Booties, Blankets and Bears: 20 Irresistible Hand Knits for Your Baby

The arrival of a new baby awakens your senses-there's nothing quite like the touch of her soft skin against your own, the sweet smell of her hair as you cuddle her dry after a bath, and the delightful sight of one of her radiant inaugural smiles. Now, renowned knitwear designer Debbie Bliss presents a wonderful new collection of knitting projects with all that's warm and lovable about babies in mind. Styled specifically around a trio of core nursery items-booties, blankets, and teddy bears-and featuring Debbie's own special yarns that are not only gentle against newborn skin but machine-washable, these projects are perfect for every nursery and mother-to-be. Knitters are offered six blanket patterns-including reversible and hooded varieties-sure to keep little ones warm in an array of indoor and outdoor settings. Plus, you'll find seven types of booties, socks, and sandals appropriate for both boys and girls, charming jointed stuffed teddy bears in two sizes, and a matching bear-themed blanket and slipper set. And there's more! Other pleasing pairings are suggested, such as a shirt and booties with picot edges, a stuffed rabbit and matching booties with blanket-stitch detail, and an adorable knit mouse and striped blanket. The projects are preceded by an illustrated primer on reading knitting patterns and charts, as well as other basics, and include helpful pointers for making toys and garments machine-washable and baby-safe. Featuring gorgeous color photos by children's fashion photographer Ulla Nyeman-known for her darling Gap and Burberry ads-and crystal clear step-by-step instructions that take you from choosing yarn to finishing seams and edges, Booties, Blankets and Bears is truly a delight-just like holding a new baby, and watching her grow and learn.