Customer Reviews

Special Knits: 22 Gorgeous Handknits for Babies and Toddlers

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.)

This is indeed a lovely book with beautiful photos, colors and designer-type outfits to knit. However, the title is misleading. "22 Gorgeous Handknits For Babies up to 24 months" would better describe the patterns.

There are 17 outfit patterns in this book. Only 3 of these go beyond size 24mths. The largest size is 36mths. I purchased this book online hoping to knit a sweater for my 3+ year old daughter. Alas, the patterns I love did not have measurements in her size. And since I am not an experienced knitter, twiddling the instructions is intimidating.

Still, it's a lovely book to linger over and draw inspiration to knit something beautiful.

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.

I just LOVE this book. I borrowed it from the library originally and decided to buy it as it has such simple designs that are super fast to knit. My favourite completed project is a little bow-tied bolero jacket which I made in a lovely scarlett red pure wool from Australia. It looks fantastic and gets compliments everytime my daughter wears it. It is a simple stocking and garter stitch pattern which more than rewards you for the minimal time it took to make. I am off on a buying trip tomorrow to buy the yarn to make the littled beaded cardigan in pale blue cashmerino with glass sead beads embroidered on. I have chosen these designs as they were the only ones which went to a size 24-36 months. I will start on some of the newborn sized items as baby gifts next. I have found no mistakes in the instructions thus far as they are simple, clear and concise but I like that you can check on debbie's website and get a complete list of amendments for all her pattern books typos. At least she provides this as many authors dont!! Highly recommended has simple through to more complicated deigns. Happy knitting!!!!

Stunning, absolutely gorgeous. I bought the book for the cover jacket and found that everything else inside is also beautiful. I am teaching my daughter in law, how to knit and she just finished the jacket. She fell in love with the art and can't wait to start on the next piece. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to relax and create a long lasting piece of art.

Easy to read. Beautiful pictures. I recommend this book highly if you want a designer sweater to knit.

This is a book to have in your shelter always and forever. Great pictures, good explanations and wonderfull knitting ideas

Hand knitters who want to produce classics for babies and toddlers will find Special Knits by knitting expert Debbie Bliss to be an outstanding collection by a someone who has over a dozen books on children's knitwear to her name. All types of designs, from pullovers and caps to wraps, clover classic styles and include patterns appropriate for all levels of knitter. Lovely color photos of kids wearing the finished products provide inspiration and illustration.

Typical Debbie Bliss book. Great follow on and companion to her books for younger children. If you are a fan, and I am, this is for you, if not rey a sensible, useful approach, with stylish, achieveable garments.