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Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Babies & Toddlers: 50 knit and crochet designs using Berroco's Comfort and Vintage yarns
Nary a knitter or crocheter can resist making soft, snuggly things for babies. In Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Babies & Toddlers, the Berroco design team (led by superstar design director Norah Gaughan) cover all of the cozy bases, presenting blankets, sweaters, bonnets, and plush toys. Like the first book in the Comfort series—Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Afghans—this one features 50 knit and crochet projects using the company’s bestselling, affordably priced Comfort and Vintage yarns. With project styles ranging from traditional pastels and Aran knits to midcentury modern color-blocking, and challenge levels ranging from beginner to advanced, there’s something for every knitter and crocheter—and every baby they love—in this beautiful collection.
Also available from Norah Gaughan: Norah Gaughan's Knitted Cable Sourcebook, Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Afghans, and Knitting Nature.
Praise for Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Babies & Toddlers:
“Has a whopping 50 patterns for knitters and crocheters who want to outfit little ones in style.” —About.com
“The girls crochet sweaters are adorable. Cleire Cardiagan is bobbleiscious.” —Examiner.com
"What you will not see are frilly, lacy dresses that might have been popular a few generations back but which aren’t very practical in today’s world. Nor will you see patterns with a lot of dangerous, sewn-on embellishments that children can stuff in their mouths and choke on. This book has practical, wearable clothes that are attractive but down to earth." —MyCentralJersey.com
“This Pink Lemonade Dress? To. Die. For.” —Smashed Peas and Carrots
“What better way to welcome a new baby to the family than with a soft and cuddly hand-knitted or crocheted piece made with lots of love?” —Detroit News
“If you have a baby or toddler in your life, this is a great book to get.” —The Foodie Knitter podcast
“Whether you wield a hook, a pair of needles, or both, you’ll find something to your little one’s liking.” —Yarn Market News
“This is not a book that I’d grow tired using over and over again.” —Knitty.com
Also available from Norah Gaughan: Norah Gaughan's Knitted Cable Sourcebook, Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Afghans, and Knitting Nature.
Praise for Comfort Knitting & Crochet: Babies & Toddlers:
“Has a whopping 50 patterns for knitters and crocheters who want to outfit little ones in style.” —About.com
“The girls crochet sweaters are adorable. Cleire Cardiagan is bobbleiscious.” —Examiner.com
"What you will not see are frilly, lacy dresses that might have been popular a few generations back but which aren’t very practical in today’s world. Nor will you see patterns with a lot of dangerous, sewn-on embellishments that children can stuff in their mouths and choke on. This book has practical, wearable clothes that are attractive but down to earth." —MyCentralJersey.com
“This Pink Lemonade Dress? To. Die. For.” —Smashed Peas and Carrots
“What better way to welcome a new baby to the family than with a soft and cuddly hand-knitted or crocheted piece made with lots of love?” —Detroit News
“If you have a baby or toddler in your life, this is a great book to get.” —The Foodie Knitter podcast
“Whether you wield a hook, a pair of needles, or both, you’ll find something to your little one’s liking.” —Yarn Market News
“This is not a book that I’d grow tired using over and over again.” —Knitty.com
160 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
38 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 17, 2014
I received this book from Netgalley to review. As an avid crocheter and knitter, I loved the patterns. They seem straightforward and and very creative. I definitely have plans to start one of the patterns right away. Take a look at this book for some great ideas.
April 16, 2020
This is a book of knitting and crochet patterns for those who are experienced at both knitting and crochet, and based specifically on the Berroco line of yarns.
I found the patterns both practical and attractive, and geared mostly towards fashionable ways to keep the baby warm. There is a nice selection of jackets and caps in classic and cabled designs as well as many baby blankets in interesting designs interspersed within the other patterns. I came across one summer dress, but otherwise the patterns were for winter warmth.
The Paddington Coat was especially appealing to me. The classic cable design could be used for a boy or a girl depending on color chosen. I also liked the bomber style jacket for boys, and wondered what effect it might have with the cap with the chin-strap that resembled a motorcycle helmet. The caps include one reminiscent of a baseball cap and a very nice basic cabled design.
Many of the blankets were variations on patchwork design, but there was one called High Fidoodlity Blanket which I found very interesting with its wavy stripes.
The one toy pattern was a slice of citrus, which added a whimsical note to the collection.
There are a couple of lovely patterns for girls like the Bolero jacket which has an almost Victorian sense of elegance, but this would be an excellent pattern book for those looking for boy baby patterns, which can be all too scarce. Abbreviations and special stitches are listed in the back and the book should be easily followed by anyone who already works in knit and crochet.
