Many thanks to everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday! I think I thanked all of you…if there was anyone I missed, know that I was beyond grateful for your comments and well wishes. (Mum was flattered that you all liked her guest blog, but please, for the sake of the family, don’t encourage her.) I had a beautiful day yesterday with friends, family, knitting and cake.
The Hankman blew out my candles.
(Hank really likes blowing out candles)
And I was lucky enough to have my party attended not just by one Spiderman, but two.
Hank and Leo are seen here assuming the position, which includes full on “webslinger fingers”. Leo is more conservative, but still ready. He is more subtle about his webslinging intentions. Leo and Hank were instant friends (what with being able to identify each other, thanks to the uniform.) and when they parted at the end of the evening, it was enough to tear up a seasoned Marine.
As the car pulled out of the lane, a tearful Hank called out to a frantically waving Leo “Good bye Leo….I love you!”
Leo’s Mum Teresa is also the mother of the Snowdrop (remember her?)
seen here just a few months ago. (Don’t you just want to squeeze her?) Teresa is making me a new baby. I couldn’t be happier. In fact, I’m suddenly in a hurry to finish Birch.
There’s a wicked crop of babies breaking out around here, one in very short order…and I’d better be moving along. I designed a shawl to wrap the Snowdrop in when she was born, and I’ll start thinking on something for this new baby. I’ve got until early November for that one. No trouble.
The other baby however, will be along in just a few weeks, and I know he’s a boy. I’m perplexed about what to make him. I’m having trouble thinking of an appropriate gift for a baby who will be born at a time of year when knitted wear seems cruel.
I suppose I have two choices.
1. Ignore the time of year, knit the wee beastie an heirloom and don’t worry about it. Winter comes, air-conditioning is overly enthusiastic from time to time and the thought is better than the reality anyway. A beautiful layette or blanket lasts forever, and the fact that it won’t see much action in the first weeks of his life doesn’t matter. (I don’t know about this one. I think I could get over it with a blanket, since he won’t outgrow a blanket….but a layette might be seriously stupid. What’s the point of lovely lacy woollies that are on the kid once for the requisite picture? I feel bad about that anyway, I mean…no baby needs to be roasted for my thank you note.)
2. Figure something else out. Given that I don’t like to knit cotton, (though to be fair, I haven’t knit with *all* cottons) it would have to be an interesting something though. Suggestions?
What do you knit a summer baby boy?
How about wee wooly shorties? If the mum is using cloth diapers, wool shorts can double as a diaper cover…
I’d go with a blanket. OR knit something for the fall. Most people give clothes for the first 3 months or so and moms then have a crisis when the kid grows out of those (rather quickly if I remember correctly). So knit a wool sweater for fall. Added bonus, if you don’t finish before he arrives, it won’t matter.
I’m busy knitting up a lace shawl and a pair of baby slippers for a friend’s baby, due in late July/early August – in Iowa. Anyone who has lived in the Midwest will know that I’m completely repressing the knowledge of record heat and the humidity levels around here during that time frame.
Now you know why I say, rock on with choice no. 1!
I’m clueless about babies, having only knit for one in my entire life (a blanket – cotton chenile, not my fav). I’ve seen some cute cotton sweaters lately and I’ve recently knit a sweater w/ blue sky cotton – very soft and yummy (for myself of course), but it may pill – we shall see. You might want to check out cotton possiblities, which I would think would be good even into the fall. ??
Oh, what a little pudgerina is that Snowdrop! Yes, I’ll take one just like that!
How about a toy? A knitted, stuffed dog or bear or fish or penguin, or whatever.
Lambs’s Pride Cotton Fleece! The 20% wool makes it feel not so much like knitting cotton, and it goes in the washing machine, and makes a really nice baby blanket. Um, at least that’s what I’d do…
And a belated happy birthday, too!
I’ve been making a Baby Surprise Sweater and a Badger Sweater (ala EZ) in a larger size for a baby boy due in August. I figure most all the clothes given baby are for newborns and as soon as the baby sleeps, then he outgrows them and Mama has to go shopping because her ‘poor baby has nothing to wear’!
A knitted toy is a great idea. Blankets will come in handy for quite a while. My daughter is almost three and we still get quite a bit of use out of the blankets she got as an infant.
How about a teddy bear? unique, they can’t grow out of it, it could be “heirloom-esque” and most likely a welcome change from baby clothes and blankies. Blankies are a good idea too, they last forever, i’ve so far had mine 19 years and it’s held up fairly well.
Hmm, I’m wondering what it is you do again. Are you a doula?
As for what to make a wee babe, I’m as clueless as you are. I suppose you could take into consideration that it’s only summer for a few weeks out of the year and then it’s back to cool, cold, frigid.
You could also take some lace-weight and knit the kid up a thin but still rather toasty wool “blanket”.
Birch looks stunning, I really ought to make that next after the Mystery Stole.
While I like the toy idea, I’m still partial to making sweaters for the upcoming winter. Everybody loves to give new moms stuff for when the baby is teeny-tiny, but I think it’s a good idea to give them something for when the kid has gained a few pounds, grown a few inches, and needs something warm!
And you can tell the parents the requisite photo can come in mid-October or later… but not before!
I just finished your Daisy sweater….made with the fun little snakes…in a wonderful cotton for a brand new little boy in Nevada. I just made it for him in a size he should be ready for in the fall. And I think cotton is WONDERFUL!
I like the idea of a knitted stuffie too! And, you can alsways knit little sweaters for it too. Seasonal, holiday types, etc.
If that is not enough to satisfy your need to knit for the wee darling, I can attest to the fact that babies need blankets even in the summer, just of a different weight. (And I live in a desert!)
