| Oh Baby! Crochet |
 |
 |
 |
| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Title: Oh Baby! Crochet
Author: Connie Ellison, editor Date Published: 2010 Review Date: November 12, 2010
Who is this book for? Oh, my, what a book. Oh Baby! Crochet is all about baby, featuring a beautiful collection of pretty fashions, baby essentials, toys, booties and headbands that make the perfect welcoming gift for a cherished baby. Connie Ellison included everything for babies in this charming collection published by House of White Birches. From heirloom treasures to playful toys and quick-as-a-wink gift ideas, this book has it all. In all, there are 63 designs geared for all skill levels. Filled with the very latest baby fashions and beautifully illustrated with large colorful photographs, this book is sure to inspire you to pick up a crochet hook.
What Yarn Does it Feature? Typical of most baby fashions, the projects in Oh! Baby Crochet are worked in a range of yarns from fine to worsted weight. Using readily available yarns, readers can create exact copies of the models shown or substitute other yarns using the standard weights chart and buyer’s guide included in the reference section of the book. Traditional baby pastels, bold bright colors, and muted Victorian shades are all used, and a few patterns have colorways for little boys and little girls.
What's Inside With 63 patterns, this comprehensive collection of baby projects will fill just about any need. Four chapters are used to organize the pattern designs. The first chapter, Pretty Baby, includes special occasion clothing and heirloom garments. There’s a party dress, a Christening set, and a dressy hat and sweater set for boys with an alternate version for girls. Finally, the frilly bonnet and lacy jacket are sure to be a treasured heirloom.
The second chapter, Baby Essentials, presents clever versions of utilitarian baby gear. Here you’ll find bibs with attitude like the “baby biker bibs”, a coverall “overall bib”, a handy hooded towel and bath mitt, several hats and socks, and a darling diaper cover with a bear motif and matching bear hat. Unique gift items include the “flower garden ball”, a security blanket, nursing pillow, and pocketed bib featuring a handy pocket for extra spoons or a face wipe.
Blankets, papoose wraps (sometimes called cocoons), and pillows fill the third chapter, Cuddle Baby. Several of the patterns include bonus hat and bootie patterns, too. The subtly shaded “baby squares” afghan is a pattern filled with possibilities for anyone who likes to play with color.
The last chapter, Baby Gifts, is all about having fun with the crochet hook. Some of the projects, like the pacifier holders, headbands, slippers or bootie sets, are quick gift ideas. “My first book” may take a little longer to create, but it’s a delightful toy that’s likely to become a treasured keepsake for baby. Cat and dog lovers will each find a toy friend. The “nursery choo choo” holds baby oil, powder, and other baby cargo. Rounding out the chapter are edgings for socks and flannel blankets, a crib blanket and the sweetest baby toy, aptly called “sweetie pie baby.”
Using It All patterns are skill rated, and all are classified as easy or intermediate. Skilled crocheters will be entranced by the easy headbands and baby slippers, and novices will want to stretch their skills to complete projects like the “flower garden ball” and “overall bib.” This well-edited book uses a consistent format, simple style and easy-to-read font. Tempting full color photos accompany all the patterns. Where needed, special notes are added to clarify the pattern and avoid troublesome do-overs. A stitch guide is included at the back of the book, but readers may find it more helpful to visit the recommended reference site, freepatterns.com, which has graphical and line by line instructions for dozens of stitches.
Best Advice Crocheters are well known for their generosity, especially when it comes to sharing their skill. The projects in Oh! Baby Crochet are fun to create, and it’s rewarding to share them with others. As Connie Ellison gently urges:
And while you have your hooks out, it’s a good time to remember those going through traumatic times with their little ones. During times such as these, it means a lot to the family just to know that someone thinks enough of their child to take the time out of their busy day for someone they may never know. Donations of hats, blankets and booties that are quick-to-stitch are much appreciated by your local children’s hospital or women’s shelter; these items are such a comfort for a baby born prematurely or with other health problems.
Recommendation Grannies, Aunties, Mommies and anyone with a baby shower on the horizon will appreciate this pretty book. It is filled with clever ideas for cute and practical gifts. Fashion matters even for tiny babies; the fresh projects in Oh! Baby Crochet are as alluring as those from the priciest boutique. Don’t miss out on this excellent book. For all 63 irresistible baby crochet projects inside, this book is a must-have. Overall Recommendation Oh! Baby Crochet earns a #10 rating.
|
Did you enjoy this feature? Make sure you never miss an issue of Knitch Magazine. To receive alerts for upcoming issues:
