Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies, and a Better World

I own a copy of this book and of Louisa Harding's "Natural Knits for Babies and Moms," which was a better book for a couple of reasons: the knitting instructions were more clear and the projects were more beautiful. In general, the projects in "Nature Babies" are cute, although some are not to my taste (the fit of some of the clothing items is too baggy to be really cute on tiny ones, in my opinion). I have made the cable beanie 3 times, and have really enjoyed making and giving this project. The chart for the decreases is a bit confusing, but following the written directions cleared up that confusion for me. I have also made several dolls similar to the ones featured in this book (Waldorf dolls, not patterns from this book) and they are beautiful, cute, and always well-loved. I did find it a bit strange that this book includes a pattern for a knitted bottle cozy, since most of the organic mamas out there probably breastfeed. In general, I have enjoyed having this book, and will continue to make projects out of it, but will get more use out of "Natural Knits for Babies and Moms."

Fall 2006 saw the publication of a number of books featuring knitting with organic yarns and "living lightly." Tara Jon Manning's Nature Babies, is one of two specifically geared to organic knitting for babies. Manning states in her introduction: "Nature Babies presents you and your baby with gifts and accessories that employ some of our Earth's loveliest materials and that fit the philosophies of a natural and holistic lifestyle." Manning's patterns follow her philosophy: "Live simply so others may simply live." By utilizing recycled and organic materials, Manning proposes that gifts for babies should help teach them that "less is more." The sections of Nature Babies are color-coded to help readers easily locate the projects. The first section (pages edged in red) contains projects suitable for novice knitters, intersperse with information on organic yarns. The second section (blue edges) are projects made with felt, and Manning suggests recycling old wool (and other all-animal fiber sweaters) to create these fun toys and hats. The third section (green edges) contains sewing projects, the fourth (yellow edges) is pattern templates and the final section (teal edges) provides instructions on various techniques. Throughout, Manning discusses imaginative play and the benefits of toys without batteries and flashing lights. Her theory is that "simple, natural toys absorb the child in a world of touch and fantasy...to develop a strong sense of the natural world and their place in it." Armchair Interviews says: Nature Babies provides a wide range of garments and toys that are sure to delight any new mother or baby.

This is a delightful new book of baby patterns with a twist; the materials used are either organic cottons (which I personally adore; they are so soft and cushy because they are not treated or dyed) --and recycled materials liked felted old sweaters. Now, organic cottons can be a tad pricey but for babies require so little yarn, you can afford to knit with the best. I love the idea of organic cotton because babies have thin, delicate skin. As to recycling, you can go to the thrift store or your own closet and felt good but worn-out sweaters of pure wool and make delightful fabrics to cut up and sew for baby toys or clothing. The patterns include: Hemp stroller tote Hoodie sweater Cable Aran sweaater Stripe sweater and knicker set Beanie Cotton Topper BOnet Bottle Cozies Argyle Vest Nursing shawl chenille robe and washcloth recycled wool jacket for a toddler Sherpa fleece pants and jacket hats of all sorts hot water bottle cover Toys: stars, blocks, bear, snake, doll, star babies, fairies, wizard, a mobile of felted stars There are templates in the back for cutting out the sewing projects and easy knitting instructions. Aside from a few more complex knit patterns involving intarsia (color knitting pictures) most are easy knit. A new mom will probably love this book and could furnish her entire nursery with items from the book. Very very cute and plenty of variety.