So, I vote stuffie (with changebale sweaters!) and a light weight blanket. (Or shawl Mama can wear to nurse in!)
How about a knit baby bathrobe? I made one for my new niece a few months ago; I couldn’t resist. The absurdity of a knit baby bathrobe offers me endless amusement.
Whatever you decide to make, consider knitting it in Dale of Norway Stork yarn. It’s 100% cotton, but not mercerized, and it’s a pleasure to work with. I made a lacy summer wrap with it, and it’s soft, light weight and provides just enough warmth on cool evenings or when the AC is cranked.
I vote for a blanket. Maybe a mitred square blanket. And buy a leetle bit of extra yarn and make him what we refer to in this house as a “wuggle” (as in snuggle wuggle – a blankie that is 1 foot square at the most). All children will like a snuggle wuggle at some point in their life.
Wow. hank is getting to be a big boy! Such a cutie though. And a very handsome spiderman.
Birch looks absolutely lovely. It looks like you should have to weigh it down to keep it from floating away.
Have a great day!
Happy Birthday, Harlot! Sorry I missed yesterday’s post. Have you seen that Phildar knitted giraffe that’s been making its way around the blogs? I think they are adorable. Also, here is a pattern for knitted dinosaurs:
http://www.xtreme-knitting.com/photos-dinosaurs.htm
(Link courtesy of Fluffa)
I’m a big proponent of knitting something that will fit the new baby when he/she is going to be 2-3. I have a far better chance of finishing it in time for it to be worn, and kids look so cute in sweaters at that age. Plus, when my daughter was born, I found I had plenty of stuff for when she was very small, and nobody was handing out the largesse when she got bigger. JMHO!
I’d like to suggest a cotton blue and white sailor outfit with matching sailor cap. Make it a little bigger so he could wear it when he’s old enough to stand. I always meant to make one for my boys, but never did. On the other hand, a blanket is always a wonderful thing to keep and hand down. So imminently useful.
Well I am making a cotton hat, car seat strap cozies (like the ones in MagKnits) and booties or something with the leftovers..for a new little one right now.. Summer time those car seat straps get hot hot hot! Some kind of toy knit would be cool too!
You’ll figure it out!
Another vote for making a sweater in a larger size, to be worn later. That’s what I’m doing for my nephew, who is due next month.
Knit him socks!!! That’s what I did for my new baby boy. Of course, he’s outgrowing them faster than I can knit them. . .
Steph – Try Mandarin Petit Cotton from Norway – you’ll knit with no other cotton again it’s wonderful – I’m knitting a summer dress with a smocked bodice for a friend’s nine month old and not only is it light weight but it is a dream to knit with!
You’ve probably heard of this book but in case you haven’t check it out:
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/item.asp?Item=978185585965&Catalog=Books&Ntt=50+baby+booties&N=35&Lang=en&Section=books&zxac=1
The cutest baby booties on the face of the planet and you can get some great ideas from them as well. Generally I make a few different booties that will grow with them so that their toes are covered for at least a year. And I don’t know about you, but I’m sitting here in sandals in an air conditioned office and my feet are cold – what I wouldn’t do for a set of ladybug booties right now.
Happy Birthday Steph!
Oh, a blanket is always wonderful and can last until he carries it around as a Linus and wears it to shreds. And of course, as others have mentioned, knitting something in a 6-month or so size so that he can wear it when he is older and the weather has turned.
You know that thing where they take a quote out of context and completely change the meaning? We could do that with you today: NEWS FLASH!!! Yarn Harlot admits: “I don’t like to knit “!!! . . . (with cotton)
With a 2-yo baby boy, (born in July)I remember needing “coats/sweaters” as early as September, and being surprised. I’d made him blankets, but he was too small (I thought) to buy sweaters and coats, because he’d outgrow them so fast. I think a sweater or a blanket is great.
The sweater is good because if it’s a bit big, he can wear it on the way to the carseat (so no cold draft in last september/early october, when he’s being shifted into the seat) and the sleeves can be rolled up. Babies look cute in things with rolled sleeves.
A blanket is just always good. The ones I knitted are still in use today. The darn crochet ones didn’t stand up to the abuse of a baby.
Oh, and hats! Hats are very good things.
Sheesh, can you tell I still don’t get much sleep? 🙂
Knit up a slightly airy baby blanket. DK weight yarn, knitted on a slightly larger needle, with some open spots (manly, masculine open spots, mind you). I made up a blanket like this for the male half of a set of twins in a vivid purple, and at two it is his constant companion (thankfully, Encore is an easy yarn to find when repairs are needed).
If they are going to use cloth diapers, a fun soaker would be perfect, as wool breathes better than plastic covers.
Wanted to add that that Snowdrop is absolutely squeezable! How thoughtful of her mom to make a new baby for you to hold and knit for 🙂
I agree with the toy. An adorable little bear or monkey or a little baby blanket with his initials.
As a 28 year old summer baby (albeit a girl) I still have the blanket knit by my grandmother. I vote for the blanket, despite the increasing popularity of knitted swimwear…
Happy belated birthday to you, Ian and your mom. Keep the photos coming. They are wonderful. I think a wee knitted bathrobe would be great fun to give, and when it no longer fits a favourite Teddy bear could wear it for years.
into 3-d, non-clothing knitting, stephanie?
> What do you knit a summer baby boy?
a truck.
it’ll be a while before he can deal with it, but when he’s old enough, he can chew on it, sleep on/against it, carry it around like a stuffed bear, etc. some kind of superwash wool would do nicely.
What do you knit a summer baby boy? A size 2T or possibly even a size 4, of course.
