Thank you for joining us in our excitement about our new little one! Jonny and I have read all of your sweet comments over the past few days with big smiles on our faces.
I have been thinking a lot about what I want to knit in the next six months or so. Maybe too much. But I thought I would share my plans, and then maybe you guys could recommend some baby knits, because I need help! Silas was a summer baby, so I didn’t really knit for his early months. Beatrix was born in the fall, but I was only knitting hats at that point, so this will be our first baby born since I became a “serious” knitter.
First thing, I did decide what to knit with my skein of yellow yarn. I cast on for a (wait a second, must look up the spelling) Puerperium Cardigan. I question all those buttons, but I like the look of it, and it works out weight and yardage wise for my yellow yarn. And considering the fact that there are nearly 3000 of these floating around Ravelry, the buttons must not be so bad.
But, after I finish this, I really have some non-baby knitting to attend to. Specifically, I need to do some knitting for Larkspur. I bought yarn in the color of her choice (pictured above) to knit a Sunday Sweater for next year. My plan is to write the pattern for the next size up as I go. I’ve been promising people for months that I would get this done, and I finally realized that the only way it would happen is if I am actually knitting it. I have the yarn now, and that’s a start!
I also really, really want to knit another Phoebe Sweater for Larkspur. (the pattern is from this super cute picture book
Lark hasn’t picked up her knitting needles in some time, but today she pulled out her rainbow yarn and started knitting back and forth, warming up for the hat she plans to knit for the new baby. Beatrix is claiming that she is going to knit the baby a sweater, hat, and hand warmers. Considering that she still knits in my lap, relying on my hands, we’ve got some work to do. Maybe I can convince her to knit the baby a nice soft washcloth instead.
As far as my own baby knitting plans: I know I want to knit a Baby Vertebrae and that will probably be the next thing I knit for baby. And of course I’ll knit a Milo or two, because those are so easy and practical. I like the look of this blanket and the fact that it isn’t a square (I seem to really like Kelly Brooker patterns!) I also want to knit lots of baby socks. I think Kelly’s pattern looks great.
What knits do you recommend for babies? I want practical items that I will really use. Please share links to your favorite newborn and 0-6 months baby patterns in the comments!
**some of the comments with links are being held for moderation, so if you don’t see your comment pop up after you post it, no worries. I’ll approve it as soon as I see it!
I found a gilet de berger (shepherd’s vest) on ravelry for a baby that I want to knit, but the directions are in French! I put the directions into google translator and it makes only half sense. So I keep searching. If someone can please help…
Kate, I’d be happy to translate it for you if you haven’t already had help. Email me at janegreppi@onetel.com
I’m knitting like crazy for my baby due in less than 2 months, so I’m really enjoying reading all these pattern recommendations! I like practical knits, too, so – longies, booties, a light sweater and hat or two. I’m working on a blanket now, and would also like to make some socks. Then, I might try tackling a full-body sweater type thing for winter 🙂
http://www.ngofamilyfarm.com/2013/03/springtime-is-for-babies.html
http://www.ngofamilyfarm.com/2013/04/springtime-knitting.html
-Jaime
Oh you have so many fun patterns lined up. I love that you have gone from a hat knitter to a serious knitter. I have on my list of the next baby gift item will be a “Patchwork Blanket” by Debbie Bliss. I have it in one of my books and I have really wanted to knit it. It is made up of different patches. I think you might be able to get each member of your knitting family to make a patch and help you out with it. My fall baby spent most of him time covered up in a comfy homemade blanket and not too many hand knits besides some hats.
Congratulations! I’m sorry that I can’t recommend a knitting pattern but I would love to suggest a wonderful cotton baby blanket! The classic baby blanket from Brahms Mount is fantastic. I swaddled my babies in the same one and it just felt so good. They’re weaved on antique looms right here in Maine. Expensive, I know, but worth every cent. It may be a nice alternative from wool for next spring. http://www.brahmsmount.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=21D2C How are you feeling?