I found the patterns both practical and attractive, and geared mostly towards fashionable ways to keep the baby warm. There is a nice selection of jackets and caps in classic and cabled designs as well as many baby blankets in interesting designs interspersed within the other patterns. I came across one summer dress, but otherwise the patterns were for winter warmth.
The Paddington Coat was especially appealing to me. The classic cable design could be used for a boy or a girl depending on color chosen. I also liked the bomber style jacket for boys, and wondered what effect it might have with the cap with the chin-strap that resembled a motorcycle helmet. The caps include one reminiscent of a baseball cap and a very nice basic cabled design.
Many of the blankets were variations on patchwork design, but there was one called High Fidoodlity Blanket which I found very interesting with its wavy stripes.
The one toy pattern was a slice of citrus, which added a whimsical note to the collection.
There are a couple of lovely patterns for girls like the Bolero jacket which has an almost Victorian sense of elegance, but this would be an excellent pattern book for those looking for boy baby patterns, which can be all too scarce. Abbreviations and special stitches are listed in the back and the book should be easily followed by anyone who already works in knit and crochet.
April 24, 2016
In a word: Meh.
There were no patterns--knitting ones, that is--that interested me enough to want to make them. The Calico Blanket was cute; so was the Orangelo baby bib. Normally I consider anything with "calico" in the name is too Americana-cutesy, but this blanket is refreshingly different. The color blocks aren't small as you would imagine given the name; they're fair-size, with little crosses (actually look like fleur-de-lys symbols to me) in each color block.
I was really only looking for baby blanket knitting patterns, and I gravitate to geometric ones. So the Calico fit the bill, as did the Moderne Blanket. The Rag Rug Blanket was a huge disappointment because there is nothing remotely ragrug-y about it. It's just a boring striped blanket that you could knit on your own without a pattern. Same with the Moderne Blanket, really, if you're creative and have an artistic eye.
What I found rather bizarre was the number of patterns that must be stitched together. Many are knit in long strips or panels, then sewn together. I suppose you might not mind piecing together later if the only knitting time you have is on a crowded bus or train, but I can't imagine anyone actually ENJOYing stitching a blanket together. Ugh.
Another downer--and this is a BIG DEAL as far as I'm concerned--is the poor scan resolution, making the smallest print illegible. If you buy this book in ebook format (or borrow it from the library as I did), the crispness and clarity of the type is mediocre at best.
If you knit, you know that most patterns have schematics, which are by nature full of tiny numbers crammed into a smallish graphic. Many publishers are still too cheap to spring for an entire page for the schematic, and reduce the size so it will fit on a page of text. Well, hello! Numbers--and letters--become illegible at a certain point! I can read fine print on pill bottles and inserts better than I can the fine print in most knitting books, which is pretty damning. One would think that book publishers would do a better job than pill manufacturers, but no.*
I don't own a Kindle or a Nook, so I can't say how they compare in legibility. I'm only familiar with epub and PDF because they can be read on any device. (Yes, I know there are free apps that enable you to read Kindle- or Nook-format ebooks, but my computer is too low on memory, and my smartphone screen is too small to read ebooks. A tablet would be ideal, but I don't have one.)
I have found PDF file format ebooks to be more legible than epub books, in general. Fractions are notoriously hard to read because most appear as symbols, not normal-size numbers. If you know anything about knitting, and live in America, you know that fractions are EVERYwhere, not just in the schematics. Those who live elsewhere and use the metric system don't have to deal with this nonsense.
Fraction symbols have been illegible in every epub-file format ebook I've read thusfar, and I've read quite a few. Resolution of the schematics is usually abysmal, and I urge you to avoid epub ebooks unless you know you can get your money back if you're dissatisfied. (Or if the book is all text, you're probably Ok.) There are other problems with the epub file format as well, however.
Publishers are notorious for making errors then not bothering to tell knitters about corrections. Most also make it as difficult as possible to find corrections because they don't want to publicize the fact that they messed up. The sad truth is that sales are more important than quality and customer satisfaction, so they all rush to publish and plan on issuing corrections later.
As you have no doubt already noticed, publishers share as little info as possible in corrections on their websites: only the page numbers and paragraph or line numbers. If you have an epub pattern with errors, you're up a creek because the page numbers are completely different than the real book page numbers. Your chance of figuring out where the correction goes is slim to none if the pattern is long and involved. The page numbers in PDF-file format ebooks on the other hand are the same numbers as the actual book--so if corrections are published later, you know where to find the error. This is a HUGE deal!
