Knitting for Baby: 30 Heirloom Projects with Complete How-to-Knit Instructions

I have had this book for almost two years now. It was the first pattern book I bought when I was learning to knit. I adore this book. For knitting for two years, I haven't knit many projects from this book but that's because I haven't knit many projects period. But I have knit the beginner booties several times, and the garter stitch hat, and that gorgeous eyelet blanket that I personalized with some bright delicious stripes. Funny enough my first attempt was the patchwork blanket pattern which I don't recommend as your first pattern because of how even things need to be to get it right. But here's the thing about this book, it just makes you want to TRY. I've never knit socks, but this book made me want to try booties and I did and it was a success. Knitting the easy garter stitch hat in this book got me through an anxious 24 hours with my newborn in the hospital while I had to stay home. And when I finally decided I needed to just try a sweater, I picked up this book yet again and am currently working on the Sweetheart Pullover which has been a delight. I think of this book as welcoming. It was a great welcome to knitting book and recently it has become a perfect welcome BACK to knitting book. The patterns are relaxed and the photos are fantastic. I've never used the exact yarns in any of these patterns and it has never ever mattered at all. Everything I've done from this book has been wonderful. If you're new to knitting, or you're coming back to knitting, or you've been knitting and want some good quality pieces for a special baby in your life, definitely pick up this book. I definitely hope Melanie Falick and Kristin Nicholas team up over and over again. One neutral point: The title states "with Complete How-to-Knit-Instructions". I don't agree with this. Although it does include lots of instructions and techniques, I for one know I wouldn't have been able to teach myself to knit from this book. I was able to really teach myself how to knit mostly with Stitch n Bitch. I also occasionally used the internet. But this book did help me with refreshers in some things and did help give different perspective on techniques like increasing and decreasing or offered other methods of how to do things. In other words, I think if you are learning to knit, this should not be your one and only purchase or resource. I would at the very least combine it with a good instructional guide like Stitch n Bitch and then let the yarn fly. I have read some of the negative reviews on here and have the following reactions. The word "heirloom" doesn't automatically translate into something complicated. It just means something treasured so much, it is passed on. And a novice can most definitely create something treasured. The thing about these patterns is they are solid. And a treasured, solid item, can definitely be handed down again and again, creating an heirloom. Other negatives I read on the reviews are how basic the designs are. Again, this should be a plus. If you are truly of an intermediate or advanced level, I think you would this book inspiring as a building block of sorts. For instance, the eyelet blanket is such a good solid pattern, it is easily adaptable. I personally jazzed it up with bold stripes and it has a completely different feel to it. I also disagree with statements about colors used in the book being dull. There is a pretty good balance here. While some things are done in neutrals (which, by the way, are extremely helpful in creating timeless heirlooms since they are never out of taste), they do splash colors in there to get the mind whirring. If you are looking to simply reproduce exactly as shown knit pieces and prefer the more complicated and intricate variety, I could see this book not appealing to you. But if you just want to turn out good solid projects and have enough confidence in your own creativity to build on the patterns, I think you'll find this as much a joy as I have. Enjoy!

I first checked this book out from the library and loved so many of the patterns, I bought it online. I am a beginner knitter, and I just finished my first "Baby's First Ball" on page 55. I must say, It was quick and fun once I got the hang of it. I thought it was a very good first project for someone who couldn't remember how to knit & purl, with a little ambition. I did not have a lot of luck with their knitting technique illustrations, so I had to watch a couple videos online and my Mother-in-law helped too. The next time I knit the ball, I'm not going to felt it, and use a soft yarn instead. Another cool thing, is that you can use scraps too. I am going to try knitting a washcloth next. That was why I originally checked out the book (saw it on a craft show). I am tempted to give this book four stars becuause of the basic knitting instructions, but if you are reading this, it means you are also capable of visiting one of the many knitting websites with far better instructions and videos anyway. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for cute, classic baby patterns. Have fun!

I don't need any more books on knitting. Really. I prefer to hit the library to browse. After checking this out, reading through it and having it around the house for 3 weeks, I was reluctant to give it back. The patterns start simply and work their way up in complexity. They're not kitchy, the colors are soothing, and the patterns are timeless. A very solid book. The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that if you are an experienced knitter you can probably find or make most of the patterns. But for a beginner/intermediate, this is a fantastic way to branch out. Written explanations are also excellent!

This book has fantastic instructions and diagrams depicting the knitting process, including how to fix mistakes. The arrangement of the projects from simple to more complex is perfect for beginning knitters. Therefore, this book could be used as a teach yourself to knit guidebook. Meanwhile the projects are all beautiful, as are the pictures. Indeed, when made, the projects turn out heirloom quality pieces. I have made several of the sweater patterns a total of at least a dozen times. The recipient parents tell me that they always get compliments when their children wear these garments. Besides, the patterns are fun to make! This is the third copy of the book that I have purchased. (I keep giving away or loaning out my other copies to friends learning to knit or needing to knit for babies.) I will always buy another copy so that I have one on my shelf.

