Special Knits for Special Babies
rams and yowes by Kate Davies (left) and Hansel by Gudrun Johnston
My brother had some good news for me this weekend – he and his wife are expecting a baby and I’m going to be an aunt. I started thinking pretty much immediately about a special knit that I could make them. So here’s where I would appreciate some decision-making help. These are four of my favourite baby blanket patterns: Kate Davies’ rams and yowes, Gudrun Johnston’s Hansel Hap Shawl, and Anne Hanson’s Cradle Me and Honey Baby.
Cradle Me (left) and Honey Baby both by Anne Hanson
I’m leaning towards either the Hansel Hap Shawl or rams and yowes. I think either would be lovely in undyed shades of Shetland wool. rams and yowes involves steeking, which is a technique used in circular knitting where you knit a tube and then cut the finished piece to allow for openings like the front of a cardigan, armholes or necklines. I’ve never steeked before but would love to try it!
Which one do you like the best? What are some of your favourite knits for special babies?
[Photos courtesy of, from top left, Kate Davies, Gudrun Johnston, Anne Hanson]
Tags: Anne Hanson, baby, blanket, Gudrun Johnston, Kate Davies
January 22nd, 2012 at 7:16 pm
I like rams and yowes the best, followed by Cradle Me! Congrats on being an aunt-to-be!
January 22nd, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Aw, hooray for new niecephews! Personally I have a real problem finishing blankets, so I’d be inclined to the Hansel Hap Shawl, because it seems more complete-able. Of course they’re all amazing, though.
January 22nd, 2012 at 7:34 pm
NYowedist.com!
January 22nd, 2012 at 9:23 pm
All great options! The hap shawl is on my to-do list as well. So classic. Congrats!
January 22nd, 2012 at 10:45 pm
They are all beautiful patterns. I love all Kate Davie’s patterns and the Rams and Yowes is absolutely stunning. However, I find it too busy for a baby blanket. My choice would be Gudrun’s Hansel Hap Shawl as it is quite soothing to look at. My second choice would be Honey Baby. Oh, it’s so nice to have a special baby to knit for. Enjoy!
January 23rd, 2012 at 2:18 pm
I have some deciding to do! A big thank you for your thoughts. Don’t be surprised if I end up making more than one for my soon-to-be niecephew (love that, Lauren).
January 25th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
congratulations – i feel like there are a lot of pregnancies out there right now! some kind of a baby boom but congrats to your brother and his wife. I absolutely love the rams and yowes – it would be kinda fun to learn steeking at the same time too, huh? I love steeking
good luck choosing!!
January 26th, 2012 at 1:22 am
hansel hap! although the others are beautiful too
January 28th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Congratulations on becoming an auntie! I’ve steeked once and it was pretty fun (after you get over the cutting bit! A friend of mine is expecting, I think I’ll make her the Cradle Me blanket, it’s gorgeous and hopefully doable in time!
February 26th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
I like the Rams and Yowes blanket the best. The Cradle Me pattern would be my second choice.
Isn’t this exciting news Laura! You becoming an Aunt for the first time and me a first time great Aunt.
February 26th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
Thanks Aunt Tracy!
Yes, very exciting news. I decided on Rams and Yowes as well – I actually just received the yarn from Shetland this week. Can hardly wait to get started on it!
August 18th, 2012 at 1:09 pm
[...] to all of you who weighed in on the pattern choice for my any-day-now niece or nephew’s baby blanket! As you can see, I went with Kate [...]