Virtual Baby Shower

My friend Afton had the idea that we should have a "virtual baby shower" for another lady on KnitTalk, who was missing out on our annual list gift swap due to being, possibly, otherwise occupied at the time. Semi-secretly Afton organized people to make items for Suzanne, and I agreed to be the collection and shipping point.

We had everything from socks to sweaters to blankets and bibs. One lady sent a tote bag with some teething items that will come in handy later, I am sure.

I thought that taking a picture of the gifts arranged around a rocking chair would be appropriate. Since I am the sending person, I didn't wrap my gift for this photo, but except for the tote bag [the giver said that she thought the bag was the wrapping for the contents], everything came wrapped: In the photo below, you can just see my wrapped gift in the corner. Luckily handmade baby gifts squish well, as the box was PACKED. I had to use the more serious customs form, and hopefully they will not give Suzanne and her husband any grief over the size of the box.

Below is a picture of the cardi I knit. My favourite pattern, and usually about a one-year size, which I think is more useful. I had hoped to find maple-leaf-shaped buttons and do something red-and-white, but the only ones I could find were olive green. Not the effect I wanted! So I used this colourful self-striping yarn which is mostly red-and-white, and found some fun and funky retro-looking op-art buttons:

I also tucked in some "stress relief" scented soap from a local maker, and some vanilla tealights, which are supposed to be relaxing. A new mother may need it!