This book is just OK. Unfortunately, many of the patterns require very small needles, which means that these are not quick to knit. The patterns also are very traditional. If you want easy, fast, or hip, then this book is not for you. If you like delicate traditional patterns, you will love it. Not for beginners.

I am left handed and took up knitting at age 45. Although this is not a book geared to left handed knitters I found the many illustrations helpful. (I have learned that knitting takes two hands so it's just as easy to adapt to right handed knitting.) This book is great for learning new skills. It starts with a basic project, then leads from skill to skill with new projects. Begin by learning several different stitch patterns using knit and purl stitches in small 2" square samples, then sew them into soft blocks for Baby. One can learn to increase stitches by making a simple baby washcloth, or how to do short rows by making a felted ball for Baby. There are a few patterns for baby sweaters and a pattern to knit seamless mittens connected together with an I-cord. There are also a couple of patterns for baby hats, blankets, knit bears, and a sweater for Mom. Included in the instructions for a project is a page reference back to the section where the skill was taught. I bought the book to make the sweater on the cover but have also made the "Stay-on Booties" and baby washcloths (dozens of them). I like to give the book as a gift to someone who wants to learn to knit.

I bought this book encouraged by all the positive reviews, but was quite dissapointed with it once I actually received it since it wasn't what I was looking for at all - the title and description are misleading. I'm an intermediate knitter and was looking for fun models and patterns to knit for the baby I'm expecting this autumn. I was looking for solid, basic models that I could adapt to my needs and wishes, but this book offers no variety at all. "Knitting for baby: 30 heirloom projects" is a purely LEARN TO KNIT book for those who are just starting to learn knitting from 0, as most of the book is actually filled with the most basic knitting instructions. It is NOT a compliation of various useful models to knit for your baby. So, if you have NO clue whatsoever about knitting, but would like to learn - this book is probably good for you (but why not get a "learn to knit" book instead?). However, if you already know the basic stitches, you'd be better off getting something else. Out of all the models, 4 are very simple and plain looking blankets in single color, plus some other things used to learn to knit. A couple hats, booties, a couple nice cardigans, and a few very similar sweaters - that's all from the actual models for babies! Talk about lack of variety. The only model I might actually knit is the cardigan from the cover. I wanted to also knit baby pants or romper, but there is nothing like that in this book. I also found the colors used in the photographed models very dull and old fashioned, however, that is, of course, a matter of personal taste. I prefer more joyful, bright colors for baby clothing!

This book has a bunch of really good, basic knitting patterns for babies. The patterns can almost all be dolled up a bit if desired, with different colors or a different stich pattern. But if you like Debbie Bliss, you'll probably really like this book for a little something different. You still have the function and clean lines with these patterns, and they're easy to read and follow for a newer knitter. The best pattern in the book is the STAY ON BOOTIES - I LOVE knitting those! I've made four pairs so far, and they are so much fun and quick to knit after the first bootie. And they actually stay on! Beware, though, if you knit up the sides for 20 garter rows like the pattern calls for, they will look blocky and probably not like you'd imagined. I've taken to knitting only 14 or 16 garter rows (depending on what the bootie looks like at that point) and I like them much better. I've used several different kinds of yarn, and I'm using size 5 dpn because I have an older child than what the pattern calls for. I highly recommend this book, if only for that pattern.

Debbie Bliss以来、５册目の洋書。洋書のニット本が初めてなら、ぜひこの本を。というくらいおすすめ。編み方はもちろん文章で書かれていますが、この本では（こちらが表面になる）など、途中でお助け文章が入っているのが◎。持っている本の中では一番、わかりやすくかつ簡単に編めるデザインかも。また、編み目の剥ぎかたなど基礎テクニックが何種類も紹介されており、技術書として必携するにも最適。デザインは好みもあると思いますが、Debbi Bliss やErika Knight よりは若干、ビビッド。ハートの編み込みセーターや、アラン模様や縄編みのベビーニットなど男女とも使えるデザイン。フェルト加工して作るニットのマミーバッグや紙風船みたいに編むボールのアイディアも。楽しめる１册。

This book has seriously good instructions with each and every pattern if needed. It will suit both the beginner and the experienced knitter. Looks very interesting, it only arrived this morning so haven`t really had time to take a good look at it only skim through it. Can`t wait to get into it though when I may even give it another star, making it a five star book!

The description of these designs as 'heirloom' pieces is very misleading. There are no items in this book that anyone could consider an heirloom. Everything is very basic and simple, which is fine for someone just learning to knit but not for anyone wanting to create something special.