Book Review – Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies

It seems to be baby season around here again. Two friends of mine, who just happen to be sisters, are both due to have their second child; one in June and the other in September. (In a weird bit of coincidence, their first children are only a month apart.) So, what is a crafty lady like me to do except make baby things!

Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies is the latest addition in the excellent One Skein Wonders series. (This is a sister series to the equally good One Yard Wonders series.) Edited by Edie Eckman and Judith Durant, this book contains over 101 crochet patterns for babies, toddlers, and children.

The book features 8 sections:

• Little Hats and Caps
• Little Socks and Booties
• Little Tops and Dresses
• Little Bottoms
• Little Bibs and Washcloths
• Little Toys
• Little Blankets and Sacks
• Little Bags and Accessories

Amazingly, each pattern uses only one skein of yarn. How do you get a blanket out of one skein of yarn you may be wondering. Well, there can be a heck of a lot of yardage on a skein of sock yarn! The patterns absolutely take advantage of all the different weights and yardages available, and the resulting patterns are inventive and very cute. The yarns suggested range from an inexpensive worsted-weight kitchen cotton for a cute military-style cap to a luxury lace-weight wool yarn for an heirloom baby blanket.

Morgan Beanie, designed by Ashley Leither; from Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies

I decided to make the Morgan Beanie, the first pattern featured in the book, and a great match for the new BB&Me yarn I recently received. The pattern is by Ashley Leither, and the instructions are both written and charted, as is the case with the majority of patterns in the book. Each pattern begins with information on the yarn used in the sample, sizes and measurements, hooks and other equipment needed, and the pattern gauge. All patterns are also illustrated by clear (and super cute!) photos.

Overall, I think this is a great book. The huge range of patterns, suitable for babies of both sexes, ensure that you will find just the right thing to make for the babies in your life. Clear instructions, and an appendix with stitch explanations, give you all you need to successfully execute the patterns.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies is now available from Amazon and other book stores.

I received an uncorrected ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.