I vote for the larger baby sweater, to be worn in the fall/winter. For baby gifts, I usually give clothes to fit a 9-12 month old, on the theory that most baby shower gifts are for a newborn and won’t fit by the time they get to that age.
I think a sweater would always be appreciated. One never knows when it could be needed, but I live in Michigan, where it was upper 80’s yesterday and 60’s today!!
Personally, I would be stumped at the BOY part. Having all girls, boy gifts always send me into a dither. You did great with Hank and spiderman though, how about spiderman booties?
OMG, that baby is the most delicious little smunch evar. In the history of babies. But then, I think every baby has that particular distinction (kinda like all brides being beautiful).
How about a wee stocking cap made out of superwash merino sock yarn and some matching ickle socks? That’s light enough for summer wear.
Happy belated birthday!
I also don’t like to knit with cotton much, but I’m working on a colorful little jacket in a cotton tape that’s been nice to work with (Aurora by Coats GmbH–unfortunately, discontinued, but you may find something similar). The boy is due in August, so I assume wool would just be not at all in the realm of possibility. I figure it can be used as an after-bath robe (it’s a little long for a jacket) or something snuggly for extra-air conditioned rooms. I’m making it a little big so that it should be able to be worn into the cooler months. Good luck making your decision!
OK so two opinions:
1. My 8-month-old son is LOVING a lacy crocheted blankie that he received as a gift. It’s acrylic (I know), and we don’t have central air, but even in the steamy hot weather of last week, he snuggles up to it every night in his crib. So lacy blankie is a good bet for all-weather greatness.
OR
2. Hats and sweaters are appreciated even in the summer — for cool evenings he still is losing lots of heat through his top. And I personally love Rowan wool/cotton — it’s not hot like wool can be, but it’s still stretchy. Hey! You could make my bunny hat from SnB Nation! (yes I am shamelessly name-dropping). It’s super cute.
Our friends just had a baby boy, and I knit him a cotton bucket hat. 100% machine washable, great for keeping the sun off of little heads, not hot, and it’s big enough that it ought to fit him for the next summer or two as well (My 2-year-old daughter is still wearing hers this summer).
Talk about hidden jewels – buried amoung all those really nice comments wishing you a happy birthday, I stumbled across the delightful little note from Megan –
Quite a legacy the mothers and daughters in your line enjoy – long may it continue –
Happy lifeday.
The big bear from Blue Sky Alpacas.
Well, besides a nice blanket, like you mentioned… how about toys? Debbie Bliss has some ADORABLE knitted teddy bears in her book Teddy Bears: Twenty-Five Irresistible Designs for Knitted Bears. Here’s a link:
http://tinyurl.com/a8288
If you click on the “search inside this book” link, the Sleepy Bear in Rabbit Suit is one I plan to make my new neice… probably for Christmas, with the way things are going.
Happy Birthday Stephanie. It looked like you were spending it the way every birthday should be spent – outside knitting. Birch is fabulous.
I vote for a sweater in 12 month size for the wee baby boy. My niece just had baby Ean in April and I made him a knitted hoodie to wear in the Fall. She didn’t want anything blue so I found a tweed dk weight yarn and put a solid red stripe in it. Added a pair of jeans to the gift and it was perfect for a boy. Booties are always perfect too – or socks. Imagine, one-third the size, one-third the stitches. The second sock would be knit in no time!
Snowdrop is a little cutie.
The snow drop has turned into a snow ball! What a cutie-pie!
* With that said, I’m a fan of light worsted weight microfiber acrylics knit into baby hoodies (hooded sweater) but with no sleeves. That way, the sweater can be worn over something with short or long sleeves, and it’s hip with the hood.
The fiber is soft, totally washable, and cheap! It’s the only time I don’t knit with natural fibers, but it’s totally worth it for someone who is terrified to put their baby in my creation.
*Good God, there are a lot of posts, and I didn’t read them all, so I may be reiterating.
Happy belated birthday – looks like it was a wonderful one! Birch is lovely – oh to knit that well! :}
I vote for a larger size sweater for the frigid fall/winter you guys have! I remember one of my biggest shocks as a new mom – we received WAY TOO MANY cute newborn items. So many that she never did wear them all. However, by the fourth month I was shopping for clothes and sweaters. Knit him a sweater in a larger size and you’ll see him wear it all winter.
I also think a nice shawl/wrap for the new mom is a fabulous idea! How lovely for mom to receive a gift too!
Hank’s left hand is signing “I love you,” except that he’s got his hand pointing towards himself when it should be towards Leo, but maybe the camera caught him midswing in his enthusiasm: notice both hands are involved. Just too much emotion for just one. When you’ve got a friend like that right next to you. Go Hank!
What a little chunker that gorgeous baby is. Makes you just want to squeeze her thighs!
A belated birthday to you – I was off celebrating my anniversary of reading your blog (do you buy this as an excuse?) – my first ever read Harlot Blog entry was written by Ken.
Have you tried Hemp? It’s supposed to be a nice cotton alternative, but I haven’t knit with it, so I don’t know if it has the same cons….
I made my little guy a really thick blanket that I would spread on the floor for him to lay and kick on in the summer. I made it so that the front and back were different, so I could tell the “clean” (baby) side from the “dirty” (floor) side. Then, in the winter, I wrapped him up in that warm, thick blanket.
I’m about half way through a baby blanket in Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, and I lurve it. Soft, cushiony, machine washable, hardly feels like working with cotton at all … what’s not to like?
That said, the bigger sweater appeals to. As the others have said, you never get enough clothes in 6-9 month sizes. So, I’ve been no help at all.
aaargh!! I meant to type that the bigger sweater appeals “too” … if my mother, General of the Grammar Police had seen that typo I’d be in so.much.trouble.
aaargh!! I meant to type that the bigger sweater appeals “too” … if my mother, General of the Grammar Police had seen that typo I’d be in so.much.trouble.
