Recently I had the pleasure of knitting up a few gifts for a friend who's first baby boy will be arriving in Autumn. They live in a much cooler part of Australia than we do, so I knitted up some snuggly woolly things for when he first arrives.
For the bonnet I used my Triple Ribbed Pixie Bonnet pattern (available here and here). I personally love knitting these bonnets as when I created the pattern I put into it everything I love both to knit and the look of. It's a fun knit and suitable for any skill level.
For the boots I used the pattern from my all-time favourite collection of baby knitting patterns - Natural Nursery Knits by Erika Knight. I was so happy to be able to pull this one off the shelf, and selecting a pattern was a bit tricky as there are so many beautiful things in this book to make!
The boots are worked flat and are by no means complicated, but you'd probably want to have a little more knitting experience down to get them finished off nicely.
I know people get so many gifts in newborn sizing when they have a baby, so I also wanted to send something that could be put away and brought out when baby is older. I decided an aviator style hat in organic cotton would be perfect for temperate spring weather, and so I knitted it up in the size I hope he'll be by that time.
I chose this pattern because I've made it before and it always turns out lovely. Another enjoyable knit that isn't complicated but still lots of fun.
And lastly, I wanted to make a rattle. I was torn between making a mushroom rattle or the bunny from Natural Nursery Knits, but in the end, I decided it would be lovely to send a rattle that matched the hat, seeing as the bonnet and boots were a matching set too. By the time baby is big enough to wear his ear-flap hat he should be big enough to play with the rattle as well.
Do you like knitting for babies?
I'm so grateful to be able to make gifts rather than having to rely on the shops. Upon adventuring into the baby section at the shop I was quite taken aback at the very bland range offered for baby boys, as opposed to girls. There weren't even any cute animal prints on offer! I think baby boys can wear so much more than monochrome colours, which was all that was available.
What are you making at the moment?
I'd love to know!
Sarah x
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That is such a lovely present for a newborn. What is not to like? The bunny rattle was a good choice. I love the stitch pattern on the top of the foot of the boots. Quite unusual. Have to agree with you about the boy/girl clothes. It was quite a shock shopping for a boy after having 2 girls. #kcco
ReplyDeleteThank-you so much Cheryl! The pattern on the front of the boots is made from the shaping. I love the definition it gives them :-)
DeleteThis is adorable! The recipient will be over the moon with these, such a thoughtful and touching gift for a little baby boy!
ReplyDeleteKez | acaciasdreams.com
Thank-you Kez! They were pretty wrapped with them :-)
DeleteWhat a wonderful set of newborn things. What a lucky new mama! The knit rattle is darling. Even though I don't have any boys, my friends with boys have this very complaint. Good thing you are talented enough to fill it in with all your beautiful handmades.
ReplyDeleteThank-you so much Laura! x
DeleteYes- I love knitting for babies- but the fact that I am not very good and extremely slow at it means that I could never knit fast enough to dress my babies as I would love to- in all knit rompers and dresses, hats and socks, from head to teensy toes. Why I must keep having them! ;-) Your knits are lovely and I am sure will be well received. Lucky friend! Lucky baby boy!
ReplyDeleteVisiting from the KCCO linkup~ all the best!
Rebecca from www.zeahrenaissance.blogspot.com
Thank-you so much Rebecca! Another wonderful thing about handmade is that it can be passed down :-)
DeleteAw - so very cute!! I'm sure the little baby will be as warm as toast in his new outfits.
ReplyDeleteThank-you so much Meredithe x
DeleteTotally agree it's nice to receive larger sized baby clothes as well ... they grow so very quickly after all. He's a very lucky little man xo
ReplyDeleteThank-you Kellie x
DeleteI just love this gift package, what a great combination of items and colours. A real favourite for the recipient to enjoy I'm sure. Thanks for sharing Sarah, from Amanda R
ReplyDeleteThank-you so much Amanda! x
DeleteI like knitting for babies. The arrival of my niece is what started me making crocheted toys. Now my friend is expecting a baby and I am knitting squares for a blanket. :)
ReplyDeleteA handmade baby blanket is such a lovely, lovely gift! x
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