I to love Kelly Brooker’s patterns and have made almost all of her free Ravelry ones! I like knitting for babies best so please check out my site, if you have a minutes, for some baby knit ideas! I reviewed some great baby sock patterns that I think you may enjoy.
Pebble by Nicky Lohr is great and if you knit it in wool, the buttons on the side give it stretch. it will fit for some time. Generally I really like vests for babies, keeps their core warm. Also the baby surprise jacket from EZ is great especially in a variegated yarn. congratulations and best wishes for a healthy and happy pregnancy.
I can’t say enough good things about the Elizabeth Zimmerman Longies pattern! Its in the knitters Almanac. The rise seems awfully high as you knit it, but they fit perfectly, cover a bulky cloth diaper, and don’t look awkward on a gangly newborn in the weeks/months before they fill them out! I knit some in Madtosh Dk, leaving off the bootie part for versatility’s sake, and they fit from 7lb to 19lbs (newborn to 7 months). We only just put then away, and until now, I don’t think two days went by without her wearing them! I miss them — and will make a bigger pair for her and half a dozen more whenever another baby comes our way!
I also love pointed hoods (like the vintage pixie cap in Vintage Knits for Modern Babies) for slightly older babies, say, once they’re started holding their heads up — because they won’t fall off and be lost as they cover the ears and the neck. I’ve knit scores of them.
Hi Lila! Are you on Ravelry? I’d love to see your longies. I do have that book/pattern, so I’ll try it!
Ginny, yes! The photographs I’ve taken of them are just awful, but the link is here: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/lilagreer/baby-leggings-february
I love seeing the patterns you plan to knit for your new little one! Congratulations–it put a smile on my face to read your announcement post. I knit primarily for babies and toddlers, and a couple of my favorite patterns are:
Garter Stripe Baby Socks http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garter-stripe-baby-socks
Bring it on Baby Blanket http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bring-it-on-baby-blanket
and especially Easy Baby Cardigan from the book More Last Minute Knitted Gifts http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/easy-baby-cardigan-3
Puerperium Cardigan has been on my queue to try for a while too, as well as Lines and Squares Baby Blanket http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lines–squares-baby-blanket
Happy Knitting!
I so love your blog. I am a Northern Neck (of VA) native that has been transplanted to Alaska for nearly the last decade and I adore your family adventures to Westmoreland State Park and surrounding areas. I’m expecting my second child on Nov.1 and am in the same conundrum as you…I’m wondering, do you find out the gender and then knit like mad or are you going gender neutral with your yarn choices?
Best wishes for you and your family!
This past year has been a big baby knitting year for me as I tried to make some special hand mades for my twin girls. My favorite patterns were:
4 Seasons Jacket http://themamabyrd.blogspot.com/2012/03/sitting-and-knitting-part-2.html
Plain Vest http://themamabyrd.blogspot.com/2012/10/twinning-dilemmas.html
and one I altered a bit to use as a blessing/baptism dress–the Ice Lolly T-shirt
http://themamabyrd.blogspot.com/2012/06/blessing-dresses.html
and my favorite hat pattern of all is the Alfalfa Baby Hat–so adorable.
http://themamabyrd.blogspot.com/2013/01/alfalfa-baby-hat.html
Happy baby knitting! I’m looking forward to seeing your projects.
… after knitting a few newborn knits, I think you will be designing your own pattern!! What more could a fall baby want!
You need a BSJ! I’m convinced that every child needs one. My little guy wore his all the time.
Ginny, I had a baby this last Halloween, so right about the time of year you are expecting. My friend knitted the baby a little vest that went high up under his chin and buttons up the side, so you didn’t have to move the little guy much when you were putting it on him, and it covered his chest up and kept him nice and warm without being too bulky. I LOVED that vest and used it all the time! I’m going to ask my friend about the pattern and e-mail you the link. It was the best little vest ever!
Would love the pattern too. Could you post it here, possibly?
Sure! She said it was fairly easy to do, too. And there was a little cap that buttoned under the chin. I’ll post both.
