Need baby gift ideas!

[iowaorganic]

So we have a lot of second babies coming to our friends this spring- yay! But then I need gifts for them. I usually make baby quilts- but since the knitting bug has hit maybe something knitted?

I was thinking booties, hat and sweater combos- that shouldn't take too long out of worsted should it? But then I really prefer to use pf- but is that going to go over well? Wool on a baby? And I don't machine wash my pf- it gets hand washed- but maybe you can wash it and line dry it? I guess I don't know and don't really want to try?

Also can I make them size 3-6 mo? Then they will be sure to fit- but still not take forever to knit?

Oh and the cardis and kimonos on here are inspiration for the sweaters- but cutsie hat patterns for both boys and girls would be great!

Thanks!

[feminist~mama]

Lots of folks say that they use peace fleece for baby stuff. Of course, lots of folks think it's too rough too. I've read lots of comments about people machine washing pf with no problem.

I've used knitpicks shine for baby stuff, although I didn't really like knitting with it, so I've decided not to do it again.

Have fun knitting!

[Mama2JuJu]

Just wanted to say I am in the same boat! I know about 5 people who are expecting babes from now until about September and I would love to knit some things for them! I have done my first set of booties and a hat (I am pretty new at knitting) and I did it out of crapp-o yarn just for practice... Today I went and bought some Caron Soft (acrylic) but it is still really soft. I hope its ok for babes, and washes well... I am too poor for any nice wool or anything, so I guess we will see how it goes. I have found some great baby patterns on www.bevscountrycottage.com . I am thinking of doing some little knit teddies or bunnies also.

I am looking forward to reading the other responses on this thread.

ETA: What do yall think of using cotton (like kitchen cotton) for a more natural, inexpensive alternative, and washing the item until it's soft?

[mamasthree]

cotton ease is a great yarn for baby stuff. I like peace fleece, but I don't see folks who aren't into wool liking it, especially for their baby.


one thing about sizing--if you make 3-6 mos. be sure that the items can be worn in the late spring/summer--just in case they don't fit right away.


I love knitting baby stuff--it goes so fast and the models are sooo cute!


sorry I'm no help on patterns! I love the ky baby knits ear cozy hat, but probably not so great for spring babes! I've knit several things from debbie bliss books--I like almost all her baby patterns.

[Glover_Girls]

I've been knitting up these little goodies for babies. The pattern is free on www.lionbrand.com and it's called Blanket Buddy Bunny. I've used the Lion Brand yarn which is called Velvet Spun and it's oh so soft!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/glover_...7603779228474/

They knit up pretty fast and baby won't outgrow it as quickly and season doesn't matter! I'm also knitting up some soft washcloths which I'll pair with a nice natural organic baby soap. Lots of cute patterns at http://www.rainyk.com/Dishcloths.html

Happy knitting! I love knitting for babies!

[rootzdawta]

There was a fabulous idea I read on Ravelry. Pair a knitted caterpillar like this: http://kimberlychapman.com/crafts/kn...terpillar.html with Eric Carle's book The Hungry Caterpillar (http://www.amazon.com/Very-Hungry-Ca.../dp/0399226907).

[lorelei]

I just made my bf from hs a little hat and pair of booties from Patton's soy wool stripes- way cute, and very soft! She's due in April. I'm trying to think up some more good, quick projects, two of my cousins are also expecting!