Happy Belated Birthday, Stephanie! Now you caught up to me. Hope you day was a good one.
I vote for blanket. I think him Mum will love it, and he will never out grow it.
Funny how similar webslinger hands are to the devil horns. Watch that Hank, don’t let him become an AC/DC fan.
What are the triangles sticking out of your cake? I’m guessing not lunchmeat, but that’s what it looks like. . .
looks like you did a great job with snowdrop – are you going to be there to welcome the next little snowflake (or other appropriate seasonal term – falling leaf or early morning frost? (all depending on the project of course…)) too?
as for the little one who will soon appear, I’d say a big floppy sun hat (done in cotton fleece, perhaps in cream, or grey or light blue?); it serves two purposes as it will 1.keep the baby-soft skin of the head/face covered from the awful ultraviolet rays (let me pause here while I picture Hank shooting imaginary ultraviolet rays…) AND 2. it helps the babe become accustomed to having something on his head. I found that if summer kids aren’t shown the wonders of a handknit hat early on, they are less likely to keep it on when the snow flies, and they really NEED to keep it on.
however, I also think a blanket (who doesn’t love a handknit blanket?) and/or stuffed animal (I’m still trying to find a reason to knit up a Noro felted fish but can’t decide if that’s “babyworthy”) or a sweater to wear later on are good ideas!
Baby socks, a whole whack of ’em in different colors and designs. Moms always need the sockies and think of the great feeling of accomplishment you could have two, maybe three times every day!
I just finished an angora/wool short-sleeved cardigan for a baby due in 1 week, and I live in Virginia. Right now it’s 95 degrees out.
My daughter was born in May, and she wore cardigans a lot, because inside it was pretty cool. Cardigans are very nice b/c you can take them off easily, and the short sleeves make it summer-y.
I’d knit a blanket (but I knit lots of baby blankets.). Blankets are forever – sweaters are a moment. Toys… pretty good too.
I really dislike most cottons (they makes my hands hurt), but have been _really_ liking Knit Picks Shine yarn. 60% cotton, %40 Modal (Tencel). (http://www.knitpicks.com/yarns/yarn_display.aspx?itemid=5420122). I’m knitting a fish blanket with it, and love it.
I say go for the blanket as well… OR a teddy bear. I really wish I hadn’t loved to death all of the stuffed animals my grandmother made for me growing up. And with a good soft wool, you could make a classic teddy that would stand the test of time.
Oh my, that Hankster is getting cuter and cuter all the time. And Leo! Cool as a cucumber, that one, but those eyes… Adorable.
Little Snowdrop shares a birthday with my middlest — who we used to call Thunder Thighs, but I think Snow wins that one.
My newest nephew was born on Saturday, though I didn’t know ’til then he’d be a he. I’ve been knitting booties (one pair in wool, two in cotton, some are ruffly, none are pink) and hoodies (wool/silk, that has some pink) and hats (Knitty’s Miss Dashwood in blue wool and a more masculine cotton version) and a small toy bear is in progress. I am quite happy that I didn’t knit anything “newborn” as he’s a whopping 9-1/2 pounds and most of the store-bought stuff/gifts will have to be returned!
I knit my godsons hats and teddybears. Knit the teddybears out of whatever I have in the house that is washable and then I stuff it in the same yarn (I have a huge amount of stuff that will work for this).
These are not BIG bears – they are bears that a kid can grab on to when they are about 4 months old . I use the thumb trick for the ears so that they can’t tear off sewn on ears. In fact I usually do the whole thing in one piece.
But, usually, honestly, I don’t knit for either children or babies. Not my interest.
Here’s what my mom does when she A) makes a sweater too small for intended baby, or B) makes a sweater too big for a newborn:
She gives the gift sweater, but also gives a stuffed animal sized just right for the sweater, so while the baby’s not wearing the sweater, said stuffed critter can enjoy it.
That’s two gifts in one, which is a winning combination in my book!
Happy belated birthday, too–looks like you had a marvy (another Mom hand-me-down…the word “marvy”) celebration. Lucky you!
–Judy
I love Rowan Calmer – almost all cotton but it’s stretchy so it doesn’t have the cotton negatives. I vote for a cabled sweater for this winter.
I like the idea of a knitted toy- it will always look lovely on shelf above the changing table/ dresser. Or for practicality sake, knit for the future. I loved getting clothes for the months ahead…something to look forward to (and it is always amazing how quickly the little ones grow into the 12M stuff, *sniff*). Or, challenge yourself!- try out some cotton.
da da da da Dear Stephanie, Happy Birthday, 2 ewes ….
>What do you knit a summer baby boy?
1st thought: Blanket (In the northern hemisphere are babies put down on a blanket on floor to keep cool? We do that in Australia)
But then Deb’s wooly shorties idea reminded me of Mum’s 1950’s baby book which must have been designed for hot Aussie summers.
It included a variety of hats, singlets/vests, tops with short sleeves, pants/pilchers, & *shortie overalls complete with bib & straps* (great to pop over nappies in the heat of an Aussie summer.) The overall(dungarees?) look so cute on a boy & can be teamed with a simple cotton T-shirt.
So here’s my 2nd thought: A mix/match summer outfit with pieces for heat of the day & night chill. EG. short pants/overall teamed with a singlet, short sleeved top or cardigan, hat & maybe socks?
One particularly hot summer (38+ celcius, My nephew was about 2 months old) Mum sewed little tops of organdie or muslin which teamed beautifully with the little knit shorts, & kept baby comfy.