I haven’t made much from it yet, but I’m enjoying “60 Quick Baby Knits” http://www.amazon.ca/60-Quick-Baby-Knits-Superwash/dp/1936096137
I don’t have my own children, but I love to make things for my friends and I was really excited to find patterns for wee ones that use worsted weight – much faster to knit.
Congratulations!
Oh new baby knitting! How fun! Seriously exciting stuff 🙂 I made some looking glass longies for my last baby, and I loved them. However it turned out to be a warm winter(last winter) and so she really only wore them once 🙁 You can make them with all different weights of yarn too which is awesome. Hmmm….what else? Hats of course! Are you guys going to find out the gender? I guess that would determine a little more what else you could knit?
I knit up the Beyond Puerperium sweater for my little guy and loved the buttons! What about a romper? http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/small-things-romper–sweater Cute for church and going outdoors especially!
Lovely news-congratulations.
I have made our little ones blankets but what has been more useful is that they have been given hand knitted blankets big enough to use on their cots or beds when they are a little older. I think that they were made from Debbie Bliss patterns.
I agree, I love a larger baby blanket, I used wool leaves by Brooklyn Tweed and increased width and length . The pattern uses worsted weight yarn and knit up quick and beautiful!
I’ve knit Kanoko Pants (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kanoko-pants) for every baby I’ve known in the last three years or so, including my own son. They’re perfect for keeping little legs warm, and I’ve started adding an elastic band for the waist instead of the drawstring to make them easier to put on and off. Although I’ve made plenty with the drawstring as well!
Ginny and Jonny and Family I think that is wonderful news – jealous and delighted
I just started knitting this winter so I have no advice for you regarding knits
BUT, our baby days are sadly over and I have a lot of New Zealand made Merino Wool newborn baby under clothes here that are not being used
If you have any interest in them, please send me an email
Michelle
I just emailed you!
I also think the Aviatrix is super cute
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aviatrix-baby-hat
also I didn’t manage to knit it in my first attempt. Maybe I have to try harder to understand the pattern the next time… and I think the Alladin hat is adorable
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/b21-34-alladin-hat-in-alpaca
I think I need to have a baby or someone else of my close friends needs to have one soon so that I can knit all that too 😉
As for blankets, I liked the star stitch baby blanket
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/LaKatha/star-stitch-baby-blanket
so much I’m making a grown up version of it right now!
All the best for you, your family and the newest addition to be!
Ah and I forgot to mention: the colour of the yarn for Larkspurs Sunday sweater is so cute. Very girly but in a good way. I actually could do with a top in that colour…
My two favorite knits for my littlest one have been the Puerperium Cardigan and Pebble. I am really surprised how long Pebble is continuing to fit. She started wearing it at about 9 months old and is still in it at 16 months. Both patterns are free and really practical for wearing all the time.
PS: I never used the buttons on the cardigan – not very patient, I guess. Just pulled it over the head.
that’s my concern: patience with all that buttoning. I may just add the first four buttonholes, and leave off the rest….
This one looks fun. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/helloyarn/on-the-go-veralls
This are great even for boy’s and stay on. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/helloyarn/saartjes-bootees
I don’t have much experience with baby knitting, not having any of my own currently, but I’ve seen some of the patterns you’ve mentioned on other blogs, and would tend to agree with your choices.
I admire your productivity, as I dont know if I would be able to knit one sweater, let alone two, for anyone right now! 🙂
God bless you and your family as you prepare to welcome another little one into your life.
That is a very sweet sweater, but I can’t help and find the name of it kind of funny. I personally love http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/owlet-2
I’ve knit it several times and always use this yarn http://classiceliteyarns.com/product_page_detail.php?category_id=3&item_id=1
super soft and cozy and is able to be machine washed (if wanted), I mean unbelievably soft.
Congratulations again!
This was a favorite of mine when my baby was little. He was able to wear it for a while…
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/leannecoppola/baby-sachiko-kimono-sweater
the Sachiko Kimono sweater
Congrats to you again!
I make a lot of baby pants. I don’t even bother to use them as diaper covers anymore, I just love how sweet they look!
