Presenting a new annypurls original pattern: Peace, Baby! Because really, when it comes right down to it, what better ambassador for peace than an innocent child wearing a hand knit pullover his mama lovingly made for him while he napped?
I think about peace, a lot. It's the mother in me. We are so lucky to live lives where we have the luxury to worry about stupid things like gauge and matching dye lots. And really, I don't think there is that much more than luck that separates me from a mother who is right now trying to protect her child from the savagery of war while mine are napping safe and sound. I just happened to be born here. That's it really.
During the Lebanon conflict (was that last year or the year before? I forget already) I saw a horrifying picture of a toddler, alone, crying in the middle of the street surrounded by crumbled buildings and the image will forever be seared in my mind. Julian was about the same age as this boy and I recognised that look for fear and helplessness in that child's eyes and I just wanted to jump into the photo, wrap my arms around that boy and never letting go. I imagined it being my son, separated from his parents as this boy was (were his parents injured, or worse?) while bombs dropped out of the sky and men brandishing weapons ran around, not one caring about his poor frightened soul. Just remembering the inhumanity of it all opens the floodgates.
This is not a political statement. It's not about who's fault it is, what's justified, or who's side I'm on. It's about one thing. Peace. It's about recognising that we are all one and that we have a responsibility to those who right now lay in war torn countries or refugee camps and who can only dream of peace.
My little sweater started out as a cute little keyhole sweater for my lemondrop to wear, but my hope is that it turns into a meaningful gesture of support and compassion for those who dream of peace.
Look for more details in the next few weeks as I work out extended sizes from newborn to preschooler. All proceeds of this pattern will go directly to an organisation that supports mothers and children who dream of peace. Whatever I can do...
Peace to you and yours ;0)
Beautiful handknits for a wonderful cause. So true how the innocents get caught in the middle. I am looking forward to getting your pattern and perhaps knitting a couple wee sweaters for those who are otherwise not at peace.
ReplyDeletewhat a great idea, and lovely sweater! (and the hat too - love the hat!) can't wait until you've got the pattern ready :)
ReplyDeletevery nice.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic idea, and so cute! You're truly an amazing designer. Great job!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I'm totally going to make this!
ReplyDeleteI love the neckline too.
Beautiful set, beautiful sentiment
ReplyDeleteI can only repeat what others have already said here. Beautiful pattern and beautiful thought. Oh yeah, beautiful baby too!
ReplyDeleteWell, you certainly seem to have recovered beautifully from your week of producing self-proclaimed 'knitting disasters'! The set is stunning and your little model Logan looks terrific in his new outfit (and also has absolutely gorgeous eyes!)
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely beautiful, both the sweater, hat and your words.
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern!
ReplyDeleteI am with you, it breaks my heart to see children in war and I have some awful images in my mind too.
You are right, we're are very lucky to be born here.
Lovely
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful! I can't wait until you have the pattern available. They would make good gifts to send out to those in need.
ReplyDeleteWell said.. lovely to read and beautiful garments. I have a similar moment when I see children in Africa crying in pain because of curable diseases but no treatment. I've held my baby while she coughed but I had medication for her.. the helplessness a mother must feel when there is nothing she can do opens the floodgates for me as well.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get this pattern:) It is very cute and such a wonderful idea-thanks!
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to make this!
ReplyDeleteOK, I MUST have this one too! Did you see that Sarah posted a tutorial on our blog on crochet embellishment?! Sounds like a match made in heaven!
ReplyDeleteYou are so clever!
What a wonderful sentiment! We just welcomed our second granddaughter into the world and there is nothing I wish for her more than a life filled with peace. I'll be anxiously awaiting your pattern.
ReplyDeleteThat's absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove the new knits! I love simple embellishments that make handknits so special!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, I can't wait for the pattern to be available!
ReplyDeleteAwww! Such a cute sweater, and such a great sentiment behind it!
ReplyDeleteDe-lurking to say that I have to disagree with your assertion that that sweater is not a political statement. It IS a political statement, and a very important one. Standing up in the name of peace is not about taking sides, it's about acknowledging that the victims of war who suffer the most are typically the innocent people at the wrong place in the wrong time, like children. Bravo to you!
