cover image The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits: Patterns for Babies and Toddlers

The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits: Patterns for Babies and Toddlers

Julie Carles, Jordana Jacobs. Potter Craft, $30 (160pp) ISBN 978-1-4000-5171-7

Well-known among knitters as the owners of the Yarn Company store in Manhattan and the authors of The Yarn Girls' Guide to Simple Knits, Carles and Jacobs offer up another book marked by the cheerful, vibrant and easy style for which they're known. This time, they present patterns for pint-sized hats, dresses, sweaters and blankets that look as cozy and warm as the babies and toddlers modeling them. The fun of a Yarn Girls book lies in its bold, full-color photographs and irreverent manner, both of which are in full force here. After a brief, straightforward section describing the authors' chosen knitting techniques, the book launches into the patterns. Sweaters have names like ""Master of Her Own Domain"" or ""Mary, Mary...whatcha Knitting?"" and are presented in color schemes for both boys and girls. A clever bunting called ""Frustration is the Mother of Invention,"" with knit-in holes for a car seat, is a particularly welcome innovation. Despite the clever titles and creations, the authors adhere to their motto--""We promise to keep it simple""--employing big needles and chunky yarns for designs that knit up fast. Although Carles and Jacobs offer many variations within this realm, many of the clothes appear similar, and intermediate or experienced knitters may grow bored with the repetitive style. Some knitters will be frustrated that the designs depend so heavily on exquisite yet expensive yarns that are available only at boutiques such as the authors' own; most, however, will be happy to find that these simple patterns can yield such stylish winter wear.