Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies, and a Better World [Hardcover]

Tara Jon Manning (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 2006

Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies, and a Better World offers a wonderful, holistic approach to caring for our babies, ourselves, and our planet. Author Tara Jon Manning has created the ultimate guide to treating babies and mommies to the joys of nature and the pleasure of crafting. Explore how to combine handcraft and gift making with the philosophy of “living lightly.” Practice the adage “reduce, reuse, recycle” while creating handcrafted, one-of-a-kind treasures. The inspired designs are supplemented by information about holistic approaches to raising baby and the stewardship of your baby’s world.

What better way to welcome a new life into the world than with a soft, luxurious, handmade gift of organic fiber? Ecologically sound, buttery soft, and tender-skin-friendly–and made by you with love and care–the toys and clothing featured here are perfect for mommy and child to enjoy together. Over thirty projects are included, in three types of handwork: knitting, sewing, and felting. The first-time crafter will discover expert guidance and easy-to-follow instructions, while the seasoned will delight in the beauty of the patterns and the texture of natural fibers and yarns.

The wide selection of projects is made up entirely of organic materials. Make a bath suite–including a washcloth and robe–out of high-quality natural yarn. Use hot-water hand felting to turn your old, gently loved sweaters into soft blocks. Detailed schematics and full-color photographs accompany each project, guiding the reader through the creation of one beautiful design after another.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tara Jon Manning has been captivated by all things fiber since she was a child, having started knitting at age eight. Her designs can be seen in knitting magazines, books, and collections from major yarn companies. Tara holds a master’s degree in apparel/ textile design and fiber arts and a bachelor’s degree in drawing and painting. Tara’s former retail store, Over the Moon, was named one of “America’s Most Loved Yarn Shops” by Interweave Press’s Knitter’s Stash. She has lived in Boulder, Colorado, for more than twenty years, and organic products and holistic care are a part of Tara’s everyday life. The mother of two, Tara finds her biggest inspiration in her children. This is her fifth book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft (October 17, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307338258
• ISBN-13: 978-0307338259
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,884,560 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

ABOUT TARA

A knitter since age eight, Tara Jon Manning is author of five books and contributing designer and author to knitting magazines, books, and yarn companies. She has been exploring the use of knitting and handwork as a form of contemplative practice and the role of spirituality in art and craft in her own life and work. Tara holds a BFA with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting and a Masters Degree in Textile and Apparel Design with an emphasis in Fiber Arts. Tara is enjoying a reconnection with her love of painting, and currently delving into the world of music, playing her Fender Stratocaster whenever she can, and exploring the realm of singer/songwriter. She writes frequently for craft and lifestyle magazine. Tara and her family live in Boulder, Colorado.

Tara's published books include:

Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies and a Better World (Potter Craft) is Tara's most recent release focusing on integrating craft, organic, recycled and tactile materials into the lives of babies and those who love them.

Mindful Knitting (Tuttle Publishing)- and exploration of the links between handwork and mindfulness meditation, self exploration and generosity all through the work of our hands. One of the premier titles in the "knitting and spirituality" genre.

Compassionate Knitting (Tuttle Publishing) - more mindful knitting projects relating to the concept of "Heaven, Earth and Knitter." A beautiful collection and continuation of the themes found in Mindful Knitting.

Men in Knits (Interweave Press) - a perennial knitter's favorite, and possibly THE best book on knitting for men!

The Gift Knitter (Berkley Books)- innovative, cute and quick gift projects for babies with two legs (yup, puppies!) and babies (people puppies).

For more information about Tara, her books, knitting patterns, writing and annual Mindful Knitting Retreats, please visit:
Website: http://www.tarahandknitting.com
Blog: http://earthskyknitter.wordpress.com/

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Organic and recycled materials for baby crafts--what a great idea!, October 24, 2006

By 

Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies, and a Better World (Hardcover)

This is a delightful new book of baby patterns with a twist; the materials used are either organic cottons (which I personally adore; they are so soft and cushy because they are not treated or dyed) --and recycled materials liked felted old sweaters. Now, organic cottons can be a tad pricey but for babies require so little yarn, you can afford to knit with the best. I love the idea of organic cotton because babies have thin, delicate skin. As to recycling, you can go to the thrift store or your own closet and felt good but worn-out sweaters of pure wool and make delightful fabrics to cut up and sew for baby toys or clothing.

The patterns include:

Hemp stroller tote

Hoodie sweater

Cable Aran sweaater

Stripe sweater and knicker set

Beanie

Cotton Topper

BOnet

Bottle Cozies

Argyle Vest

Nursing shawl

chenille robe and washcloth

recycled wool jacket for a toddler

Sherpa fleece pants and jacket

hats of all sorts

hot water bottle cover

Toys: stars, blocks, bear, snake, doll, star babies, fairies, wizard, a mobile of felted stars

There are templates in the back for cutting out the sewing projects and easy knitting instructions. Aside from a few more complex knit patterns involving intarsia (color knitting pictures) most are easy knit.

A new mom will probably love this book and could furnish her entire nursery with items from the book. Very very cute and plenty of variety.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not as Good as "Natural Knits for Babies and Moms", July 8, 2007

By 

MamaG - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies, and a Better World (Hardcover)

I own a copy of this book and of Louisa Harding's "Natural Knits for Babies and Moms," which was a better book for a couple of reasons: the knitting instructions were more clear and the projects were more beautiful.

In general, the projects in "Nature Babies" are cute, although some are not to my taste (the fit of some of the clothing items is too baggy to be really cute on tiny ones, in my opinion). I have made the cable beanie 3 times, and have really enjoyed making and giving this project. The chart for the decreases is a bit confusing, but following the written directions cleared up that confusion for me.

I have also made several dolls similar to the ones featured in this book (Waldorf dolls, not patterns from this book) and they are beautiful, cute, and always well-loved.

I did find it a bit strange that this book includes a pattern for a knitted bottle cozy, since most of the organic mamas out there probably breastfeed.

In general, I have enjoyed having this book, and will continue to make projects out of it, but will get more use out of "Natural Knits for Babies and Moms."

4.0 out of 5 stars What's not to love..., February 25, 2007

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nature Babies: Natural Knits and Organic Crafts for Moms, Babies, and a Better World (Hardcover)

Fall 2006 saw the publication of a number of books featuring knitting with organic yarns and "living lightly." Tara Jon Manning's Nature Babies, is one of two specifically geared to organic knitting for babies. Manning states in her introduction: "Nature Babies presents you and your baby with gifts and accessories that employ some of our Earth's loveliest materials and that fit the philosophies of a natural and holistic lifestyle."

Manning's patterns follow her philosophy: "Live simply so others may simply live." By utilizing recycled and organic materials, Manning proposes that gifts for babies should help teach them that "less is more."

The sections of Nature Babies are color-coded to help readers easily locate the projects. The first section (pages edged in red) contains projects suitable for novice knitters, intersperse with information on organic yarns. The second section (blue edges) are projects made with felt, and Manning suggests recycling old wool (and other all-animal fiber sweaters) to create these fun toys and hats. The third section (green edges) contains sewing projects, the fourth (yellow edges) is pattern templates and the final section (teal edges) provides instructions on various techniques.

Throughout, Manning discusses imaginative play and the benefits of toys without batteries and flashing lights. Her theory is that "simple, natural toys absorb the child in a world of touch and fantasy...to develop a strong sense of the natural world and their place in it."

Armchair Interviews says: Nature Babies provides a wide range of garments and toys that are sure to delight any new mother or baby.