Edie Eckman - BabyKnits Hats & Booties: 15 Matching Sets for Noggins and Tootsies

Three designers have created sets with a range of looks from updated classic to total whimsy. You will find sets for girls, boys, or either one. Do you feel drawn to the pink lace bonnet with matching socks, or the fur-trimmed, oo-la-la beret? To the super-chunky ribbed hat, the updated argyles, or the set with the friendly face? Flip through the pages and see all the possibilities! While the hats and booties are knitted in many different stitch patterns, none of them is too difficult for even a beginner. Some are knitted in the round; others are knitted flat and sewn together. Some sets are knitted in plain, smooth yarns with interesting stitch patterns to create pebbly textures, ribs, lacy openwork, or cables. Several sets use color patterning to create stripes, color blocks, even an argyle design.

There are also a few projects that feature novelty yarns like fur, boucl, and chenille. Each hat has matching booties that have the same style elements and that use the same yarns and techniques. The instructions include the step-by-step pattern and information on the yarns, needles, notions, and gauge. For the yarns, there is both a generic description and the brand name and color shown, so you can knit an identical set or choose similar-weight yarn or a different color. Always knit a gauge sample before you start a new project. Yes, it will delay the fun part, but its the smart approach and the only way to know youll get the right size.

Most of the hats and booties are sized to fit babies up to 12 months. Some yarns and stitches stretch more than others and, of course, baby heads come in different sizes. If the hat or bootie is a bit big at first, thats usually just fine. The instructions are easy to follow, and there are extra photos to show you the stitches and details up close. Some techniques that may be unfamiliar to you are explained in more detail in the back of the book. There, too, you will find a list of abbreviations.

Enough small talk, lets get to the good stuff. Pick out a few projects, head to the yarn shop, and start knitting hats and booties for the little one in your life. Bet you cant knit just one!