If you make a toy, what about an elephant? I LOVE BABAR!!!
I’d go for a blanket but make it bigger, not baby blanket size. My daughter who is now 8 1/2 still uses the blanket a friend knit for her just before she was born. It is almost the size of a single person afghan. It is many squares of different colours joined together with borders. It is a unisex blanket. Of all the items knit for my kids over the last almost 20 years, it is the blankets that endured the best.
Happy belated birthday!!!!!
Oh gosh, what a beautiful chunk of a baby that Snowdrop is! Chubby babies make me all gooshy inside (good thing I’ve got two of my own).
I agree with the previous poster who suggested wool shorties for a diaper cover. We love our wool diaper covers! Little Turtle Knits has a great pattern for them (the Picky Pants, I think they’re called).
Women are protesting in Grand Rapids Mich. after a nursing mother, adorned in a Quaker nursing gown, was asked to “cover herself” at the County Clerk’s office.
How about something for the mum — a nursing shawl perhaps?
skl
My mom used to sew all the new babies in her life little terry cloth (ie, absorbent & machine-washable) bibs with snaps in the back. The other moms LOVED these, since as you know there are never enough clean bibs in the world.
I know everyone in the world has voted for a blanket by now, but I will point out 2 facts. A) By the time Summer Baby is ready for the world of solid food, it will be cold enough for him to have some extra fabric around his neck. B) There is a lot less cotton yarn in a bib than in a summer blanket.
Those little boys are also making the sign language symbol for Spiderman. As the preschool teacher of children with disabilities, the deaf child in my room taught me the sign for Spiderman, Shrek, Batman, you name it!
also why is the Harlot wearing a sweater in summer???
what kind of cake did you have?
I always appreciate larger size gifts when I’m having babies. Everyone loves to give tiny things that only end up getting worn 3 times anyway. I say knit something that will fit the baby next winter when woolies will be enjoyed.
Have you tried Blue Sky Organic Cotton? Someone just gave me a few balls and it’s gorgeous. Or can’t you just make an heirloom that will be the right size for fall? Happy belated birthday, by the way.
Blankies. Someone made a blankie for me before I was born, and it was my constant companion for ages. When it gets cold or he just wants something snuggly, the blankie can be there…until he’s ready to go off to college.
I’m a big fan of blankies for babies, though. I mean, they grow out of the little outfits so fast, I don’t see why it would be a good idea to make something beautiful that will only be useful for a month, maybe two. Yarn is precious and the garments deserve to be loved for a long time. Blankies qualify for long-time-love, but little jackets? Nope.
Just my opinion (and happy birthday!)
I love the both spidermen!
I’d go for the blanket. Babies always need blankets. In the summer they can sleep on the blanket, and in the fall they can be wrapped in them. 🙂
How about a crib mobile made from felted fish and/or turtles (or heck- sheep, llamas, bunnies and other fiber friends). Baby can look at them above the crib now and then dismantle and play with the felties when he’s older. He can even juggle them when he hits his school years and earn pocket change on street corners. Much more versitile than a layette! (My kids loved rainbow felt balls when they were little, but animals would be more fun.)
I’m partial to Xmas stockings as baby gifts (wedding presents, as well). Assuming they are culturally appropriate, of course.
They can be personalized, fit the “heirloom” requirement, never go out of style or get outgrown, and unique.
And you only have to knit one of them! Happy Belated B-day!
I say suck it up, get the most gorgeous cotton you can find and knit up a blanket. Just think of complaining about the cotton as fodder for the blog.
Two of my favorite people were kind enough to get pregnant at the same time and are due the same week in August. I’m doing a cotton blanket and felted Christmas stocking for each. Or possibly a regular knitted stocking, depending on how much laundromat experimentation I’m feeling up to.
As if you need any more suggestions, but here is what I usually knit for babies: booties from Knitting Tips & Trade Secrets (moms agree they do not fall off) or anything from Jil Eaton/Minnowknits (especially her early books). As for yarn, go with the new yarn blends (yarn/microfiber or yarn/wool) and I think your fingers will be very happy. And, I just have to say, those three children are just too cute… and birch is to die for. Also, love the cake – seems very chocolaty, no?
Babies, babies, babies!!! My favorite people next to moms! Wish I had a good suggestion, but since I am in the same boat as you (friend with baby due soon), I was actually kinda waiting to see what you do, you know, because, ummm….Anyone, two Spideys are always better than one, and Snowdrop-she’s adorable. Oh how I wish I could just squeeze one of those cheeks!
That’s anyway-not anyone. I hit post instead of preview-sue me. 😉
1st.Any time of year babies like to be wrapped in blankets. I found I liked the stretchy lacy ones best. 2nd. Elizabeth Zimmerman’s baby surprise sweater in wool or cotton is always a great baby gift. 3rd A baby t-shirt or onesy in cotton or linen. I like the idea of knitting for the nursing Mom I think Knitty’s summer surprise had a pattern for a tank for nursing moms. Also consider knitting a toy for any older siblings.
Cute pics of the kids by baby and boys, BTW
Happy Birthdays!
I’m currently fond of pinwheel blankets (there’s a gallery on my blog if you want to see a few). They’re so fun and FAST, and a great way to try out some bright variegated or striped yarn without worrying about its suitability for wearing. And the pooling thing – it changes with every round, so if you don’t like the way the colors are lining up, just keep knitting and it’ll go away. 🙂
That baby is absolutely squeezable! Cute, cute! Happy belated birthday (mine was Monday) to a fellow Gemini…that explains a lot, doesn’t it;)
*TWO* Spidermen(mans?)?!? No way!
