Bereavement Bereavement Crafting Guidelines

Colors for Blankets and other Bereavement Items

Soft pastels work best. These colors complement the babies in photographs. Acceptable colors include soft shades of pink, blue, green, yellow, peach, green and variegated yarns.
White blankets are also needed for Christening/Baptismal purposes.

Yarn Selection

Soft baby yarn is preferred. A smaller gown is best in a lighter weight yarn or the tiny child will be overwhelmed by the weight of the garment.
Do not use excessively old yarn for these garments. Even the best baby yarn will become brittle and dry with age.

Sleeper Sacks

We need sleeper sacks of all sizes for both boys and girls. These are best in soft pastels. White sleeper sacks are appropriate for Christening/baptismal packages, especially the tiny sizes.

Gowns

As requested by the nursing staff, we donate gowns and other outfits to be used for bereavement purposes and for Christening/Baptism.

<1lb and 1-3lb sizes should have at least a partial sleeve and no elastic. Sleeves are not essential for the larger sizes.
They need to be long enough to cover over the feet. Please refer to our measurement guide for proper neck to foot length for each size.
If the pattern is excessively holey, please line the skirt with a soft fabric.
Bereavement gowns are best in pale pastels. If you choose to make a bereavement gown in white, include some pastel trim or lining to bring out the color.
Solid White gowns and outfits are needed in all sizes for christening and baptism. Christening/baptismal gowns should be long enough to flow over the feet.

Blankets

2/3 Of our bereavement blankets are used for receiving, holding, and burial. These blankets need to be in soft pastel colors, both solid and variegated yarns
1/3 Of our bereavement blankets are used for Christening and/or Baptism. These blankets need to be white. The NICU informed us that often parents wish to Christen/Baptize their babies when they are born in critical condition.

The Preemie Project continues to be non-secular. However we have chosen to support needs identified by the UIHC nursing staff.