The Expectant Knitter: 30 Designs for Baby and Your Growing Family

by Marie Connolly

Stitch your way through the nine months of pregnancy—and have the best-dressed baby on the block!

Whether you already love knitting, or are eager to learn to knit so you can whip up adorable outfits for your soon-to-arrive baby, The Expectant Knitter is the perfect companion for all stages of your pregnancy. Sharing 30 projects arranged by trimester (simpler patterns for the first and third, when fatigue or discomfort may get in the way of nimble knitting, and more ambitious patterns for the feel-good second), Marie Connolly also offers practical tips and information about your pregnancy and your baby. At each step—and stitch—of the way, you'll find reminders to take your folic acid, helpful hints on which tests to get when, instructions on how to properly swaddle an infant, and suggestions for combating morning sickness.

Starting with conception, when you’re quietly dreaming of and planning your pregnancy, you’ll learn to knit beautiful pieces like a Christening Gown or a Knitted Pinwheel Quilt. Come the end of the first trimester, you can move on to Her First Party Dress, a Cashmere Romper, and Alphabet Block Toys. When you’re loving your bump in the second trimester, work on the Shawl Collar Sweater or a Big Sister, Big Brother, or Dog sweater for the other loves in your life. Then the waiting game begins, so bide your time in the third trimester knitting itty bitty baby socks, wee washcloths and bibs, and a Shawl Sweater for Mom (you, too, deserve something special).

The ultimate knitter’s guide to pregnancy, The Expectant Knitter is a treasure of delightful patterns that will make for beautiful keepsake items, enhanced by sidebars with sound information on the growth of your baby at each stage.

Genres: Knitting, Crafts, Nonfiction

160 pages, Hardcover

First published November 11, 2008

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really cute patterns in this book that I'm going to try.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some cute projects, some duds. May start with socks, pants or sweater...

The raglan sweater is a great first project. Easy, well written and cute for boy or girl. I've queued several others which I'm sure will all be well written and cute projects too. I've had this out a while and will have to try and check it out again to be able to complete the projects I want to do from it. If all fails, I'll have to buy it. These are great as baby gifts as well as for my own.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute book, and some of the babies in knitted sweaters were just adorable. There was a good selection of photographs featuring the knitted items and I thought the page set-up was done well. I just didn't find any patterns in this book that I felt like knitting. I would still recommend though.

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

[penny shima glanz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm an expectant knitter in that I expect every month or so that someone I know will have a baby. As such, I'm constantly on the look out for new references of sizes and different ways to put together baby items.

I've not yet had time to work through this book but know that I will turn to for inspiration.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really hoping for patterns for different kinds of booties and matching hats and socks for babies and toddlers, but this wasn't that. If you want to knit bibs and diaper panties, then this is great. It is fine, just not what I was looking for.

[Ghislaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

FYI...This does not imply anything about my current status.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm currently gathering patterns, beginning a "hope chest" for pregnancy and infant knitting. There wasn't anything for me in here.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

finally found a cute tunic dress for baby. I just need more time before baby arrives!!!