It seems like crafty moms have an extra layer of stress, or at least something else to think about, when expecting a baby, because they want their child to be clothed in and surrounded by as much handmade stuff as possible.
Marie Connolly takes some of the guesswork out of planning a baby's knit wardrobe (along with some selections for mom, dad and any older siblings) with her book The Expectant Knitter: 30 Designs for Baby and Your Growing Family.
Knits for Babies and Beyond
Like other books that moms to be might be reading, The Expectant Knitter is divided into sections that mirror the pregnancy experience. First comes planning and dreaming about baby, then the three trimesters, each with tips about what's happening to your body and your baby each week and additional information on such subjects as cloth vs. disposable diapers and things to pack in your hospital bag.
But most of the book is devoted to patterns, and most of those are devoted to baby, though there's a great shawl sweater for mom, simple cashmere socks for dad, sweaters for big brother and sister and even a sweater for the dog so everyone in the family can get excited about the new addition (well, except maybe the cat).
The Patterns
The 30 patterns in the book are pretty evenly divided among easy and intermediate projects, with a few beginner projects thrown in as well. New knitters will be able to knit things like bibs, washcloths, a simple baby hat, a swaddling blanket and other little projects, while more experience knitters can make dresses (and a gorgeous christening gown), sweaters, rompers and socks. (There are also some toys, blankets, diaper covers and more.)
The patterns are also a mix of easy care, washable items (often cotton) and more luxury fibers (including cashmere for mom, baby, dad and big sis). The baby projects also range in size from newborn up to 24 or 36 months, depending on the project, so if you fall in love with one of these patterns you can make it again and again as baby grows.
Some of my favorite projects include the Shawl Sweater for mom, a ribbed cashmere number that covers belly and could be used while breastfeeding; the Baby Racer Sweater and Leggings made with beautiful hand-dyed yarn; Her First Party Dress, a cabled yoke dress embellished with ribbon and knit in a silk alpaca blend; and the Winter Wonderland Hat, a fun bonnet with snowflakes covering the ears.
These patterns are cute but not trendy. They often use expensive yarns that require thoughtful care, though plenty use less-dear materials as well. Of course the point of knitting for baby is that she or he be surrounded by warmth and comfort and something made with love, and none of that depends on the price tag at all.
Bottom Line
Moms to be who love to knit will enjoy this book immensely and have trouble deciding which projects to knit before their little one arrives. It would also be a great reference for anyone who has lots of expecting friends or family members; there are tons of great go-to gifts in here.
And the good news is the range of sizes means you don't have to just knit these projects for newborns; they're good for older kids as well.
Publication date: November 2008.
