Knits for Babies and Toddlers

When I saw the review that claimed this book was "booooring", I just had to leave my own review. I checked this one out of the library over and over until I knew I just had to buy it. These patterns are refreshingly different; not "hip", trendy, or funky, just adorable. There are two bolero-type cardigans for girls. One is a simple cotton blend with a seed stitch border. The other is an all-over seed stitch with a cable twist edging all sides. The girls' Fair Isle jacket is sweet and simple, with bands of Fair Isle on the collar, cuffs, and hem. I also love the Crossover Top, which is an adorable long-sleeved wrap sweater which you can embroider with bullion-stitch flowers if you wish. There is also a nifty little Fair Isle Twinset for girls: a puffed-sleeve crewneck, bottom-ribbed top with one inset of Fair Isle across the top, and a matching cardigan with an all-over Fair Isle pattern. If you feel like branching out into a little intarsia, there's a unisex pattern for the House, Heart and Flower Jacket and hat; the Heart, Star and Moon Blanket; a Scandinavian Jacket and Hat, complete with fir trees, hearts and moose!; Sampler Sweater (unisex also) with bands of bunnies, flowers, and sheep. There is even a pattern for a matching Striped Bag and Hat. For boys, I love the Nautical Jacket and Socks, Striped Tunic (a normal pullover, actually), the Hooded Seed Stitch jacket (chunky yarn, so works up quickly), Striped Romper Suit, Bodywarmer (sleveless zip-up vest with hood, cute little teddy bear ears on top!), and Three-in-One Guernseys. There are three blanket patterns, a bunny family with clothes to knit, and a felted little puppy. In total, there are at least 10 patterns for girls and at least 8 patterns for boys. My favorite is the Jacket with Lace Edging, a simple wool/cotton with a fitted bodice, slightly gathered skirt, and easy pointed lace at the hem and sleeves. The short stand-up collar and the bottom of the yoke are seed stitch. The author chose colors that I loved putting on my babies: navy, red, white, and of course lots of pastels. I own lots of Debbie Bliss books, and lots of others. I have yet to find a book that has so many patterns that I love. The photos are large and clear and the babies are absolutely adorable. Two caveats on this book, however. One, (big pet peeve of mine), no substitution information. No yardage, no CYCA number codes for the yarn weights. Rowan and Jaeger must have sponsored this book, because all of the yarns are by them. Most often used: Rowan cotton glace, wool cotton,Jaeger Aqua (all cotton), cashmere, baby merino. There is a little info in the front of the book on the yarns mentioned, so it is possible to come up with approximate yardage. Peeve number two: many of the pattern directions are for one size, and there are no schematics to help you make adjustments. As long as you're not a brand-new knitter, this book is a must. Everything is practical and comfy. A tip from Stephan

I have this book and have knitted two sweaters out of it so far. I have plans for more. The patterns are easy to follow and make up. I have had to substitute yarn as Jaegar and Rowan are not available in my area. The substitutions have worked out well. My favorite pattern is a bear sweater with ears... a really neat and easy made idea...

I rarely purchase pattern books, because usually only a handful of the patterns are original and interesting. This book was totaly different. Every pattern is worth making, and I've knitted up quite a few. These are not only beautiful, they're easy to read. I highly recommend it.

I was really quite surprised about what I found to knit in this book. They have a LOVELY moon, star, & heart blanket, 3 beautiful sweater swing jackets for the little princess in your life, a wonderful fair isle twin set for your toddler, and beautiful cardigans for anyone you know who is having a baby.A great book for the baby/toddler knitter's library.Happy knitting!Nanette of Fruitland, ID