My kids are all born at the tail end of summer. Most recent baby got a pepita which she wore for many months (until she starting getting mobile, really). I loved the korrigan set I made for her as well. I also made this cute romper (which fit a new baby well, we tried it on!), but I’ve tucked it away for a baby boy some day! OTherwise? longies, longies, longies!
I have the Korrigan in my favorites, it’s so beautiful.
Considering babies really just need to be warm and clean, and handknit underclothes aren’t very practical to wash, it seems blankets, hats and socks are the best choice. Can there be too many of any? Well, maybe hats but…so cute!
PS I will be very grateful for the updated sweater pattern. It’s been teasing me on my desktop for many months!
Congratulations on the baby!! What a wonderful gift! Very happy for you. 🙂 As for knitting, I just knitted the newborn hat from the tutorial that you have on your blog for a friend of mine. I know you have knitted it before, but it’s really cute.
I have loved the Vintage Knits for Modern Babies book that I received as a gift while I was pregnant with my #6. I have knit countless sets of the pom pom booties from this book. I loved them on my own little and have gifted them to every new baby since.
The Milk top is a love of mine: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/milk-infant-top Practical and so sweet!
What about some knitted soakers? Ravelry seems to have a few patterns and Google searches comes up with lots… Still so happy for you!!!
As I don’t knit (and all 4 of ‘babies’ are grown), I’m no help in the patterns dept. I love the look of the sweater with the buttons! As newborns don’t roll over, I can’t see where the buttons would be a problem. And not tugging the sweater over a wee head would be a blessing in my book!
I can’t wait to see all of your lovely knitting when it is done!
I love that cardigan and been planning to knit it as well… But I’ve already knit so much for a June baby!!
It’s crocheted, but I’ve made tiny crocodile booty and I love them!
http://demilunes.co/un-autre-chapeau-avec-des-bottines/
I received these socks as a gift & am loving them on my little one: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/vauvan-sukka
They are great as they are so stretchy they slip on over or under anything & stay on!
They look like they would be fun knit too, so I’m planning to make a pair myself.
I knit a Puerperium Cardigan and cast on 3 sts and made knotted tube buttons (proper vocabulary eluding me) in place of the sewn on buttons. Worked great and she wore it till 1 year. I would make this pattern several times over if I have another.
Baby knitting excitement-swoon!
Oh and I love the baby socks in the Joelle Hoverson book. I can’t remember which one but I made a few pairs and my little is still somehow wearing them and she is 20 months now.
Here is my rav link: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/violicious
And the Super Easy Baby Socks with the tie are brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. They stayed on Ms Squirmykins like a charm.
I love all your knitting plans! I was looking for which blanket you we re planning. That is always the first thing I knit when one of my girls is expecting. My Ravelry page has most of mine listed. I like the cardigans you chose and I downloaded a couple!
Your house always looks so peaceful in your pictures and makes me strive to create an atmosphere of peace with these grandchildren!
I made the Fish Creek baby sweater for my little guy and it was the perfect weight through the winter months. It is so soft and cozy.
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/jennyr/fish-creek-hooded-baby-sweater
I am planning on knitting a Milo vest soon. Elsa has one knit by a friend but she is outgrowing it. I’m surprised to find that I really love vests for baby, perfect over a woolen undershirt.
Ginny, I just may not be good at knitting baby things. Nothing is fitting! And because like you this was our first baby while I was a more serious knitter (even though I could hardly knit during pregnancy)…
Well I guess you weren’t expecting any brilliant answers from me since I am always so full of baby questions for you… (Still haven’t cut those onesies in half!)
These have been my favorite baby pants for Elsa…
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/farmama/baby-leggings-february
I didn’t knit them so they fit. I am going to start another pair and just make them lots longer. The rise on these is so tall and I love it.
But for now I better go get the i-cord ties on elsa’s new bonnet, which barely fits. My baby is not tiny anymore…
Love you!
Renee
I love booties. I have made the saartje booties as well as the ones from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. Right now I am working on a garter stitch sweater for a niece due this summer. What about an EZ pattern? I made my youngest a tomten, but everyone endorses the BSJ?