At work, I’ve got a crew of cute little 3 and 4 year olds, all of whom have invented their own superheroes, which usually involve putting the word “Super” before their name. I think Hank and Leo would probably fit right in. 🙂
As for a summer baby gift, maybe a lightweight terrycloth (Red Heart makes a babyweight “teri” yarn) hooded type thing that they could put on the baby after the tub, on summer evenings, etc.? It’s not really an heirloom, though…
A thick blankie for kicking on is good but you will find it warm to sit under while you knit it 🙂 How about a French Market Bag from Knitty to put all his baby paraphenalia in? It could double as a toy bag when he is bigger
I just finished a baby blanket for a good friend – knit it with Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino – lovely!
It’s kind of cushy, and very soft. And the best part? you can throw it in the washing machine! Think long term – a blanket will last and he may just get attached to YOURS! Or you could knit a cute animal like the ones in Last-Minute Knitted Gifts. Bunny, anyone?
Just knit him a sweater that will fit in the fall. That way when Mom pulls it out of the drawer, she’ll think of you and your lovely gift again! And baby boy will be cozy.
I’d knit a boy’s jumper- in a 6 month (or even 9 month) size. (Keeping my response short and sweet due to the existing quantity of comments)
Make baby booties for the summer boy. Have you seen the cute books, example: “50 Baby Booties to Knit” by Zoe Mellor. Enough patterns to pick the one suited to the family. Cute Cute Cute, Quick and easy — check it out, you won’t regret it. One of my favorite baby books!!! The baby pictures are marvelous! Get a load of that baby girl, too sweet! Baby booties — the perfect summer (and anytime) baby gift. Cheers.
I would knit a little boy a cute blanket, or some stuffed toys he can sink his teeth into (figuratively speaking I hope) when he gets older. Plus I have to ask, what type of cake did you get?? It looks fantastic! I have to know please tell me the recipe! Please please please.
My son loved crocheted acrylic blankets as a baby. I was always having to dis-entangle his little fingers from all the holes. I vote for a sweater in the 12-month size. My experience is that those fit from 6-12 months at least, and usually beyond that.
And Happy Birthday!
Aw, so much cuteness!! And what an adorable little Fatty the Snowdrop is! 🙂 I say make a sweater in a size appropriate for when the weather cools off. Everyone gets stuff that fits the new baby immediately…make something to grow into.
Dear Harlot Mum,
All too often, we hear that the media needs to offer a balanced view of the news, trying to avoid bias. Clearly, Ms Harlot’s attempt to stifle your expressiveness is bias as she is afraid that we might learn some truths about her from a parental point of view.
Therefore, in the interests of fairness, please can I recommend that you start your own blog, and give us all the interesting information about your life and Ms Harlot’s life from your point of view.
There are a number of free services out there, so you don’t even have to pay for the privelege!
I look forward to seeing your views published without the interference of your daughter.
regards,
Timothy
Hello again!! All this talk of baby goodies. I am soon to become a grandmother for the first time and am very excited. I did a lovely layette in Antique White—we don’t know yet what it is. I will also do a little girl’s sweater as that is what my son thinks it is. I vote as well for the bear. I knit one for a friend in yellow and made him a sweater in black with a B on front for Ben. People –new mothers —love hand knit baby things and they do get used. There is always air-conditioning and cool for baby. Maybe a cute poncho for big sister?
Happy knitting,
I second the baby bootees suggestion from 50 Baby bootees by Zoe Mellor, and I’m pretty sure i’ve seen some items knit from that book on your blog. I’ve knit the Stripey Bootees (they look like running shoes) in several different colours and sizes for an upcoming baby, and they looked so cute in the box they were presented in.
Cheers,
sue.
Knit the wee guy something in a 6 months size. He’ll still be a baby and it will be December!
Have you ever considered a blanket knitted from microfibre? I know you ususally only knit wool but microfibre would be perfect for a summer baby blanket (which, by the way I vote for) because it is kind of cooling when it is hot and keeps him warm when it is cold. It also is lovely to knit and comes in the most amazing range of colors.
still reading?…. everyone has great ideas… as a mother of four,(yes, the baby turns 20 this summer)… and …(yes, i am a little weirder than when i started the job) may i suggest if you decide on a toy, knit two (as painless as a pair of socks) and let mom switch them out once and a while… we are positive that any harlot toy is sure to be the favorite toy and therefore doomed to be lost on a walk…ask me how i learned this painfilled lesson…sigh… it gives me chills 25 years later!!!!
Wow is Birch growing! My all-time favorite baby yarn is Sirdar’s BabyCare- its a cotton acrylic blend- soft and yummy like cotton, but doesn’t have all the knitting aggravation of cotton- and it holds up beeeauuuutifully. Wish I could post a pic of my youngest’s blanket- 3 different colors w/ cables- and has survived 20 months worth of washing. That’s my vote!
Oh- and that cake!!!!!! I want some!!!!!
A baby blanket – you can’t go wrong, even if it’s too hot to wrap him in it right away.
I knitted a baby blanket for my younger son before he was born, and he carried it everywhere with him for four and a half years, normally with a generous portion of it crammed into his mouth. About that time, the dentist told him very gently and seriously that he had to stop jamming fistfuls of blanket into his face, as it was starting to affect the way his teeth grew in. The good little kid stopped chewing on his blanket from that day forward. Unfortunately, the blanket still went everywhere with him, but since it was no longer physically attached to him, the inevitable happened. He lost it.
Life was busy, and I wasn’t knitting any more. Time passed, and the blanket was forgotten. Or so I thought. When I started knitting again, Gavin was nearly ten. His older brother still had an original, hand-knitted baby blanket. Rather the worse for wear, but still much loved, still going to sleepovers (concealed in the foot of the sleeping bag so that no one would laugh). And Gavin looked at my knitting and looked at his brother’s blanket and asked, “Mum, will you knit me another blanket to replace the one that was lost?”
