August 06
Knitting is one of the most popular craft pastimes right now, and if you have a baby (or somebody else you know has) it is the perfect excuse to pick up those needles and yarn. Books full of patterns for mums-to-be and babies aren't exactly unusual, so what does this one have to offer that is new and inspiring?
The subtitle for this book is "Beautiful designs using organic yarns". All the items are knitted with organically grown yarns. The animals they came from have been kept on pesticide free farms, and the yarns have been made the natural way with no chemical ingredients. Then there is organic cotton too, and these things can be bought on the Internet (there is a very short list of suppliers at the back of the book, four in America and one in England). You can substitute, but it warns you that the quantities and sizes have all been worked out so you need to be fairly adept to try this. If you do manage to get the wool then here is a treasury of lovely baby clothes to make, together with some adorable babies wearing them. There are toys too, just perfect for very small babies (ie safe and soft), a blanket and a pillow. Also here to put anybody expecting a happy event in the mood are garments for pregnant women, and nursing mothers including a pretty shawl. The patterns are very direct and plainly written, so you don't need to be too advanced to work them out; unless of course you are trying to substitute ordinary yarn...Provided you can obtain this lovely natural product which surely ought to be more widely available, this is a very useful book for anybody fitting the bill.
* Myshelf.com *
Nov 06
The arrival of a new baby is an exciting time for everyone involved, not least for the expectant mum. Naturally, you'll be looking for the best products available for your brand new bundle of joy - from food to toys, and of course, some practical but gorgeous knitwear.
Natural Knits for Babies and Mums provides 21 gorgeous designs you can start creating, both for you and for your baby. All are handknit patterns and have been designed to be made especially with organic and naturally produced yarns - so they're soft and gentle against your baby's skin.
With beautiful clear photographs throughout, it's a chronological guide to all the garments you'll need - right from your earliest 'bump' phase, right up to the birth and, of course, all the joyous months that follow. Natural Knits' author Louise Harding has been a major Rowan designer for 12 years and it shows in these elegant and simple patterns that are aimed at beginner to average knitters (making them great for getting all the family involved).
There's a functional maternity sweater, which can be let out at the seams as your bump grows, an adorable cot blanket with a delicate hearts and stars pattern for your baby's first night home, and even a leafy lace nursing shawl for day or night time feeding. Other gorgeous knits for baby include vests, slipover dresses, chunky jackets, sweaters, hats and bootees. You'll find all the patterns are cleanly laid out for easy reading.
* Simply Knitting *
Dec 06
Sophisticated design, environmentally friendly materials; a variety of patterns that include sweaters for pregnant and nursing mums, infants through toddlers, blankets and pillows.
* Knit 'N Style *
