Simple Knits for Cherished Babies

by Erika Knight

“Beginning knitters can complete most of the designs featured, and...the author includes information on substituting yarns. Visually, this is a beautiful book, with full-page color photos of each design and detailed close-ups. Among the many designs featured are an enchanting cashmere teddy bear, a lace-edged baby blanket, and classic baby booties. Warmly recommended for public libraries of all sizes.”— Library Journal.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, How To

128 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 2001

About the author

Keep it simple, chic and contemporary! So says Erika, textile designer and fashion design consultant, whose trademark has been the traditional with a twist. Coming into knitting via fine art training, she is highly regarded in her field and works for many international companies designing ready-to-wear ranges. Author of Comforts of Home (Martingale), her latest book is Simple Knits for Cherished Babies (Collins & Brown).

Reviews

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely projects with clear instructions and photos.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superbly arranged, detailed, and photographed knitting pattern book, filled with basic designs (each with a "something extra" to it), and with clear instructions as well. A book to keep in your home pattern library if you tend to make gifts for parents of new babies.

Many lovely patterns, several types of sweaters, a set of leggings, a dress, a couple of simple blankets, you get the idea. A great jumping-off place for the adventurous knitter as well as these patterns would be very adapatable. Uses mainly mid-fine weight yarns and ~#4-5 (US) needles, so the patterns won't take forever for you to makeup.

Only one caveat for the entire book, but it keeps this from being a truly "5-star" book for me: The designs are not only written up with only Rowan yarns, there are no conversion charts available anywhere in the book for those of us who might not be able to afford Rowan or be unable to obtain the stated yarns. And the weights/numbers of the yarns aren't given either, so we could substitute for ourselves (i.e., "#2" = "fine"). The information could be found on the web, but it might take a bit of hunting. The use of gauge swatches is thus extremely necessary, but many beginners (and a lot of experienced knitters as well, alas) don't tend to make/use them but rely upon their "usual" work with a particular yarn and needle size.

It would have been very thoughtful - and kind - for the author to have included the small bit of information about yarn size within her patterns, or have made the equivalencies available at the back of the book. While the designs appear to be mainly aimed at beginning knitters, IMO a beginning knitter might not be likely brave enough to try and substitute a yarn on their own and might easily give up; yarn equivalencies would greatly help them.

There is one thing the author or producers of the book did do that is wonderful, though - all the patterns are listed in a chart format at the back of the book, so the sizings can be properly checked. Each has a picture of the design, and this is a nicely concise way to look all the patterns over initially.

BOTTOM LINE: Excellent book, but be careful with gauges when substituting yarns.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly simple patterns, mostly stockinette/garter stitch, focused on fine finishing for elegance. A good starting point for anyone venturing into the quick-to-make world of baby knits.

[Priscilla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite thinner yarn and fussier detailing than the idea of "simple knits for babies" may suggest to some readers, these are solid patterns. Babies like their sweaters and booties made with thin cotton yarn. So if you're willing to invest a little extra time and money...babies won't actually know how to thank you, but they'll probably repay you by sleeping longer and fussing less when toted around in these knits.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice patterns to knit for babies and youngsters - easy to follow, nicely illustrated!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous simple patterns that make classic garments and also a beautiful teddy bear. I’ve made the bootees twice. Planning on making the teddy bear too

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were so many cute things to knit! My favorite were the little booties. The way they adorned them and how they were photographed just made them absolutely adorable. There was also a horrendously cute teddy bear as well. I liked this book and there it was very well put together and the page set-up and pictures were elegent and well thought out. I found a couple of patterns that I wanted to knit. I would recommend.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book of patterns for baby clothes because it contains the basics that each well dressed baby needs in a new and updated look with classic comfort yarns such as merino wool, silk, and cashmere. The beautiful, soft muted colors complement the patterns and these creations are destined to be family heirlooms handed down from generation to generation. Included are patterns for booties, sweaters, leggings, cardigans, blankets, caps and more. This book will be a staple in any knitter’s collection.

[Maggi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really adorable knits in here - granted, actually having had a baby I would NEVER use the cashmere and silk yarns they call for, but so far I've been able to substitute with no problem. I'm working on the rosebud cardigan for my baby on the way - so far it's come together really well and the pattern is easy to follow -- and I'm looking forward to trying the bootie pattern in the book as well.

[Dharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cashmere for babies?? Oh please. Easy enough to convert fiber but still. Do not like that the sizing for all the projects are in the back rather than with the projects. Beautifully photographed but the layout makes project details take far more pages than necessary. A few cute projects. Not a need to own book.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my very first knitting book and each pattern was simple enough for a beginner. These are easy to read, easy to knit patterns that can always be embellished with learned talent. These simple knits can also be altered with a different stitch making each piece a great basic start.

Thank you Barb for this book.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Patterns were lush, but pretty much only great for a gift or for a little girl. There was a pretty rosebud sweater that I might revisit at some point if ever I have a little girl to knit for. But I agree with the previous poster about these patterns being unrealistic with respect to premium, expensive, un(machine)washable yarns.

[Xaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this book. I've yet to knit anything in it, but I've checked it out from the library twice just to look at the photographs, fantasize, and be inspired.

Maybe one day I'll actually knit a pattern.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but elegant patterns for babies/toddlers. This is my go-to book whenever I hear someone has a baby on the way.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eh. Baby patterns. There's a really good teddy bear pattern in there, but nothing else I was really interested in.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book of adorable, timeless knits.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found an adorable dress to knit for my sister's best friend. Her little girl is due next month.

[Tsimplekelly]

The baby slippers on the front cover are just awesome and very easy to knit for a great little fancy booty for a new baby

[Stephanie T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really simple, elegant patterns in here, although I will NOT be knitting a baby a cashmere sweater as the book suggests.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great basic, classic patterns for little babies.

[Mandy]

baby's beanies

[Ronni · Rating 3 out of 5]

The teddy bear is simple & cute, and I was really excited about the alphabetting charts. Need to re-checkout from library cuz I want to try the pants patterns.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple but elegant knitwear for babies! This is my Go-To book for baby shower gifts and for my charity knitting!

[Susan]

Some really beautiful ideas. Someday...