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Book Review: Crochet for Baby All Year by Tammy Hildebrand

July 11, 2014
Crochet for Baby All Year
by Tammy Hildebrand



If you are friends with Tammy Hildebrand on Facebook, you know how proud she is of her first grandchild, Willow! The inspiration for Tammy’s latest book, Willow is one of the adorable models for the fantastic projects. 


Willow modeling "Pretty as a Posy"
The patterns in Crochet for Baby All Year are theme-based on the  months of the year, and designs for both girls and boys are included with instructions for multiple sizes from newborn to 18 months, Most of the patterns are suitable for beginning to intermediate crocheters. Tammy says, “The patterns work up in no time. You’ll want to stitch them up quickly, as babies grow so fast, and before you know it, they aren’t even babies anymore!”

Baby's year starts by celebrating the birth with a christening gown for either sex in luscious cashmere, baby alpaca and merino wool. A “hearts” theme highlights February; ladybugs for good luck in May and flags in July. Tammy cleverly adapts this symbolism appropriately for either boy or girl as the themes continue through each month. 


"Yankee Doodle" and "Lady Liberty"
The book's photography is fantastic throughout, and I credit the very talented Rachel Geiser for being able to work with such young models to capture special moments.  “Visual Indexes” seems to be a trend these days in many books. They are a helpful summary of the patterns included in a book, and it guides the enthusiastic crocheter in choosing which design to work on first. Tammy’s book is no exception, and you’ll have a tough time deciding where to begin!

The yarns Tammy chose for these projects can be found either eonline or in local yarn and craft stores. For crocheters who want to use other yarns from their stash, a bit of experience and knowledge of inter-changing fibers will be necessary because the Craft Yarn Council Yarn Standards are not included.

I would have preferred to see a better fit of these garments on the beautiful children who modeled them. The recommended yarns leaned toward bulky size, and hook sizes F through I were used. Perhaps a better fit could be achieved by using finer yarns.

Crochet for Baby All Year is published by Stackpole Books (2014) and retails for $21.95. Want to win your very own copy of Tammy’s book? All you have to do BEFORE July 15 at midnight is “Like” my Facebook page or enter your email to receive my blog posts in the "follow by email" secction on the right-side column; then click submit.

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