I've told my public library about this epub-page number problem and asked them to please not buy epub knitting ebooks, or any subject area that routinely uses fine print. I urge everyone to do the same! It's a waste of money, in this case, taxpayer dollars.
I also hope more knitters and crocheters will write reviews of pattern books, especially digital format ones, because publishers won't improve scan quality unless we speak up.
Before I close, I should mention that my near vision is actually better than average for my age, so when I say that I had to Zoom in at least 3 times to read something, you can believe the type is blurry.
-----------
(*I have to wonder if publishers use the same scanners with the same resolution for woodworking books or other precision subject areas that are read predominantly by men? I'll just BET the quality is superior. Yet another area in which women are charged more for substandard goods. Wouldn't it be nice if we could dash into a store and buy a shirt with the right sleeve length without having to try it on? Wouldn't it be wonderful if OUR shirts and blouses were pre-packaged with the sleeve length printed on the package?)
There were no patterns--knitting ones, that is--that interested me enough to want to make them. The Calico Blanket was cute; so was the Orangelo baby bib. Normally I consider anything with "calico" in the name is too Americana-cutesy, but this blanket is refreshingly different. The color blocks aren't small as you would imagine given the name; they're fair-size, with little crosses (actually look like fleur-de-lys symbols to me) in each color block.
I was really only looking for baby blanket knitting patterns, and I gravitate to geometric ones. So the Calico fit the bill, as did the Moderne Blanket. The Rag Rug Blanket was a huge disappointment because there is nothing remotely ragrug-y about it. It's just a boring striped blanket that you could knit on your own without a pattern. Same with the Moderne Blanket, really, if you're creative and have an artistic eye.
What I found rather bizarre was the number of patterns that must be stitched together. Many are knit in long strips or panels, then sewn together. I suppose you might not mind piecing together later if the only knitting time you have is on a crowded bus or train, but I can't imagine anyone actually ENJOYing stitching a blanket together. Ugh.
Another downer--and this is a BIG DEAL as far as I'm concerned--is the poor scan resolution, making the smallest print illegible. If you buy this book in ebook format (or borrow it from the library as I did), the crispness and clarity of the type is mediocre at best.
If you knit, you know that most patterns have schematics, which are by nature full of tiny numbers crammed into a smallish graphic. Many publishers are still too cheap to spring for an entire page for the schematic, and reduce the size so it will fit on a page of text. Well, hello! Numbers--and letters--become illegible at a certain point! I can read fine print on pill bottles and inserts better than I can the fine print in most knitting books, which is pretty damning. One would think that book publishers would do a better job than pill manufacturers, but no.*
I don't own a Kindle or a Nook, so I can't say how they compare in legibility. I'm only familiar with epub and PDF because they can be read on any device. (Yes, I know there are free apps that enable you to read Kindle- or Nook-format ebooks, but my computer is too low on memory, and my smartphone screen is too small to read ebooks. A tablet would be ideal, but I don't have one.)
I have found PDF file format ebooks to be more legible than epub books, in general. Fractions are notoriously hard to read because most appear as symbols, not normal-size numbers. If you know anything about knitting, and live in America, you know that fractions are EVERYwhere, not just in the schematics. Those who live elsewhere and use the metric system don't have to deal with this nonsense.
Fraction symbols have been illegible in every epub-file format ebook I've read thusfar, and I've read quite a few. Resolution of the schematics is usually abysmal, and I urge you to avoid epub ebooks unless you know you can get your money back if you're dissatisfied. (Or if the book is all text, you're probably Ok.) There are other problems with the epub file format as well, however.
Publishers are notorious for making errors then not bothering to tell knitters about corrections. Most also make it as difficult as possible to find corrections because they don't want to publicize the fact that they messed up. The sad truth is that sales are more important than quality and customer satisfaction, so they all rush to publish and plan on issuing corrections later.
As you have no doubt already noticed, publishers share as little info as possible in corrections on their websites: only the page numbers and paragraph or line numbers. If you have an epub pattern with errors, you're up a creek because the page numbers are completely different than the real book page numbers. Your chance of figuring out where the correction goes is slim to none if the pattern is long and involved. The page numbers in PDF-file format ebooks on the other hand are the same numbers as the actual book--so if corrections are published later, you know where to find the error. This is a HUGE deal!
I've told my public library about this epub-page number problem and asked them to please not buy epub knitting ebooks, or any subject area that routinely uses fine print. I urge everyone to do the same! It's a waste of money, in this case, taxpayer dollars.
I also hope more knitters and crocheters will write reviews of pattern books, especially digital format ones, because publishers won't improve scan quality unless we speak up.
