Special Knits: 22 Gorgeous Handknits for Babies and Toddlers (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Top knitwear designer Debbie Bliss presents a collection for newborns that will be cherished and handed down for years to come, from blankets and sweaters to hats and bootees, all using soft, snuggly yarns.

From the Publisher

Debbie Bliss has firmly established herself as the most stylish and accessible children’s knitwear designer working today. In Special Knits for Babies, she returns with a lovely collection of clothing and accessories for newborns. Some designs are simple to make—their special quality lies in the softness of the knit, often a cashmere mix. Others are unique for their trimming—a scattering of beads, a velvet bow, an organza ribbon. Most of the designs require little knowledge of complicated techniques: a simple garter–stitch blanket is perfect for beginners and is given a touch of luxury with an edging of satin. For those who prefer more of a challenge, there is a sampler blanket or a cross–stitch embroidered gingham cardigan. With clear step–by–step instructions, simple charts, and charming photos, this is another irresistible collection from the foremost designer of knitwear for babies and children. Debbie Bliss, former designer for Baby Gap, is the best–selling author of more than a dozen books, including Junior Knits, Baby Knits for Beginners, The Baby Knits Book, Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook, How to Knit, and Classic Knits for Kids.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books; 1st edition (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570762961
• ISBN-13: 978-1570763021
• ASIN: 157076302X
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 10.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #460,078 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another beautiful book from Debbie Bliss, April 15, 2005

By	Erica Wells (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Special Knits is aptly titled, as it is a collection of lovely knits for children up to 24 months, 36 months in a few cases. Most of the designs are knit on size 2/3 needles, so you have to be patient. I started with the cardigan on the cover, which is on 7 & 8 needles, and I am nearly done after only a week or so of evening knitting. Debbie's unique style comes through on all the designs, and I easily found 5 or 6 projects I'd like to try. Several simple designs are included, with the addition of ribbon, beads, embroidery or trim to dress them up. There is an adorable bolero, a great-looking cable sweater with room for an initial on the front, a couple of blankets, dresses and a sweet-looking rabbit.
The photography is focused more on darling pictures of babies than knitting technique, which is expected in a Bliss book. Just be sure you are confident of your knitting skills if you begin some of the more complex projects. I have been knitting for a little over a year and I am able to follow the directions without too much trouble.
I'm sure if you like Debbie Bliss, you will love this book. But I would recommend it for any semi-experienced knitter who is looking for fun, new baby designs, as I always am!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute projects with incomplete instructions, January 9, 2006

By	B. McCollam - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has some great projects in it, and I'm certainly glad that I bought it, but both of the patterns I've followed from here (hooded sweater and stuffed rabbit) have been confusing in parts. I fumbled through on both of them and they both came out very cute, but I'm pretty sure they're different from what Debbie Bliss intended, and I can't figure out if the instructions are outright wrong, or just unclear. (I've checked the errata page on her website, and neither of these patterns are referred to.)

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Schematics????, July 13, 2006

By	GGKnits (Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

I do wish more of DB's books had diagrams. Schematics are essential for gaining a quick understanding of shape and fit of a pattern. Many of her patterns feature photographs that do not adequately reveal details such as the type of sleeve join.