Customer Reviews

Vintage Knits for Modern Babies

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

 

 

I agree with the other reviewers in saying that this book is full of beautiful patterns. The photography is done very nicely too. I would definitely consider making every project in the book, which is somewhat of a rarity in pattern books anymore.
True to the title, many of these little items have the vintage feel to it (such as the wavy cashmere blanket and vintage pixie cap) and are very cute. Vintage isn't always the best though; I've looked through my share of patterns from the 40's & 50's and so on and have found the vast majority of them don't appeal to me, are outdated and old looking, you wouldn't want to put them on any baby today. But this book does a wonderful job of featuring patterns that are vintage but at the same time perfectly wearable and still modern enough to give to a child now.
I have been finishing other projects and waiting to start on a pattern from this book. However, the 1st thing I have attempted to do had me a little confused and this is why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5. It isn't my own error, I've double checked and read the instructions carefully. The instructions on the Pom-Pom Booties tell you to follow a round with some increasing, and then to repeat it again once more and is followed by the number of stitches you should have. You're supposed to have 31 stitches, which you do, if you count everything. But you've only been instructed to work 29 of them. The other 2 stitches are still on the left needle. There is no instruction on what you're supposed to do with these remaining 2, the round just ends with the completion of repeating the instruction for the second time. There isn't something like "K2, or K remaining stitches" or any little note in the beginning of the pattern that you would go back to.
This irritates me. I assume by looking at the picture of the finished product that I probably do knit the remaining stitches. This situation is the same on the other lines of the pattern (complete an instruction another time and only get the stitch count, not what to do with the few remaining on the left needle). This is the first book I've come across that just flat out doesn't tell me what to do with stitches. The book seems to think the knitter will just know to knit the stitches, or know what to do with them. I don't want to have to assume. Maybe it's a minor thing, but a person could assume the wrong thing and not know. I'd rather just have a spelled out "K2, K remaining stitches, etc....' or some type of instruction that makes what you're supposed to be doing very clear.
This is the first pattern I've tried to do, I haven't tried any others yet so I don't know if the same thing happens in any other patterns. Besides the issue of unspecified instructions, I'd still say the book is a really great buy, worth the money, and full of great little projects for knitters of different experience levels.

To update: I have just tried a few more patterns. I've finished the pom pom booties from before and came out with great results (knit those stitches when it leaves out what to do with them). Also, the little hat from the beginning of the book came out great. Though again, I have run into a minor issue. I am making the crossover jacket this time and have found that the gauge or measurement may be inaccurate. I'm using the right type of yarn, right size of needles, and checked my gauge beforehand which was correct. In this case, you are repeating instructions until you have 19 stitches. You are then instructed to work even in garter stitch until you have 6 inches. Problem is: repeating the instructions until you are left with those 19 stitches already puts you over. I have followed the directions and ended up with 6 1/2 inches, without even going on to working even. All my measurements before getting to that point are correct, gauge and materials and tools correct, which is why I'm leaning towards there being maybe a misprint in how many inches you should have when finished. I'm not sure what to do here, but I suppose leaving it with the supposed extra half inch won't ruin the garment, just make it somewhat looser. I don't know if anyone else has found this problem with this project, but I'd be interested to find out.

I have made two of the patterns in this book and they where fast, easy, and totally adorable. If you like the idea of quick and wonderful gifts for babies, this is the book to get.

Finally a book that puts together my two passions - knitting and vintage baby patterns in post-1950s language! These patterns are easy to follow and actually end up looking like the photos! Thank you!

This book would make a spectacular gift for any knitter who loves creating beautiful, unique garments for children. It truly is the gift that keeps on giving!

Author Hadley Fierlinger offers this introduction: "Most of us knit for babies today because we want to, not because we have to. We knit for them, as our grandmothers did, for the love of it. We knit because nothing else can give us the same soothing texture and emotion as a garment created by hand. While we sit and knit, our hopes and dreams are wrapped in every stitch." For me, this really sums up what knitting means to me and serves as the perfect opener for this book.

And oh, what patterns! These are beautiful, simple affairs that were inspired by vintage patterns. The finished garments have a look of grace about them, thanks to their simplicity. Twenty-five patterns are presented, from booties and bonnets, to sweaters and jackets. Each one is representative of classic knits. You almost get the sense that you are recreating heirlooms - but with better yarn!

No matter your experience, you will most definitely find items that are a good match for your skill level. No guesswork is needed as each pattern is indicated with one of three skill levels, or a blend of two levels. Beginners can start off with the Organic Heirloom Blanket or Tiny Trousers, moving onto Cabled Booties as they gain confidence. Experienced knitters will no doubt want to try their hand at the oh-so-sweet Ballet Blossom Cardigan or impressive Double-Breasted Car Coat (wow!). I think everyone should knit up a few pair of Wee Mittens, as they are just too irresistible to pass up!

As soon as I started leafing through the book, I just knew my first project would be the Ruby Slippers. These are small ballet type slippers with a cross strap right over the top of the foot, secured by a button. They are dainty and just all-together perfect. The instructions were easy to follow, and I had the right slipper knitted in no time (ahem, one episode's worth of Glee!) at all. I was very pleased to find my slipper had turned out just like the photo in the book.

If you are a knitter of baby items, or know someone who is, I urge you to take a look at this book. Definitely visit Hadley Fierlinger's Flickr account ([...])to check out a great bunch of photos. These should give a good sense of what the book offers and if it would be a good fit for you and your needles. Personally, I love it!

P.S. You may also want to take a peek at Hadley's blog - http://shescraftyness.blogspot.com/ - she offers free patterns ....

I love this book, the photos are fantastic and the patterns are simple and easy to follow, it has re-ignited my desire and will to knit, can't wait to see the finished product. Great book!

This book looks divine, with gorgeous photographs and a beautiful layout. I have knitted a few of the projects, the new born cap, the booties and the baby blanket, and they have turned out reasonably well.

I have to agree with other reviewers that there are some mistakes with the patterns, but with a little bit of logic you can work out how to knit through them. The mistakes mean this is not a book for absolute beginners, but I only have a little knitting experience and have managed to work out how to knit from the patterns.

This book is great even for inspiration, and have introduced me to yarns I might not have come across otherwise. Overall a beautiful book with some great knitting projects.

I've made several of the garments in this book and like them very much. Once in a while the instructions seem to be missing something, though, as another reviewer pointed out. Near the end of p. 70, for instance, you're instructed to knit a RS row and then immediately afterward another RS row, and then to repeat those two rows until 5 sts remain.

Two problems: this is not on circular or DP needles, so there can't be two RS rows one after the other; and there's no way to get down to 5 sts. You can get down to 6, and then the next time you follow the instructions, you're left with 4.

Both are minor points--I figured out that there must be a P row missing, and I worked around the 4 sts vs. 5 sts problem, but it does shake my confidence in the accuracy of the instructions.

I really like how this book has classic patterns that are simple, yet have refined details that will knit up quickly. I love difficult patterns, yet I am totally looking forward to knitting up many of these beautiful, quick knitting items.

This is a lovely book, well written, well researched, beautiful pictures and super easy patterns, with yarn that is readily available. A credit to Hadley Fierlinger. Well done.

I fell in love with the beautiful photography and gorgeous title of the book, but I was happy to see so many practical and easy patterns that would make wonderful gifts for all my friends and relatives new babies.
A lovely book to add to my collection!