When a new baby is born into a family that owns and operates a yarn spinning mill, he is showered with handmade hats, blankets, sweaters, socks, and more! Something about a new baby brings out the best in people – especially those who love to make things.

We welcomed Walter Lewis Wells into the family on November 26. He will grow up surrounded by wool and yarn!

His going-home outfit includes Baby Mitts by Susan B. Anderson and Owlie Hat knit with Cotton Fleece.

If you visit our mill this year, you may see our newest addition being toted around. Walter has already given his first mill tour in the front pack with his mom. He’s also been known to help his dad repair machinery while snuggled in his pack.

We wanted to share some baby knitting, crochet, and weaving inspiration from Walter’s extensive collection of handmade items.

Hand knits are awesome for newborn photography! We had newborn photos taken when Walter was 9 days old. Walter sported a giant Pom Pom hat (made with Nature Spun Worsted) – a popular look for baby photos this year. Our photographer even requested a set of these hats for future newborn photo shoots.

He also wore a Baby Surprise Jacket knit with Stratosphere.

Here he is posed with a handwoven baby blanket made with Cotton Fine yarn from Handwoven Baby Blankets by Tom Knisely. His hat is made with Cotton Fleece, called Circus Stripes from Baby Beanies by Amanda Keyes.

Walter has found that yarn is very comfortable for lounging in. Here he is in a box of Stratosphere giving the thumbs-up: it’s baby approved!

There’s nothing like snuggling under a hand knitted blanket while mom weaves on a loom nearby. Here he is with a beautiful Chevron Baby Blanket made with happy colors of Cotton Fleece.

Here is Walter, now almost 3 months, modeling his crocheted Little Lamb Baby Bib with a smile! This is crocheted with Cotton Fleece.

He has a number of sweaters still to grow into! Walter will be making his first appearance as a yarn salesman at the Interweave YarnFest next month – he will probably be modeling hand-knit items for the entire show!

We are so thankful for this bundle of joy and we feel so blessed by his wonderful handmade gifts–there are so many more that didn’t make it into this post. Knitting, crocheting, and weaving are some of the greatest love languages.