Modern Baby Crochet: Patterns for Decorating, Playing, and Snuggling
I like to always have at least one baby gift on hand because nine months flies by really quickly and it is too much pressure to wait until the last minute to make a baby gift.Modern Baby Crochetis my new go-to pattern source for choosing the next gift on my to-do list! As Stacey Trock's website indicates, she puts a fresh spin on the look of baby projects. Stacey encourages her readers to step it up a notch when it comes to choosing colors. She says modern babies don't need to be stuck with just pastels anymore! Focused on the hub of baby's life, the nursery, the twenty-one designs are divided into 3 color groups: Bold & Bright, Pretty in Pastel and Naturally Neutral.Before even getting to the projects, crocheters receive a wealth of crochet knowledge about gauge, choosing hook size and finishing techniques. Presented in a comfortable and nurturing tone, I felt like I was in the classroom actually learning from Stacey! Her anatomy of a stitch section is excellent; and I have found that learning to recognize the parts of the crochet stitches is half the battle for new crocheters who struggle with pattern reading. Be sure to read all of the instructional pages before getting started. Taking a little time with this will surely lead you to success! Obviously experienced with baby's and their most snuggly needs, Stacey is also careful to stress the safety aspect, and she includes instructions on making baby-safe embroidered eyes. --Gwen Blakley Kinsler, Crochet Queen: Royal Ramblings, March 2014Crocheting for babies and their nurseries is fun with quick results. Stacey Trock has 21 patterns incorporating all skill levels, in her latest bookModern Baby Crochet. The patterns include afghans, stuffed toys, pillow, rugs, mobiles and more for "decorating;, playing and snuggling".; Chapters are divided by color choice into bold and bright, pretty in pastel and naturally neutral. Today's nurseries run the gamut when it comes to color scheme. So use the colors as suggested or choose your own.If this will be your first go round at crocheting...no need to hesitate. Stacey's writing experience coversCuddly CrochetandCrocheted Softies. She will help you find a crochet hook that works for you, yarn choice and by using step by step line drawings and written words, shows you how to crochet stitches and techniques. Follow her tips throughout to improve your skills and make the patterns your own."Mondrian-Inspired; Afghan" from Piet Mondrian, a Dutch painter is perfect for the bright nursery. This easy "neoplastic;" design consists of white background with a grid of vertical and horizontal black lines, with several of the boxes filled in with primary colors. Baby will enjoy the bold look. The "Colorful; Wiggle Pillow" on the cover is a 3-D ruffle effect. A sophisticated look in or out of the nursery. A rattle is an essential baby toy. Babies enjoy the sound and feel as well as learn to grasp. "Bubble; Ring Rattle" is 6" in diameter and has a beginner skill level. It is crocheted using acrylic/wool yarn for easy cleaning. The book has a lot of great patterns to try. After crocheting the projects, read about finishing (blocking) and care (washing). Think about taking some of these patterns to decorate older children's rooms. --Paula Moliver, Hartford Knitting Examiner, March 2014Modern Baby Crochetby Stacey Trock features 21 super easy patterns that both babies and moms will love. Choose from a variety of patterns including afghans, pillows, bookends, mobiles, and more. This 80-page book includes full page color photographs of each project, as well as additional images and diagrams as needed. The projects are divided into color groups [of] brights, pastels, and naturals, so it's super easy to find patterns that match the nursery room decor. Whether you are searching for the perfect homemade gift to make for an upcoming baby shower, or you are expecting your very own little bundle of joy, this is a must-have book of crochet baby patterns. The modern projects you will find inside offer a refreshing take on the traditional crochet baby patterns. Instead of plain afghans and traditional pillows, you will find trendy crochet patterns with interesting design (think geometric shapes, argyle design, and scalloped edges, just to name a few). --Jeanette Benoit, All Free Crochet.com, March 2014