I could get my hands on to prepare myself for motherhood. Yet, I also remember feeling alone. I was anxious and often overwhelmed… wishing I could slow down (or totally turn off!) my constantly spinning mind.
So what does this have to do with knitting or Izzy Knits? Knitting (and crocheting too) is a wonderful activity for settling the mind and calming the nerves, and we have just the thing to get you started!
I'm excited to announce the arrival of Izzy Knits exclusive Newborn Keepsakes Kit! This kit was developed especially for the soon-to-be-moms of The Stroller Club but is now available to anyone who wants to knit keepsakes for an impending bundle of joy. The included patterns are super simple, but the results are oh so sweet.
How the Kit Came to Be
It was San, owner and founder of The Stroller Club, who first planted the seed for this knit kit when she approached her friend Ariane Gallizzi (knitwear designer) to teach a beginners’ online knitting class for her membership. Ariane found the club’s mission compelling—to encourage expecting women to nourish their minds, bodies, and souls during their journey to motherhood through expert consultations, on-demand classes, and a supportive online community—so she gladly agreed.
Knowing that pregnancy (and post-pregnancy) can be stressful, both women recognized the value of knitting for its inherent, healthful benefits, including:
- engaging the mind and improving concentration
- eliciting the same benefits as meditation
- creating a sense of purpose
- resulting in a sense of accomplishment and pride
- providing a practical way to take a digital detox
- helping lower blood pressure
- alleviating symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression
In fact, Ariane herself said, "During both my pregnancies and especially post-partum, my love for knitting proved to be an amazing tool to care for my mental well-being. It relaxed me and gave me a wonderful sense of accomplishment."
In her Stroller Club class (which requires a membership), Ariane teaches new knitters the basics while making sweet baby keepsakes to share with their newborns. Non-members can learn any number of ways… perhaps from a friend or at their local yarn shop, or even by teaching themselves via YouTube! The five easy-to-knit items utilize basic skills such as casting on and binding off, knitting (knit stitches only!), changing colors mid-project, and basic seaming.
Since every knitter knows choosing the right yarn for a project can be tricky, Ariane recommends Izzy Knits' Newborn Keepsakes Kit, which she developed in close collaboration with me, Susan Watkins 🙂
What's in the Kit?
Each kit includes everything you need to make 5 Easy-to-Knit Baby Basics:
- 3 hanks Tatamy Tweed Worsted (1 each of 3 different colors)
- 1 pair knitting needles (ChiaoGoo US 7 / 4.5mm)
- 2 beech wood teething toys (1 ring + 1 your choice)
- 1 tapestry needle (#13)
- Patterns for 5 baby keepsakes (PDF digital download; designed by Ariane Gallizzi)
The yarn, which is 40% cotton/60% acrylic (machine wash & dry) and spun in the USA, is a favorite for knit and crocheted baby goods. The wooden toys are made of raw beech, without wax or resin. The knitting needles are made of bamboo.
Makes a Great Gift!
Since the kit serves as "recommended materials" for Ariane Gallizzi's introductory knitting class for members of The Stroller Club, consider gifting a membership with the kit as a baby shower gift. Or, if you want the joy of knitting these keepsakes yourself, get the kit then gift the finished collection to mom and baby when the little one arrives.
From San, Ariane, and me… congratulations and enjoy!