So I got out the needles, and knitted Gavin another blanket, but this time I made him a bigger, adult-sized afghan that I knew he could use for ever, and that wouldn’t be laughed at on sleepovers. He was pleased.
And I thought that was that. But the next year, Gavin (aged 11 by now), came to me with big sad puppy dog eyes and said “Mum, you know my baby blanket that was lost when I was little? Could you make me another one *just the same*?”
So I did. Same colour, same yarn weight, same pattern, same size. And that’s the blanket that goes with him on sleepovers. He wears it on the street as a superhero cape. He cuddles it at night. He waits beside the dryer for it to come out all soft and fluffy on laundry days.
He’s twelve, and he loves his baby blanket.
No, you can never go wrong with a baby blanket.
Having two small children, I would vote for 1) a blanket (no matter what the weather, every child loves their blankie!), 2) one of the hooded sweaters that zips up the back (three-season, but perfect for wearing in winter under a car-seat snuggly), or 3) an alligator (http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/khs-pondAlligator.html.)
If my 3-yr old knew of it’s existence I wouldn’t get a moment’s peace.
Hmmm… I am doing a little hat and some socks for a july baby boy. Mind you, I’m not super close to the parents- I’m not even convinced they’ll be impressed by the hand-knit thing (oh, you made this? That’s nice…) so who knows if the kid will ever wear them anyway. Clearly not a problem you’ll have…
The penguin toy over at Knitty is super cool- you could go with that. If it is any kind of selling point my husband wants one! http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTpasha.html
I’m loving Cascade’s Sierra 80/20 cotton/wool.
I always knit a bit large for babies anyway — occasionally they are born titanic, and the kiddo is never going to shrink to fit into a too-small sweater. (Like I’ve actually finished that many baby things to be saying this.)
And Birch is jaw-droppingly lovely.
I think it was on a blog that I saw somebody knit cubes with the names of the baby spelled out. Also a knitted bunny somewhere was just so addorable. A floppy-eared bunny that is not too stuffed so that it’s just right to cuddle….
OMG Hank & Leo are adorable in their Spiderman outfits. And Snowdrop is so cute and huggable. I saw someone suggested a mobile for over the crib for the new tike. What a great idea! I also agree that a blanket is useful anytime of year and can be a wonderful heirloom piece.
~ Christina
I love babies in hats. When I saw Knitty’s Miss Dashwood I had go lay in a darkened room with a cold cloth on my face and mutter, “you are done” and “no more babies”. When DH came home I showed him the picture and said “Doesn’t that make you want to have one?”. He said no. Party Pooper. I felt the same way looking at Snowdrop. We called my son the Stay-Puft Marshmellow Man–7 lbs at birth, 21 lbs at three months.
How about a bucket hat in a neutral color with different attachable bands? And a leetle matching hat for a stuffed friend?
I’m with all the baby blanket fans. My oldest is 8 and he still sleeps with his blankie (frayed and worn though it is). My four year old is also utterly attached to hers.
Gosh, that Snowdrop is precious, and Hank and Leo are beyond cute.
Birch is ridiculously beautiful. How DO you do it???
I just finished a very lacy (baby or sport yarn on size 11 needles) Feather & Fan baby afghan for a grand-nephew making his appearance this month. I’ve been making this pattern for ages (see photos & the pattern on my blog) and the nice part about it is that when baby has outgrown it, it can be folded diagonally to make a shawl for mommy.
Baby boy in summer? How about a nice wooly jacket sized to grow into in the fall?
What about knitting the wee boy a teddy bear for when he makes his appearance.
They are easy to make and if they are jointed it makes them better.
Cathy
A belated Happy Birthday to you, your brother and your Mom. Thank you for sharing some of the birthday moments with us. I love it. I am in the midst of moving the entire family and house contents over an hour North (closer to yarn shops!) and it has not been easy, to say the least and I’ve missed seeing your posts every day. This house has a studio though so I am putting up with all the moving hassle (how on earth did we accumulate all this stuff?) and look forward to unpacking all my roving, yarns, spinning wheel and accessories and have a place for everything. Be still my heart. May your year be filled with peace and happiness. Sincerely, Jane Carr who is still in love with Hank and continues to look at every yard sale for a skein winder for him! 🙂
A cute little helmet hat? It’s a fun knit, and if you make it big enough, he’ll be able to wear it all summer.
An happy birthday a day late. I was busy not celebrating my husband’s birthday yesterday.
A very happy birthday you must have had… how about several pair of soakers for the wee lad? I don’t know if anyone still uses cloth diapers, but my babies all wore soakers and real diapers no matter the time of year.
There is a pattern out there somnewhere for the perfect sweater for a baby.
It has a zipper completely down the back from the tip of the hood to the bottom of the sweater. This way you can put the sweater on the baby from the front and then roll him over and zip him up. Baby really like this as it doesn’t require him to cooperate much. You can do it quite nicely while they are sleeping.
Sorry I don’t know where to get the pattern but some of the experienced knitters might be able to take a pattern for a hooded “sweatshirt” type and then incorporate the zipper into the pattern down the back.
This would be good for the fall chilly days.
Evelyn
Happy belated bday!
And add me to the list of people voting for a slightly larger sweater for Fall. That’s my plan for the recently born baby boy on my “to Gift” list…although I suppose I should get started sometime before December, huh?
