Last year I learned that October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. When I found that out I couldn’t help but think what I could do as a crochet designer to help spread awareness and love for this.
I have heard stories and know of friends and family members who have experienced such a loss. I personally have not experienced a loss like this but my heart goes out to those who have.
In 1988 President Ronald Reagan designated October to be Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
“When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, there isn’t a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes.“
I had an entire year to plan and think about what I could do for this. Finally I decided that I wanted to feature some crochet keepsake patterns. These keepsake patterns are something that can be small and made easily so they can be gifted to someone who has experienced such a loss. They are gifts to honor and remember.
↓ Pin this for future reference! ↓
How will this event work??
Each week this month a new crochet keepsake pattern will be featured. You can grab the PDF of that featured pattern for free for the first 48 hours.
This post will be updated each week on Mondays with the new featured pattern. There will be a photo of the design, a link to the designers blog post and a coupon code that you can use to download the PDF for free for the first 48 hours.
On the featured patterns day you will be directed to the designers post where you will look for the ‘download pattern‘ button. You will click that button and be directed to where you can download the pattern (most likely Ravelry) and enter the coupon code listed by the button.
There will also be several other patterns below (free and paid) that I will link to that will not be the ‘featured’ pattern of the week but these patterns can also make great keepsake gifts. Some of these patterns also have stories behind them pertaining to infant loss.
FREE Printable Gift Tags:
I created 2 styles of printable gift tags that you can attach to any keepsake gifts you might make. Click on the button below to download these tags.
Other Resources:
Here are links to some other resources and websites so you can further educate yourself and learn how you can help or participate this month.
- Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support: This website offers different services that can help in the bereavement process for parents and families.
- Remembering Our Babies October 15th: This website offers a Day of Remembrance on October 15 as well as other resources.
- Star Legacy Foundation: This is a 501(c)3 non profit that is a wealth of resources and support for those who have experienced the tragedy of loosing a baby.
Featured Patterns:
Week 1: October 5 – Angel Ornament Keepsake by Simply Hooked by Janet
- You can download the PDF to this pattern for free for 48 hours starting
Monday Oct. 5 at 9am EST through Wednesday Oct. 7 at 9 am EST. - Click the pattern link HERE and look for the ‘download pattern’ button on the post.
- Clicking that button will direct you to Ravelry where you will add the pattern to your cart and enter the
coupon code KEEPSAKEbefore you checkout.
Week 2: October 12 – Footprints On My Heart by CC by Fran
- You can download the PDF to this pattern for free for 48 hours starting
Monday Oct. 12 at 9am EST through Wednesday Oct. 14 at 9 am EST. - Click the pattern link HERE and look for the ‘download pattern’ button on the post.
- Clicking that button will direct you to Ravelry where you will add the pattern to your cart and enter the
coupon code KEEPSAKEbefore you checkout.
Week 3: October 19 – Heart Lovey Keepsake by Simply Hooked by Janet
- You can download the PDF to this pattern for free for 48 hours starting Monday Oct. 19 at 9am EST through Wednesday Oct. 21 at 9 am EST.
- Click the pattern link HERE and look for the ‘download pattern’ button on the post.
- Clicking that button will direct you to Ravelry where you will add the pattern to your cart and enter the coupon code KEEPSAKE before you checkout.
Week 4: October 26 –
Other Crochet Keepsake Patterns
Below you will find a list of several other crochet patterns that can be made as keepsakes. Some of these also have a story behind them pertaining to infant loss. Some of these are pad patterns and some are free patterns.
Lillie's Dream Pattern
I'm so happy that I have the opportunity to share this awesome design with you. I love that every aspect behind this design has a specific meaning. I encourage you to take the time to read the post that describes the story and meaning behind this design.
A quote from the designers page "Dedicated to those that have been touched by infertility, miscarriage and still birth. Lillie’s Dream is a journey of hope, faith, love, strength, endurance, heartbreak, acceptance and happiness.'
Something else that is awesome about this pattern is that "$2 from each sale will be donated to Sands Australia, Sands help families who have suffered the loss of a child from miscarriage, stillbirth or after birth death."
Angel Wings Pattern
These Angel Wings make for a great little gift to pass on to someone. The designer encourages you to 'use it to remember those you have lost, or spread love to someone in need.' A great way to remember someone gone, especially an Angel Baby.
Free Pattern – Angel Ornament
Here is another Angel themed crochet pattern that will make for a great keepsake gift. This can be worked up in under an hour.
Thank you for this. In 1985 there was no recognition for stillbirths. Mine was at 38 weeks. Can’t wait for the heart with booties to be released. I’ll have it to put on my tree in remembrance.