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way, I think that's about the cutest baby sweater on the cutest baby I've seen in a long time!
Well written! Yes yes and yes. Can't wait for the pattern. Please keep us updated on which organization the proceeds will go to. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThis set is gorgeous (as is your little lad) and I commend you on this. I'll be buying when it's ready!
ReplyDeleteThat is a about the most beautiful little outfit, ever! Your baby is a beauty. I can't wait for the pattern.
ReplyDeleteAnny - let me know if you did not get my e-mails on this cute and adorable sweater. I am having delivery issues so want to make sure all 3 notes went through. Did I mention I love this pattern?
ReplyDeleteSo cute. I love the peace dove and peace sign.
ReplyDeleteYour post drew tears to my eyes. I know exactly what you mean--I can barely watch the news anymore, because my heart breaks every time I see the youngest and most innocent victims of crime and war.
ReplyDeleteWe are indeed very fortunate to live in a place where we don't have to worry on a daily basis about the safety of our children. It certainly makes you want to do all you can to protect the children in the world who aren't as fortunate.
I agree whole heartedly with you, because I have thought the same things before. That yes it is only that I've been born here (my children too for that matter), that we live such peaceful lives. While others live in constant conflict. Beautiful little hat and sweater, for a beautiful concept: Peace. May it become our reality one day :)
ReplyDeleteAdorable set!
ReplyDeleteanny- lovely sweater and a very lovely child. Your words are just what I needed to read today as my frustration has reached an all-time high with my teething 11 month old. Reminded me that we are very lucky and the situation could be much worse than the pain of getting teeth. Thank You.
ReplyDeleteNeed a test knitter? I need to make a few baby sweaters (ASAP!) and I'd love to test knit for you. :) otherwise, sign me up for purchase!
ReplyDeleteLove it!! I can't wait to make one for my own little guy. Thanks for the beautiful knits and sentiments.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, stunning pattern and wonderful story behind it. I am *loving* your embroidery.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful sweater and gesture.
ReplyDeletesuch adorable pictures!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a sweet and inspiring person... Keep it up! Count me in for a pattern too!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that Logan is one of the most gorgeous babies I have seen. I love the blue and mint color combo too, and the sweater and hat are just adorable. I think I will have to buy one of those patterns when you have it ready.
ReplyDeleteVery cute! And where do you find the time?!?!
ReplyDeleteLove the sentiment, love the colors. Can't wait to add the pattern to my collection.
ReplyDeleteWhat a bonnie baby. The outfit is lovely too.
ReplyDeleteJanet MF
The set is too cute! And the message of peace and hope is wonderfull. What a good thought.
ReplyDeletewhat a wonderful post I do believe that we all feel the same about the wars going on if only they would stop but I guess that is asking to much it breaks my heart and what you are doing is wonderful I wish you all the success the baby is just adorable and your sweater set is awesome.
ReplyDeleteAre you finished with the pattern yet? Huh? Huh? I can't wait! Thanks for donating to the charity. A great idea!
ReplyDeleteAdorable! You do such awesome work
ReplyDeleteLove it. I will be waiting for those extened sizes. Couldn't have said it better myself. Peace to you and yours.
ReplyDeletewonderful. i share your worries and concerns and feelings of great fortune and I applaud and admire your gesture. Fabulous woman you are.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful--the sweater and the intent. I'm looking forward to your pattern. I am definitely going to make one for my 3mo nephew.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing.
What a beautiful set! (and I don't mean that just because your chain stitch is so perfect looking- I mean it for the sentiment of peace too). I love the sweater, but I think the hat is my favorite part!
ReplyDeleteHello there - I'm not sure if this is the right place to contact you as it's not about the post - but I can't find a different way, so sorry if I'm doing it wrong!
ReplyDeleteI just thought you might want to know that the link to the Peter Rabbit pattern on your frre patterns links page seems to have been corrupted and now leads to one of those pages that won't let you out again. I had to log off to get away from it! It says something about debt-cleaning.
Thanks very much for all the great links by the way! well, apart from that one ;-)
Honor
Sweet idea, darling sweater, and beautiful baby!
ReplyDeleteis there a link yet to order the peace pattern?
ReplyDeletebeautifully done! and I love the cute pose!!
ReplyDeletehi
ReplyDelete