Before I close, I should mention that my near vision is actually better than average for my age, so when I say that I had to Zoom in at least 3 times to read something, you can believe the type is blurry.
-----------
(*I have to wonder if publishers use the same scanners with the same resolution for woodworking books or other precision subject areas that are read predominantly by men? I'll just BET the quality is superior. Yet another area in which women are charged more for substandard goods. Wouldn't it be nice if we could dash into a store and buy a shirt with the right sleeve length without having to try it on? Wouldn't it be wonderful if OUR shirts and blouses were pre-packaged with the sleeve length printed on the package?)
April 30, 2018
Cute patterns in here. Haven't knit or crocheted any of the though.
September 12, 2014
I received an abridged version of this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
The photos here are absolutely delightful! I know how difficult it can be to photograph babies and toddlers, and can only imagine how long it has taken to get these shots. Most of the patterns are pictured from several different angles, giving the reader a good idea of how the finished project will look.
I really liked that the book focused on both knitting and crochet project - without counting exactly, it looks like a 50-50 split. I mostly knit and have only recently branched out into crocheting, so the fact that this book has both would make me more inclined to purchase it, as I wouldn't feel it was a waste in case the crocheting didn't take off - I'd still have all the knitting patterns.
The copy I received contained 20 of the 50 patterns in the unabridged version. Most of the patterns were sweaters or blouses, but there was also a nice selection of hats and blankets. I immediately found 6-7 patterns I'd like to try out, which - assuming the same ratio for the remaining 30 patterns - makes for a very good pattern-to-price ratio.
I received the e-book edition for review, and was very happy to see that the publishers have chosen to make the most of the media - all references are links to the relevant pages, and it's easy to navigate. The book includes a list of abbreviations, and while it does expect the reader to know the basic techniques of knitting and crocheting, it does include written instructions for some of the lesser known parts of the patterns. I could have wished for some more illustrations to go with these instructions, but realize that they may be part of the unabridged version.
Some of the charts are fairly small which may be a problem with the physical copy, but as an ebook they are easy enough to enlarge on your device.
All in all, definitely a book I'd recommend you flip through. There are some gorgeous patterns for the little ones in your life.
The photos here are absolutely delightful! I know how difficult it can be to photograph babies and toddlers, and can only imagine how long it has taken to get these shots. Most of the patterns are pictured from several different angles, giving the reader a good idea of how the finished project will look.
I really liked that the book focused on both knitting and crochet project - without counting exactly, it looks like a 50-50 split. I mostly knit and have only recently branched out into crocheting, so the fact that this book has both would make me more inclined to purchase it, as I wouldn't feel it was a waste in case the crocheting didn't take off - I'd still have all the knitting patterns.
The copy I received contained 20 of the 50 patterns in the unabridged version. Most of the patterns were sweaters or blouses, but there was also a nice selection of hats and blankets. I immediately found 6-7 patterns I'd like to try out, which - assuming the same ratio for the remaining 30 patterns - makes for a very good pattern-to-price ratio.
I received the e-book edition for review, and was very happy to see that the publishers have chosen to make the most of the media - all references are links to the relevant pages, and it's easy to navigate. The book includes a list of abbreviations, and while it does expect the reader to know the basic techniques of knitting and crocheting, it does include written instructions for some of the lesser known parts of the patterns. I could have wished for some more illustrations to go with these instructions, but realize that they may be part of the unabridged version.
Some of the charts are fairly small which may be a problem with the physical copy, but as an ebook they are easy enough to enlarge on your device.
All in all, definitely a book I'd recommend you flip through. There are some gorgeous patterns for the little ones in your life.
February 14, 2022
I give this 2 stars because of how the book is arranged. As someone who only knits and does not know any crochet stitches, I found it annoying the patterns were not divided into knit and crochet. They were all mixed together so it felt like a waste of time to flip around trying to find what I could possibly make.
The patterns seem simple enough, and while I got some ideas for things to knit, I probably won't use the patterns in this book. I am glad I did not buy this book, but borrowed it from the library.
The patterns seem simple enough, and while I got some ideas for things to knit, I probably won't use the patterns in this book. I am glad I did not buy this book, but borrowed it from the library.
August 13, 2016
I will definitely be getting this book out again when the weather turns cold. With 2 little ones myself, baby things are my favorite to create. I was very pleased with the abundance of patterns, both for knitting and crochet. This works wonderful for me, because I do both.
Finding modern crochet patterns can be very tricky. It seems that there are endless beautiful knit patterns, while everything crochet looks dated. I thought this book did a wonderful job of adding modern crochet patterns.
