Heirloom Booties

From LoveToKnow Antiques

Many families cherish heirloom booties, and pass them down for several generations. Even if you don’t have a pair of special baby booties that was handed down to you from previous generations, you can start your own tradition by giving a new or vintage pair of heirloom booties to the next child born into your family.

What Are Heirloom Booties?

There are many different styles of heirloom booties. They are typically crocheted or hand-knit. Some are very ornate, and feature lace, frills, embroidery, and pearl buttons. Others are very simple and utilitarian. You can buy new or vintage baby booties, or you can make your own if you know how to knit or crochet (or are willing to learn).

Many families outfit their children in heirloom booties for christenings and other special occasions. They aren’t thrown away or given to a charitable organization once outgrown. Instead, they become treasured keepsakes to be saved for the next child, or the next generation of children.

Some store these cherished baby booties in hope chests or otherwise put them away for safekeeping until needed for a new baby. Others choose to exhibit these special mementos where they are visible and can be enjoyed by family members and visitors. For example, individuals who collect dolls often display them on their prized collectibles. Others incorporate them into their home’s décor. HGTV offers craft and decorating suggestions for how to incorporate treasured heirloom baby booties into nursery décor.

Starting Your Own Tradition

Heirloom booties can make a special baby gift for the next child born into your family. If you are ready to start an heirloom bootie tradition, your next step is to decide if you would like to purchase new booties, search for antique booties, or make your own. No matter which approach you choose, the custom of passing down a special pair of booties to new children in the family is sure to become a cherished tradition.

Where to Purchase New Booties

The following retailers carry beautiful baby booties that are reproductions of vintage booties from the early 1900s, as well as more modern styles.

Where to Purchase Antique and Vintage Heirloom Booties

Keep in mind that finding true antique booties may require both patience and persistence. The following retailers stock antique baby booties and other vintage clothing items as inventory becomes available.

Making Heirloom Booties

There really is something special about handmade heirloom items. If you don’t already know how to knit or crochet, this might be a great time to pick up one or the other as a new hobby. The following retailers carry a variety of crochet and knitting patterns that can help you create vintage style booties for the infants in your life.

Other Items of Interest

If the idea of heirloom booties has captured your heart, you will likely enjoy the stationery and cards these retailers carry that feature heirloom baby bootie artwork.

  • Buttercup Kids features a number of stationery designs with images of vintage-style baby booties

The Beauty of a New Tradition

Few things bring families together more than traditions and babies. Introducing heirloom booties to your family can be a powerful and long lasting way to bring the generations of your family together with special memories and keepsakes.

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