Book Review: Crochet in a Day for Baby

Title: Crochet in a Day for Baby
Author: Candi Jensen

Book Review by Reneé Rodgers (www.crochetrenee.com)

If you are anything like me, the announcement that a friend or family member is having a baby makes my crochet hand twitch! But more recently, life has been so busy, that I have had difficulty finding the time to make my usual gorgeous baby blanket. Enter Crochet in a Day for Baby, by Candi Jensen. I have long been a fan of Candi’s designs, and her baby designs are no exception.

Jensen has created 20 adorable, yet simple projects that any new mom would be happy to receive for her baby. There are pullovers, cardigans, vests, booties, washcloths, bibs, hats, mitts, and yes, blankets. There is even a pattern for a cute set of soft blocks and covered baby hangers, which would make a great pairing with one of the pullovers or cardigans.

One of the things that I really appreciate about Jensen’s book is the fact that she gives good solid, basic patterns, and then customizes them with different colors and different stripe combinations. She encourages the reader to experiment and use their own design sensibility to make them their own. She has also included a good balance of designs that could be gifted for boys or girls. As a long-time crocheter of baby gifts, finding something for a baby boy can sometimes be a challenge.

Jensen doesn’t suggest it, but I think that any of the combos of pullover/cardigan, hat, booties and bib, done in the same yarns and colors would make a nice custom layette. If there’s time, add one of the blankets or some matching covered hangers for a really special set.

Or, if you’re more like me, and time is at a premium, and you only have one day, make any one of the projects and you’ll have a well-appreciated handcrafted gift for baby. Crochet in a Day for Baby is a great title for any crocheter’s collection, whether they are a beginner or more experienced. The concept of a book that focuses on projects that can be made in a day is a great one. In fact, I think I need to make the Pink and Ivory booties for a little girl who’s on her way. There’s a baby shower coming up soon! 

(Leisure Arts, Inc., 2012, 96 pages, $19.95, ISBN 987-1-4647-0265-5)

Full disclosure: A free review copy of Crochet in a Day for Baby was provided by Leisure Arts, Inc. Although I accept free products for review, I do not accept additional compensation, nor do I guarantee a positive review.  My reviews are based entirely on my honest opinions.