Knitting Grandmas Deliver Hand-Made Creativity to Newborns
Bringing home a newborn baby from the hospital is something parents never forget.
An area hospital is making sure that something else special comes home with parents when they leave the maternity ward.
On average, 14 babies are delivered a day at Maple Grove Hospital.
Each come with one-of-a-kind looks and families who anxiously await their arrival.
“It’s just really fun to get to see those families and congratulate moms and talk to excited grandparents in the lobby,” said Jennifer Nelson, manager of volunteer services.
Not only all are loved, all receive a special gift.
Ever since the hospital opened its doors 15 years ago, parents have received a hand-knitted hat for their bundle of joy.
“It’s just such a special part of the whole experience here at the family birth center,” said Nelson.
Hand-knitted hats for newborns to go home in displayed on table.
Knitted with Love
Maple Grove Hospital partners with a group called Knitting Grandmas and Friends, supplying them with yarn.
The group of about 60 volunteers gathers at the Maple Grove Community Center to turn the yarn into keepsakes.
“I would say average for a knitter is three or four hats a week, but there are more prolific knitters that will crank out ten in a week,” said Nelson.
And just like the babies, every hat is different and special.
“We have Norwegian patterns and cable knit, we have seasonal designs, so right now, a lot of Valentine’s Day designs are coming in to our office. We have all the different Minnesota sports teams, even some Wisconsin.”
More than 66 thousand hats have been knitted for newborns.
Special Homecoming Gift
Today, Kiera Marie was a recipient of one.
“Literally, we put it on her and it is a perfect fit,” said Kiera’s mom, Kristina. “Full disclosure, chose her hat based on the outfit she is wearing today.”
Kiera’s parents, Kristina and Collin Parish, say the gesture means a lot.
It’s something they will cherish forever.
“It’s so special because you don’t just get a standard hat, and you get to go through this box or bin and every hat is different,” says Kristina Parish.
The hats come with a tag with the creator’s name so people can thank the artisan.
The Knitting Grandmas and Friends group are a talented bunch.
Some have even won blue ribbons at the Minnesota State Fair for their handiwork.
