Well, since I have baby on the brain today, I'll chat for a bit about making baby gifts. Every month I hear from customers who are looking for suggestions for baby gifts. Sometimes it's really hard to know what to stitch for someone little, especially when they haven't voiced any preferences yet.

Many stitchers go for traditional baby subjects: ducks, bunnies, teddy bears, toys. These kinds of designs do look really cute in a baby room. If you're going to go to a lot of work, though, remember that in twelve years, this baby isn't going to think much of a picture of multi-colored pacifiers hanging on the wall. I'd stay small if you're thinking of traditionally "baby" subjects.

Another common theme for baby gifts is Noah's Ark. This works particularly well if you don't know the baby's gender (and you're starting in advance.) Noah and crew and the religious theme work, I think, for more years than teddy bears or ducks. The colors are often soft and muted, and would work well in many different decorating schemes.

I asked my sister-in-law a few months ago if I could stitch the baby's Christmas stocking (making sure someone else hadn't already put a claim on that job.) I have stitched stockings already for Pete and Anna (Shepherd's Bush stockings.) I'll do another in the series so they all match, and now I can pick one out, since I know it's a girl. Making a holiday ornament for the new baby would also be something fun to bring out every year. Afghans and quilts are also popular, but keep in mind that what goes into a baby usually comes back out (ugh!) You can also use waste canvas to stitch on onesies, hats, shirts, bibs, you name it.

You might also think further down the line and outside the box. What is this child apt to like in ten years? Twenty? Thirty? If the family is outdoorsy, stitch a wildlife scene. A "traditional" family might appreciate a sampler to commemorate the birth. A religious family might like an inspirational verse or scene. A needlework piece with a house could signify the importance of family. How about an angel. A tree or a garden piece?

Be sure to include your name somewhere on what you've made, either stitched into the piece itself, or written on the back. When framing, stay as neutral as possible (shy away from what's "hot" this year, because in ten years, it'll look passe.) Care instructions can also be helpful (remember not to spray the glass directly, but wipe with a dampened cloth. Drips running down under the glass wreck the mats and stitching. Laundering instructions help for blankets and clothing.)

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com