the blue blog archives: baby books

In the comments on my last post, Meghan asked for recommendations for baby patterns. I don't have too many books with baby patterns, because I don't have too many friends with babies to knit for, but I my favorites are Double Knits by Zoe Mellor and Pipsqueaks from Kim Hargreaves. Of course, the Phildar layette and baby catalogs are also wonderful. (You can see the most recent ones at the Phildar website or browse through them all here. The latest one is available in english at knit 'n tyme.)

From what I hear, a lot of people really like Simple Knits for Cherished Babies and if I expected to make a lot of baby items, I think that would be the next book I'd pick up. And, in my humble opinion, you just can't go wrong with any of the Debbie Bliss baby books.

posted by alison at 4:41 pm | in baby things

Comments

Ee! An entire post as a response...I feel dorkishly special. :) Thanks for the suggestions--I've seen some Debbie Bliss books, but I hadn't even heard of Phildar layettes. (I've never knit for babies before, so I haven't really paid attention to what was available.) Anyway, thanks again; it's really sweet of you to help.

Posted by: Meghan at April 2, 2003 7:43 PM

I just picked up a baby book that I like a lot, Knitting For The Baby by Melanie Falick and Kristin Nicholas. In my experience, the more washable the fabric, the higher the chances the baby will actually wear the item. I can't imagine a new mom draping a baby in a cashmere sweater and then having to hand wash immediately after the first sign of spit up, but maybe I am just a lazy mom? There was a great series of comments on Stacyjoy's blog last week about patterns for babies. We all agreed that Elizabeth Zimmerman's baby leggings are highly underrated, I could have used five pairs last winter.

Posted by: Amy at April 2, 2003 10:13 PM

Hey Amy! Of course, Ms. Knight was clearly on something when she suggested using cashmere for baby clothes. The patterns are great though. I'd probably substitute the yarn with a mashine washable cashmerino or something like that.

I wanted to also mention the great little FREE patterns by Kristi on her site the domestic sphere. I'll be making the bigger bulky baby bibby for sure!

Posted by: alison at April 2, 2003 10:33 PM

I also vote for Knitting for Baby by Melanie Falick and Kristin Nicholas. I have made 4 items from it and have a few other projects picked out. It also started me on my baby bootie binge.

Posted by: Melissa at April 3, 2003 6:06 AM

i like all the jil eaton books, minnowknits, etc. i think she has 4 or 5 books out now. her patterns are fast and colorful, hardly a pastel in the bunch. her garmets are sized very generously, i appreciate that. seems my chidren always grew at the speed of light. just my 2 cents.

Posted by: lisa at April 3, 2003 7:23 AM

WOW! What great books you get your inspirations from. I can see why you knit up such cute stuff! ;)

Posted by: ~Jo~ at April 3, 2003 9:40 AM

Don't overlook the Leisure Art pattern folders for baby layette items. I picked up two yesterday at JoAnn's Fabrics. Each has four layettes in it. One folder is for worsted weight yarn so would knit up quick for baby shower gifts.

Posted by: Charlotte at April 3, 2003 9:46 AM

Another vote for the Falick/Nicholas book. I have made a few items from it and have had no problems with instructions. It has some darling items! Debbie Bliss is another favorite although I have had a major problem with one of her patterns.

Posted by: Chris at April 3, 2003 10:05 AM

I haven't seen the Falick/Nicholas book yet, but I do agree Alison that Debbie Bliss has so many beautiful patterns for baby knits. (And anyone wanting inspiration just has to look at your finished projects!)

Posted by: Kathy at April 3, 2003 1:11 PM

I have the cherished babies book and like it very much!
for slighter older kids, consider "Heartland" by Jo Sharp. I made a Debbie Bliss sweater from Tradtional Knits for Kids (I'm at work so don't have these books in front of me - hope I'm remembering the names correctly.) Then I made a similar sweater from Jo Sharp's book. IMO, Jo Sharp's pattern was much better - sizing was better, directions more clear, the sweater came out much nicer even though I used Jo Sharp yarn for both.

Has anyone tried Wendy's baby Norgi from Knitty?
I'd like to try it before tackling a Dale - Wendy designed the sweater with a beginner in mind.

Mary

Posted by: mary at April 3, 2003 2:58 PM

Dale is a favorite, but you can only make so many sweaters on teeny tiny needles before your baby grows out of them. I also really like the Katia (Spanish) baby books, they have some totally adorable stuff. My fave Debbie Bliss for the under-three set is Nursery Knits, and probably Traditional Knits is number 2. And I second the vote for Knitting Heartland for older kids, I have just finished the basketweave jacket for my daughter and it is great. My favorite Rowan book is Tadpoles and Tiddlers -- a little more classic than Pipsqeaks or Rowan Junior.

Posted by: Karen at April 3, 2003 10:18 PM

Great suggestions, Karen. I'll have to check out the Knitting for Baby and Knitting Heartland books as well as the Katia books.

It's been so interesting hearing about what you all like. Thanks to everyone for sharing your ideas!

Posted by: alison at April 3, 2003 11:02 PM

I do love my bound books, but I originally started collecting patterns (esp. baby patterns) in the magazine-style pattern books from Pingouin. Obviously, you can't always just run out and pick up the latest thing from defunct pattern companies, but some shops do still have a few for sale. As for more recent finds, Katia always has AMAZING baby patterns. They're my new Pingouin.

Posted by: Matt at April 4, 2003 12:45 PM