When my daughter was born, she had to go into the SCBU.. she was given a hand knitted blanket that I still have…. it was, and this is where my know how of the right terms shows me up, squares, each one a different patterns, with a beautiful border, but what made it useful and special was that it had been backed with a piece of soft fabric. The stuff they use for comfy snuggly sheets in winter.
It was great for throwing down on the floor at people’s houses to lay her on, I didn’t like laying her on her changing mat… would you want to sit on a toilet in the living room?
I will always be grateful tot he kind stranger who must have knitted it for the SCBU.
What about a jazzy little jacket made out of Opal sock wool? I’ve seen these made up and they’re funky!
A friend’s baby girl was knitted a layette by a very enthusiastic great grandma: hat, booties, mittens, poncho, matinee coat, leggings, blanket… and they were moving to Florida.
I made Anoushka from Knitty in a bid to retrieve knitting’s reputation, but I’m not sure it worked.
Newborns are always cold, right? Shawl.
How about a nice sweater for baby’s first Christmas?
happy belated birthday! looks like it was a fun party
You know.. looking at this again I am relieved.. relieved that I am not the only mother who has to endure her son going out in public with his spiderman pajama’s on !!!
(or batman, or superman.. we are on a kick!)
Summer boy knitting: Manos Cotton Stria — bought one skein of every color (except white and black) and did a garter stitch log cabin a la Mason Dixon Kay. Beautiful, light, soft, and very happy summer blankie. Highly recommended!
First, happy belated birthday. I go take a few days off from reading blogs and that’s the time I wish I hadn’t. Life goes on.
I don’t have time to do hours and hours of baby knitting so I totally adore the Ann Norling Fruit Cap pattern. Made a strawberry hat for the last friend’s baby, and quick put together some cute footies to match. Pic at http://colorjoy.com/weblog/archives/000864.html
I’ve made a half dozen of these hats for friends, and they actually wear them out. One friend keeps requesting replacements when her daughter grows out of the one before. I’ve made purple eggplant ones, also adorable… try a blueberry (no seeds to knit in, even quicker) for a little boy. The pattern is perfectly written and it takes only a couple hours to make the hat.
I’m a wool fan, too. I usually make these hats of Tahki Cotton Classic (mercerized/shiny) or Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (cotton/wool, softer but colors not always as bright, and the red runs in the laundry). However, I just fell in love with Manos Cotton Stria. Not sure it knits to the same gauge, but it’s really soft. Not your average cotton.
Hmm, for baby stuff. Have you tried bamboo? I made a shawl out of it for a friend and found it was far easier on my hands than cotton. Of course, I also carried along a laceweight wool thread to give a little more depth to the color. Not sure how much of a difference that made as far as knitting comfort goes . . .
Wow what a hot topic! My niece took her badly worn baby blankie to college. Her Mother was embarrassed when the room mate’s Mother said, “Is that a baby blanket?!” Until the roomie’s Mother breathed a sigh of relief because her daughter also had packed her baby blanket! Both girls will graduate from college this fall, with baby blankies still under their pillows!
I recently did a lacy bonnet and matching booties in not-so-babyish Queensland “Maldive” in a medium blue.
It was the perfect summer weight, so she could use it for a newborn. The cotton/acrylic blend was really easy to work with. Plus, the lacy pattern allows air to circulate around the poor kid’s head.
Belated happy birthday! Mine’s next Monday (20th) – I’ll be the answer to life, the universe, and everything. 🙂
I vote for the trellis knitty pattern in wool sized to fit a 6month-1 year old. Something for it to grow into. Warm wooly hugs!
Happy belated birthday, harlot! I’ve just found your blog thanks to a friend and though I am just learning to knit, I have enjoyed your wit and your amazing talent! I look forward to learning from you!
Socks!
my recent baby giftees were ASKED what they’d like. Twins’ dad asked for hats, I gave him hats and matching socks….
The other dad just asked for socks.
Part of this is b/c he thinks hand knit socks are extremely cool. But also, b/c babies need socks — even in summer if there’s a/c.
very little is faster than a baby hat or sock…
Otherwise, I’ve made cotton blankets. but I too like the toy idea — a teddy bear or what have you that is 3-6 month baby sized with a matching sweater for baby or bear is a great idea!
oh, and most importatnly, Happy Belated Birthday!
Hmmmm…can I ask a silly question? Are you a midwife, as well?
Those two boys look like replicas of mine (son and nephew) who are now 21. At 3-5 though we have great photos of those kinds of stances:)
I have a little August baby coming (a friend’ mind you–I love it when they do that for us) and I also hate knitting with cotton. So I’m making a blanket out of cotton chenille(pale pink) and a variety of booties from Koigu KPPPM(bright varigated pinks).
Hank, is just getting cuter and cuter! I want the recipe for the cake it looks delicious. Or maybe it’s just the upcoming full moon that is exerting its influence over me? At any rate, looks like your birthday was a blast!
I suggest you make a knitted animal. There are some cute teddy bear patterns out there. Now, to read the other 150 ideas and see how much better they are. 🙂
I may be a bit late on this, as I still have a weeks worth of Harlotty-goodness to read through before I’m up on the current news. But I can’t seem to help submitting my 2 cents. (Whether it’s in American or Canadian, you decide.)
I’d like to officially second the suggestion of Knit Picks “Shine”. It’s a beauty all knitted up, and a joy to knit with. The colors are vibrant and gorgeous, and you just can’t go wrong with it for the summer. AND IT’S WASHABLE, which, for me, is a must for a baby gift – as they tend to be a bit messy. *smile*
I’ve even tried the broadripple socks on #3s with Shine, and the sock looked AMAZING… until I figured out it was too small (was my first sock attempt) and it had to get sent to the frog pond. *cries*
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My kids wore cloth diapers and “rubber pants” year round.