Depending on the complexity of the pattern, preemie clothes can often be created in one night. Hats and booties are especially marvelous gifts that the new mom can use right away. Blankets are also great, typically made in larger sizes so they can be used as the baby grows. Whichever project you choose, be sure to select an extra soft yarn that will be gentle on the baby’s skin. These same projects can be a lifesaver for a mother who has experienced a miscarriage and wants to channel her grief into something positive. Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) warmly welcome donations of these gifts, the effort of which may help a grieving mother work through her loss a loving way. Patterns for preemie hats are available from the non-profit Preemie Project. The invaluable, community-based charity was founded in 2005 to create knitted clothing and other soft products for premature babies in NICUs in Iowa. Among some of the more popular patterns:

Jester knitted hat pattern (easy) Basic knitted hat pattern (easy) Baby bunny knitted hat pattern (intermediate) Half-double crochet preemie hat (easy) Snowman crochet hat pattern (difficult)

In the hospital, the isolettes of the smallest preemies are typically covered with baby blankets and quilts to individualize them and provide a dark and quiet environment. Crib sheets are also warmly received by NICUs as they are both practical and easily personalized. Once home, parents will need blankets to help keep their preemie warm, especially during the transition from a heated isolette to an open crib. The great thing about blankets and sheets is that they are relatively easy to make even for the novice crafter. Among some of the more popular blanket patterns offered by the Preemie Project:

NICU crib sheet (easy) Snuggle tubes (easy) Blanket sleeper (intermediate) Self-edged knitted baby blanket (intermediate) Knitted or crochet baby blanket (intermediate) Knitted carriage blanket (intermediate) Knitted basketweave blanket (intermediate) Multi-colored crochet blanket (intermediate)

If you are a more skilled knitter, you can turn a pair of booties into a veritable tour de force, proving once again that the best gifts come in the smallest packages. Here some of the bootie patterns that the Preemie Project recommends:

Basic bootie pattern (easy) Ribbed preemie crochet booties (easy) Bicolored crochet booties (easy)