As much as I enjoy shopping for the best in baby products, I have to admit that I love all things DIY (do-it-yourself) as well. I enjoy painting and crafting projects with Little M, but I have never really been much of an expert in sewing or designing clothing. Which is why the thought of knitting something never even crossed my mind. All of that changed when I came across this incredible blog called What to Knit When You’re Expecting by Nikki Van De Car. For the first time, I actually want to go out and buy some knitting needles and super soft yarn and knit a beautiful blanket, or booties, or bibs, or even toys (!) for Little M.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Nikki and she was kind enough to share some tips for first-time knitters:
“I would advise beginning with something like a hat–many knitters start with scarves or blankets because they’re square, and that is certainly a point in their favor, but they can also take forever, and I think when you’re just getting going, and things take a little longer than they will once you’re more familiar with knitting, you need a quicker project that you can actually finish and wear and be proud of before you get discouraged!  Baby knits are also pretty quick, being tiny and all, and most of my patterns are very, very easy.”

I asked Nikki what type of yarn she recommends as there seems to be such an overwhelming selection:
“this is counter-intuitive, but I would start off with really nice yarn.  There’s something wonderful about knitting with a soft and beautifully dyed yarn like Malabrigo or Blue Sky Alpacas (pictured) that you just can’t get from Red Heart or JoAnn’s, though I certainly have been known to knit with those too!  But nothing will get you knitting like a really luxurious yarn–it’s an almost magical thing.”

Check out Nikki’s new book here, I am in love with the baby cozy on the cover. You can find a free pattern for a similar baby cozy on her blog here.