Natural Knits for Babies and Moms
by Louisa Harding
Published by Interweave Press
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Reviewed by Janelle Martin
Subtitled: Beautiful Designs using Organic Yarns
Inspired by the organic yarns encountered on a visit to America, Louisa Harding decided to design a collection reflecting her "philosophy of new life and new babies: keeping them wrapped in as natural an environment as possible, just like the one they've come from." The result is Natural Knits for Babies and Moms: Beautiful Designs using Organic Yarns, 21 patterns for mother and infant for their first eighteen months together.
Harding has provided patterns in organic wool and cotton, as well as wool/cotton blends. Her designs range from layettes to nursing sweaters to toddler sweaters and matching stuffed animals. With an ever-increasing range of organic yarns to choose from, Harding has deliberately selected simple designs to allow the natural beauty of these yarns to shine.
With many books and pattern leaflets of infant designs available, a knitter may well ask what recommends this book besides Harding's name? The simple answer is that these patterns provide basic shapes you can build your own designs on. The classic hats, booties and toys can be adapted to suit the style of any expectant mother, making this a book you will use for years to come. The more complex answer is that the nursing sweaters Harding has designed are unique and flattering and a "must knit" for the expectant mother on your gift list. These are designs you won't find in any other knitting book.
With a new nephew on the way, this book arrived at a timely moment. I have some organic cotton in my stash that I've been itching to try and the "Harvey Kimono" looks like just the pattern to make for his Christmas arrival.
Louisa Harding is an internationally renown knit designer best known for her work with Rowan Yarns as an in-house designer. She and her husband Stephen Jessup created the Miss Bea line of knitting books.
Armchair Interviews says: Get those knitting needles ready.