Tiny Babies (in their beds)

I knit. I knit a lot! I also crochet...not as much as I knit, but lately a little more than usual. Because every once and again I get a bee in my bonnet about something I'd like to make. Last time it was a beaded lizard. This week, it's all about dolls. 

When I was a little girl, my grandmother gave me a little Cradle Purse, complete with a doll, blanket, mattress and pillow. I don't know if she made the purse or bought it, but I remember that it had a plastic bottom, cut from an oblong shaped bottle of bleach. There were holes punched at the edges of where the bottle had been cut, and crochet stitches were worked through the holes to cover the cut edge before the skirt, hood and drawstrings were worked. 

I loved this little Cradle Purse, and I carried treasures in it well into my teens, although I did sometimes hide it from my friends by stashing it in a larger bag. Long after I had lost the doll and accessories, I used the purse/ cradle to care for my high school Family Living class "egg baby." (Bring the egg everywhere for two weeks to learn what having a baby is like...not so realistic, but not a bad lesson.) Long story short, the egg and I survived, with fond memories. :) I'm not sure when I finally misplaced the little purse. 

Fast forward to my 40-something years, and I found a pattern. I made three Cradle Purses using that online pattern which did not use a plastic bottle or butter tub. They were ok, but I wanted a flatter base. Now that I'm in my mid-50s, why not revisit this bit of nostalgia? So I looked up all the patterns I could find, then I decided to rework the pattern as I want it to be. 

Ive made three so far, each a bit different as I go, and I think I'm almost there. If my notes are good, I may write it up...we shall see. And just for fun, I have 12 tiny babies (4" long dolls) to add to these creations...although there may not be 12 purses made. Lolz...

Maybe I'll add little blankets and pillows, but that remains to be seen. (Who am I kiding? I'm probably going to do that...but I have not done it yet. 😉 )

I am thankful that my grandma left me with this memory, and maybe I'll find a girl (or 12!) to share new memories with, too. Regardless, I'm sure enjoying the nostalgia of this project! 

What are you working on this weekend? Whatever it is, I hope that it is bringing you joy! 

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit (or Crochet?) in Good Health!

Using yarn leftovers for
a riot of colors!