Knitch Magazine

Title:

Author: Laura Long

Date Published: 2010

Review Date: November 18, 2010

Who is this book for?

Baby Knits is the latest book added to the Knitter’s Bible series from British publishers, David and Charles. The author, Laura Long, has a long list of design credits, including the popular Knitted Toy Tales. Before turning a single page, readers will find this book irresistible. Starting with the blue-eyed doll baby in a polar bear suit featured on the front cover, all the way through to the apple-cheeked boy in a colorful striped cap on the back cover, this book is filled with adorable projects. There are garments, toys, and accessories for every baby and every occasion. Anyone, whether they are a beginner or advanced level knitter, will find projects suited to their skill level. Easy hats, mittens and toys are balanced by more challenging projects like the pinafore dress and cardigan with a cuddly pocket pal. In the “Baby’s New Look” addenda, Laura Long suggests other colorways, yarns, and seasonal changes for each project, sparking further ideas for creative knitters. The garments in this collection can be as unique as the baby they are knit for.

What Yarn Does it Feature?

Careful readers can gain a lot of knowledge from reading the author notes included with each design. In “Yarn Focus”, Laura Long explains why each particular yarn was chosen. In “Design Secrets Unraveled”, she suggests alternative yarns and colorways that will completely change the look of the design. Sometimes she blends several yarns together for one-of-a-kind results. Other times she changes fibers or colors to create seasonal changes. Forget having to find the right pattern for a “winter” or “summer” baby; Laura Long shows how color or fiber changes can change the look of a garment. Knitters can follow these creative suggestions to create completely unique garments. Baby Knits goes beyond baby pastel yarns by showcasing all kinds of appealing yarns. There are cottons, blends, and novelty yarns in all weights, including quick to knit worsted and bulky yarns.

What's Inside

The book cover promises 25 adorable clothes, accessories and gifts for all year round, but the count is multiplied by the many suggestions for yarn and design change included with each design. As all knitters know, the possibilities are endless. Not unexpected from a noted toy designer, Baby Knits includes toys, finger puppets and mobiles alongside the cute cardigans, crib blanket, hats and bootees in her collection of baby designs. As readers have come to expect from the Knitter’s Bible series, Baby Knits offers a completely thorough overview of the subject. The introductory section on fibers, yarn weights, texture, color, gauge, standard abbreviations and hints for reading knitting patterns is filled with excellent advice from a skilled designer who earned a first class honors degree in Knitted Textiles from Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design in the UK. She clearly knows what she’s writing about. The practical information is presented in the framework of knitting for babies, but it can all be applied to any knitting. Well-illustrated technical advice is included in the chapter “It’s all in the Detail.” There’s guidance to help beginners complete even the most difficult projects, and tips for experienced knitters, too. This chapter covers casting on, knit and purl stitches, binding off, knitting in the round, increasing and decreasing, intarsia, fair isle, lace, embellishments like tassels and I-cord, embroidery, and finishing techniques including seams and blocking. There’s even a bonus pattern section with flower and leaf embellishments. Every knitter runs into problems now and then, so the troubleshooting advice is particularly handy. Finally, there’s also useful advice on the care of knitted garments.

Using It

Regardless of skill level or experience, all knitters should scan through the exceptional advice on yarns, technique and design. Laura Long is a skilled and successful designer whose patterns have been widely published and whose custom knits are sold in boutiques and galleries around the world. She speaks directly to knitters in her book, encouraging creativity and innovation. Knitters who engage in this conversation by trying out the design innovations Laura Long suggests will advance their skill, confidence, and color sense. Don’t use this book as a mere pattern book for copying the model projects, but do as Laura Long suggests, and try different fibers, colors and stitches to individualize your knitting.

Best Pattern

Baby blankets are a traditional and cherished gift, and knitters constantly strive to find just the right pattern. The “Beautiful Blanket” is knitted in chunky yarn using different stitches to create texture and pattern. Knit in a neutral cream color, it resembles an heirloom patch work quilt, but would look equally good in pink, blue or multiple colors. It’s constructed in one piece to eliminate sewing. The clever construction and quick knit bulky gauge make this blanket fun to knit. Simple changes in color or stitch sequence mean the design possibilities are endless, and this blanket will be unique for each individual baby.

Babies bring out the desire to knit something totally unique and special for a new life. Grandmothers who are picking up their needles after years of disuse and brand new moms who are learning to knit all want to make a special welcoming gift for a beloved baby. Baby Knits is a book that will show all knitters how to create memorable baby gifts that will be treasured long after baby outgrows them. It’s a book filled with unexpected but useful information on all aspects of knitting that is sure to be used again and again by anyone who keeps it on their shelf.

Overall Recommendation

Baby Knits rates a #9.