A must knit baby item is EZ february baby sweater. It’s a top down cardigan in worsted weight and goes lickety split fast!! So happy for you and your family and sigh….knitting for a baby!!!!
I’m currently working on a cardigan for my younger daughter who is 4. It’s the Belle & Beau pattern from Petite Purls which can be found on Ravelry. So far it has been a really wonderful and quick knit and although it is typically for a girl a few colour adjustments would make it just as suitable for a boy. It starts from size 3 months and goes all the way up to a size 8. And congratulations, new baby news really is the best! 🙂
I love the puerperium sweater. It’s a super easy and quick knit. Of course, mine doesn’t have buttons yet 🙂
I also love the Aviatrix Hat and this baby tee is super easy as well:
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ravelry.com%2Fpatterns%2Flibrary%2Fbq-baby-tee&h=jAQE7BlNN
We are expecting #6 any day now and s/he is our first since I became a more serious knitter. It’s been SO FUN to knit for a new born!
Oh, and don’t miss the Owlie Sleep Sack! It’s too cute 🙂
Definitely some sacks, soakers, and longies. I haven’t been following long enough to know whether you cloth diaper or not, but fitteds a wooly sack were my favorite for the newborn phase, then fitteds with wool pants (or shorts) were my favorites after that.
My personal favorite patterns…
soakers – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/snapdragon-soaker and http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/curly-purly-soaker-pattern
shorties/longies – http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/366-miss-priss-diaper-pants and http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/picky-pants
sacks – a variation on the Curly Purly soaker pattern – http://www.ravelry.com/projects/AmyJ/curly-purly-soaker-pattern-5
Oooo, I almost forgot! My new favorite sock/bootie pattern is the LoveBug Booties. http://www.ravelry.com/projects/nerdygerdy/lovebug-booties
They knit up in an evening and they stay on feet very well, and are simply adorable! (Although my baby only fit in them between months 1 and 3 and I have about 7 lb babies at birth, if that’s any gauge to size. I wouldn’t call them 0-6 months unless you up the gauge.)
I am thinking about the baby suprise jacket for my sister in law…..
There are a few versions of the Five Hour Baby Sweater out there. Since I discovered it, I’ve knit it for several babies. It’s such a satisfying useful knit. It’s in my Ravelry projects. Booties, of course, are another super-useful and quick knit. Enjoy knitting for your new little one!
The Small Things Romper is probably my favorite all time baby knit. I’ve made a two of them now, as my last 2 babies have been born in December and my babies live in them practically when they’re born. With our cold winters, I’ve used them as a sort of jacket for when they are in car seats, but they wear them inside too. It’s super easy to get babies in and out of, and they’re great for cloth diapering.
I have been on the same track mind with you as far as knitting planning on the brain (minus the baby factor…). I was working out last night my knitting projects for the next few months and wishing I could knit faster!
Good idea! I have that pattern. I’ve knit the sweater, but not the romper. What sizes did you knit? Maybe I should knit the 3 month size–one up from the newborn?
I knit the newborn size first, and it fit like a glove for about 2 weeks, and immediately wanted the 3 month size. I didn’t get around to making the 3 month size until the next baby though! So, yeah, I’d do the 3 month size! That size lasted a bit longer.
Don’t worry about the buttons on the puerperium, they’re not fiddly and mean you don’t have to do the over-the-head thing with your baby. My wee boy (a sept 12 vintage :-)) is on his 4th puerperium, and for the latest one I joined in the round after the yoke, so it just has 3 buttons on the raglan edge of the yoke (instead of seven buttons all the way down) – this improvisation has worked well too!
Xx
You can see the finished (modified) puerperium in this post if you like!
http://littlemacaroon.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/colour-lovers.html?m=1
Ginny, have you seen Carina Spencer’s patterns? I am absolutely crazy for them. Here are some favorites:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gift-wrap-romper–sweater
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gift-wrap-sweater
and how could we resist the “Small Things” sweater? http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/small-things-sweater
So happy for you, friend. xo
Yes! I love her. I knit the small things sweater for Silas 🙂 I am thinking I’ll knit the romper for this baby!