There are an abundance of blanket patterns. All very sweet. I am not a fan of making blankets though (so much time!). However if blankets are something you enjoy, this book won't disappoint. One item I thought was missing was a modern baby bootie. I found it odd that a baby/toddler book wouldn't have a single pattern for booties.
The styling of this book was spot on. The photos were just gorgeous. The chubby babies, natural lighting, floral textiles. It really took this book to a new level.
I found myself wanting to make many of these patterns, especially the Paddington Coat and Cleire Cardigan. Each pattern includes an abundance of sizes. Mostly 3,6,9,12,18 and 24 months. I also thought that the section in the back was very helpful. It included all the specialized terms for knit/crochet. These can be tricky to memorize if you are just getting started. Nice to have them available in the book instead of having to Google them constantly. I will note that this is not a book for beginners, unless you are very ambitious. Most of the patterns are fairly complex. A more experienced knitter/crocheter would get the most use out of this one.
Finding modern crochet patterns can be very tricky. It seems that there are endless beautiful knit patterns, while everything crochet looks dated. I thought this book did a wonderful job of adding modern crochet patterns.
There are an abundance of blanket patterns. All very sweet. I am not a fan of making blankets though (so much time!). However if blankets are something you enjoy, this book won't disappoint. One item I thought was missing was a modern baby bootie. I found it odd that a baby/toddler book wouldn't have a single pattern for booties.
The styling of this book was spot on. The photos were just gorgeous. The chubby babies, natural lighting, floral textiles. It really took this book to a new level.
I found myself wanting to make many of these patterns, especially the Paddington Coat and Cleire Cardigan. Each pattern includes an abundance of sizes. Mostly 3,6,9,12,18 and 24 months. I also thought that the section in the back was very helpful. It included all the specialized terms for knit/crochet. These can be tricky to memorize if you are just getting started. Nice to have them available in the book instead of having to Google them constantly. I will note that this is not a book for beginners, unless you are very ambitious. Most of the patterns are fairly complex. A more experienced knitter/crocheter would get the most use out of this one.
June 27, 2014
Title: Comfort Knitting Crochet Babies Toddlers 50 Knits and Crochet Designs
Author: Norah Gaughan, Margery Winter, Berroco Design Team
Publisher: Open Road Intergrated Media
Published: 6-10-2014
ISBN: 9781480494695
ASIN E-Book: B00KGMIY00
Pages: 286
Genre: Crafts
Tags: Crochet & Knit, Home, DIY
Overall Rating: Excellent
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
The one genre I truly enjoy knitting is babies and toddlers. Crochet has no limits, I love it all. Coats, Sweaters, Dresses, Jackets, Blankets, Hats and Cardigans. There is even a Onesie to make. So many choices I do not know where to start. Blankets for charities, the church nursery, or caps for the hospital. Clothes for disaster victims and hours of fun for me.
With no little ones due to any of my family or friends I still can not wait to see how some of these turn out. Depending on your speed they can take as little as a few hours to as long as a few days, but the outcome can be something cherished forever and handed down through the generations. Make a memory today!
Author: Norah Gaughan, Margery Winter, Berroco Design Team
Publisher: Open Road Intergrated Media
Published: 6-10-2014
ISBN: 9781480494695
ASIN E-Book: B00KGMIY00
Pages: 286
Genre: Crafts
Tags: Crochet & Knit, Home, DIY
Overall Rating: Excellent
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Reviewer: DelAnne
The one genre I truly enjoy knitting is babies and toddlers. Crochet has no limits, I love it all. Coats, Sweaters, Dresses, Jackets, Blankets, Hats and Cardigans. There is even a Onesie to make. So many choices I do not know where to start. Blankets for charities, the church nursery, or caps for the hospital. Clothes for disaster victims and hours of fun for me.
With no little ones due to any of my family or friends I still can not wait to see how some of these turn out. Depending on your speed they can take as little as a few hours to as long as a few days, but the outcome can be something cherished forever and handed down through the generations. Make a memory today!
May 26, 2020
Cute Outfits
This book has a variety of items to both knit and crochet. The degree of difficulty ranges from experienced to easy. Simple patterns of knit and purl, along with single, double and triple crochet helps to build skill and later allows for personalization. Other patterns with cables for both knit and crochet, lead to more confidence and more difficult items to create.
This book has a variety of items to both knit and crochet. The degree of difficulty ranges from experienced to easy. Simple patterns of knit and purl, along with single, double and triple crochet helps to build skill and later allows for personalization. Other patterns with cables for both knit and crochet, lead to more confidence and more difficult items to create.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews