Crochet octupus for premature babies

[Megatherium]

Anyone want a new project?

www.eveningexpress.co.uk/fp/news/local/gr-eight-way-to-help-babies/

www.facebook.com/notes/preemiesuk/crochet-octopus/1473325799397846

[BarchesterFlowers]

Completely lovely and made me slightly teary. I will definitely do this.

DD spent 13 weeks in the NICU, I would have loved one of those, both to have with her in the NICU and to have in our NICU box at home.

We made friends who we are still in touch with 10 years on, some of their babies never came home . I think it would be lovely to have something that can stay with your baby whatever happens.

Odd, when you realise that something still really affects you - the sight of a tiny baby in the NICU and it all comes flooding back.

[Bleurghghghgh]

I was 6 weeks prem and my mum is constantly crocheting something so I've passed this on to her as she'll definitely want to get involved - thanks OP

[TheFlis12345]

My best friend's baby was given one of these when he was a teeny thing in NICU and was always clutching it. He still does sometimes now he is home and healthy

[ItchyFoot]

I love this. May have found my new project.

[Fairyfellowsmasterstroke]

My DD is a staff nurse and asked me if I'd consider making some for her local NICU. So here's a pic of my slightly sqiffy offerings!!!

I used Stylecraft Classique cotton yarn and a stuffing which is washable at 60*C - this ensures Octopuses (Octopui??) can be sterilized before use.

With my tension each 50g ball made 1 octopus.
Definitely a lovely cause to be involved with.

[MistyReturns]

I so wish I could crochet. Knitting fine. Crochet eludes me. Although this has given me renewed vigour to master it!!!

[poppadoppadom]

I am doing this. If you are interested, I suggest joining the fb group 'octopus for a preemie'. Once made, you send the octos to a co ordinator who checks them and sends to the hospital. Those that don't make the grade are then sent to a charity for angel babies.

[poppadoppadom]

Oh and there is a knitting pattern too

[BarchesterFlowers]

I have downloaded both patterns, I might knit, I am not a bad knitter and think I prefer it to crochet.

[SoupDragon]

This is on my list of things to do. I have a box of "left over" over purchased cotton yarn that should do the job. I have a Chernobyl blanket winging its way for construction first though.