Timeless Textured Baby Crochet: 20 Heirloom Crochet Patterns for Babies by Vita Apala is an exquisite collection of patterns for creating the most adorable wardrobe for a baby’s first years. Today I’ll be sharing my in-depth review of this book as a designer and certified crochet instructor to help you determine if this book is for you.
I have a copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner. Be sure to read to the end of the review for an opportunity to enter to win a copy of Timeless Textured Baby Crochet!
Thanks to David & Charles for providing me with this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I do not guarantee a positive review of any product reviewed on my site. All opinions shared here are my own.
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A Bit About the Author
Vita Apala is a popular designer known for their gorgeous baby designs, full of amazing textures under the Mon Petit Violon brand. You can almost always tell right away that a design is by Vita Apala because of their use of subtle colours paired with rich textures. She has an extensive pattern collection with well over 400 published designs to-date. This is her first book.
Crochet Patterns In Timeless Textured Baby Crochet
There are 20 different patterns for baby and toddler garments and accessories in this book to create a stylish and chic baby wardrobe. The patterns you’ll find in Timeless Textured Baby Crochet are:
- Bobble Romper
- Ruffle Sweater
- Yak Sweater
- Heavenly Sweater
- Flutterby Shrug
- Harvest Cardigan
- Semila Cardigan
- Waves Sweater
- Angel Romper
- Classic Bonnet
- Cozy Baby Blanket
- Forest Sweater
- Favorite Hoodie
- Jasmine Sweater
- Cloud Dress
- Sweet Dress
- Nordic Socks
- Sage Trousers
- Spring Romper
- Truffle Dress
There’s a little bit of everything to create an heirloom layette. You could dress baby from their head down to their little feet in gorgeous crochet. The projects are a visual delight, full of beautiful ruffles and delicate motifs that create a modern yet classic layette that make the ultimate handmade baby gift. And you won’t just find lacy projects for little girls there is something for all little people included.
Some of these designs are such cute crochet garments that I wish they came in my size! I’ll take 5 of the Heavenly Sweater done in different colors, please and thank you.
In-Depth Pattern Info
The patterns in this book are written in US crochet terms with a conversion chart for UK terminology found on page 7. The size range for each pattern varies most patterns are written in sizes 0 – 6 months up to 3 – 4 years.
All of the projects use a DK weight (3) yarn and many of the suggested yarn brands are European yarn brands that can be tricky to obtain (at least where I’m located), unless you have a well-stocked local yarn store.
I found the patterns to be clear and easy to understand. Some of the patterns include step-by-step photos to show different techniques or to show what the project should look like when you get to a certain point.
In the intro of the book, the author specifically indicates that this book is accessible to beginners but after reading the book and all the supports that have been provided, I think this book is really ideal for intermediate crocheters.
There are a lot of special stitches used and not all techniques used have a tutorial supplied for them. Because of the assumption of knowledge, I think beginners would be confused or frustrated.
A particular sticking point for me was the lack of information regarding gauge and how to match it. This is a vital component of having your garments fit as expected and to have it missing from this title that claims to be accessible for beginners was disappointing. I would have expected something much more comprehensive guide to gauge in a book about garments.
If you come across errors in the pattern, you can find the errata available on the David & Charles website errata page.
Check Out the Video Version of This Review
Timeless Textured Baby Crochet Book Supports
While pages 6 and 7 contain important information before starting to use the book, the majority of the supports and tutorials are found at the back of the book on pages 132 – 142.
There are step-by-step instructions and photo support for the basic and special stitches used in the book which were clear and easy to understand. After this section you’ll find a page titled Finishing Techniques. There were some high-level explanations on how to do things but if you’re a visual learner, there are not photo supports here.
The section on blocking was particularly puzzling to me as it reads that not all garments need to be blocked and then some high-level, vague instructions on how to do some blocking. I wouldn’t necessarily have had too many concerns on this if the author had not insisted in the beginning of the book that readers should choose natural fibers like wool, cotton, yak, etc to make their projects.
When using natural fibres, it is vital to know how to take care of them and they absolutely benefit from blocking. What is the point of spending money on natural, gorgeous yarns (which typically cost much more money) if you’re potentially not going to get the best results from it because you’re skipping an important step?
Additionally, natural fibres have varying care and blocking instructions. While I wouldn’t expect to have every single care and blocking instruction outlined, noting this fact and assisting the reader in how to find that information would have been helpful.
Summary
Overall, I think this is a value-packed collection of patterns that enable makers to create a gorgeous wardrobe for babies and toddlers using interesting stitch patterns. I’d recommend this book for intermediate to advanced crocheters only that are looking for a wealth of patterns in a single place that can be used for making a speedy project for a baby shower gift or to build a
If you are interested in buying a copy of Timeless Textured Baby Crochet by Vita Apala you can find it here on Amazon.
Like crochet book and product reviews? Check out these reviews:
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- Laurel Hill Crochet Hook Review
- Check out all my other crochet book reviews here
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Timeless textured Baby Crochet Book Giveaway
Thanks to David & Charles Publishing, I have a copy of Timeless Textured Baby Crochet by Vita Apala to giveaway!
This giveaway on The Loopy Lamb is open to worldwide participants (except where void by law and void in Quebec). Giveaway ends Friday, October 20, at 11:45pm Eastern Standard time.
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