Simply Baby: 20 Special Handknits for Baby's First Two Years
M**W
Included BEGINNER tips
This book included illustrations on how to do different stitches, cast-ons, and even different yarns. Great for a beginner like me!
T**E
Expectations weren't what I expected
Expected more blankets, booties, caps etc.
A**R
Lovely photos...but be aware...see update...
Went back to knitting as a special new baby arrived!Instructions to renew technique and application were clear and afforded good practice sessions.Picked out three patterns, ordered yarns.Checked to make certain that patterns chosen had no published corrections or changes.Update...Crossover jacket...pattern errors:1. despite knitting to guage, yarn stretches and results in garment being too wide...had to take in around neck2. Sleeves unfold as baby wears...tack them down3. collar unfurls...had to tack down4. yarn soft but seems to pillI did knit to guage and also knitted a few Cascade yarn baby sweaters in other books. Unlike, the Bliss Crossover Jacket (which is lovely when done and adjusted btw) the Cascade patterns, checking for errata on line, proved to be more of a success.
J**N
Sweet
Debbie Bliss has designed some cute things for babies in this book--a cardigan with triangular edging calls out to me. My favorite projects are usually uncomplicated, knit in beautiful yarn. Sometimes I find the directions too brief, but it could be me. I recommend it.
R**E
Cute patterns
The book is beautiful and there are lots of very lovely designs. I'd say I'd probably like to knit more than 50% of the patterns but would likely do more if I had a new baby. From other reviews I've read it seems like some of the patterns run a little large which is good b/c I think all but one pattern has a max size of 24 mo. The only thing I don't really care for is that most of the patterns seem to require/recommend Debbie Bliss yarn. It would have been nice if there was more a variety in that respect. I am very happy w/this purchase and would recommend the book to anyone who has small babies and/or who likes to knit baby stuff.
K**.
A Talented Knitter and Pattern Developer.
I enjoy knitting, even though I will go years without ever knitting a thing. I've been knitting since I was 9. These patterns are beautiful and easy to follow. While they recommend Debbie Bliss yarns, it is easy to substitute with similar weight yarns here in the US, since Debbie Bliss yarns aren't always easy to find. Everyone for whom I've knit baby goods has been more than pleased with the patterns and workmanship when I have used these 'recipes.' I would highly recommend. Most of the knits are more classic in nature--so this book will last forever on your shelf!
M**D
Range of classic knits for babies
I use a lot of Debbie Bliss yarns when knitting for kids and babies: her color sense and practicality (machine washable yarns in perfect colors!) are unparalleled. This book, in particular, is useful because there is a range of design: easy to complex, plain to color-work, quick to more time-consuming. Something that I appreciate is that the photos are right with the actual patterns. The book has some quick intro material such as, how-to's, yarns that are good for babies, and swatches of stitch patterns so you can see what these stitch types look like. If you substitute in other yarns (say, Cascade or Classic Elite), you can extrapolate from the book how these other yarns might work out. And, although Debbie Bliss is an English designer (and company), this third edition's info is given in American inches and needle sizes.
E**
Cute Ideas Executed to Sell Books, Not Teach
Gorgeous eye candy, and some adorable coats, vests and sweaters. My big pet peeves with Debbie Bliss books? First, the cookie cutter techniques of chopping up otherwise elegant shapes into book- friendly components. (for example, always knitting separate front, back, sleeves, even collars and then sewing them together. Result? A disservice to the knitter and the garment. You lose the opportunity to create an entire garment in three stretchy dimensions and usually one piece. The garment is overly fussy and less comfortable. Home sewing techniques need not restrict the hand knitter.)Check it out of the library by all means, and be inspired by the finished product, but explore the joy of creating truly artisanal garments like Elizabeth Zimmermann. See also: Mason Dixon Knits and Knitting in the Old Way.
B**Y
new to debbie bliss but not new to knitting
i have been knitting for around 45 years on and off. knitting patterns back in the 60's and 70's were always very accurate and very well written. they taught you kniiting skills and you produced nice garments.debbie bliss i am very new to. beautifull photos and if you can afford it lovely yarn. this totals exceptionally beautifull baby garments in a league of their own.i would call this the couture end of baby knitting. truly deluxe yarns that coupled with these delightfull designs make knitting them up and seeing your baby in these exceptional works of art.now for the rub. it will cost you Β£20 on average to knit a tiny baby cardigan 0-3 months plus the price of the book,buttons,ribbon and knitting needles.some of the patterns are not clear and a novice knitter will find this aspect irritating.i knitted the teal matine coat and it by far one of my fav baby garments. it is knitted on 3 different size needles something that would be unheard of in my early years of knitting. but the slightly off the wall instructions and shaping did make this fit and feel gorgeous.if you are planning to have enough babies to pass these heirloom goodies on to and can afford the very expensive yarns you will not regret it.there are auction sites where you can get the wool a little cheaper and amazon do sell the books at a fraction of the rrp.this book is my fav as it has coats and beautifull blankets and some nice stuff for little boys who sometimes get left out.enjoy your debbie bliss and if you get stuck there is a website with all the mistakes ammended. you will need it at some stage of your debbie bliss adventures.
A**R
Great for beginners
This is a lovely book by wonderful designer Debbie Bliss. It's a basic book though, with instructions for those learning to knit, and the rest of the book dedicated to some very lovely patterns. It's hard to buy a pattern book without being able to look at all the patters, as invariably there are some you would probably never knit. However, still a lovely knitting book to give as a present to a beginner knitter wanting some modern and cute baby things to try out.
A**H
Beautiful pattern book
Beautiful knitting patterns and plenty of them to keep you busy. Highly recommended for anyone to buy.
C**T
My favourite books
These have lovely patterns, all Debbie Bliss books are worth buying.
U**N
Lovely Patten book
Just received this pattern book l like all the patterns .worth every penny it's good for boy's and girl's happy hrs off knitting for the grandchildren l would like to do them all hard choice what to do first as l like them all if l went to a shop it would cost a fortune for just one as it is got loads for a good price excellent Patten book thankyou
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