It seems impossible to imagine, but at one point or another, you will burn out on knitting. For example: You have spent forever on your cabled cardigan and your queen-sized afgan throw is going no where. You have gone too long without that rush of endorphins that comes with binding off a finished product. You throw down your needles (well, not throw down, but put down with feeling), wondering why you have wasted so much time on projects that are never done. Even a beanie hat seems like a gargantuan task. You need something a project that can be finished within 2 episodes of Grey's Anatomy, not a whole season of Buffy. But who would wear a garment that small? Answer: Babies.
The light dawns, you begin knitting with a new zeal! You search through your family tree and Facebook friends and find out that (insert name of friend and/or distant relation) is expecting/just gave birth. With a target in mind, you start turning out baby clothes by the closet-full.
Knitting for babies is the perfect solution to huge-project syndrome. You can try out new techniques on a smaller scale that are more quickly finished. The best part- babies won't refuse your sweater, booties, bunny-eared hate, etc. The very definition of a captive audience.
But there are some considerations to take into account when knitting for babies. Here is a list of do's and don'ts of baby knitting. Feel free to leave a comment and add to the list!
Do-make your garment machine-washable. Babies are cute, adorable, and require constant cleanup. And that's not even including strained peas and mashed sweet potatoes.
Don't-stalk new mothers through playgrounds, the grocery store, maternity wards, etc. waiting for the perfect opportunity to gift them with a complete layette set. They have to get up for 2 a.m. feedings and are probably not in the most receptive mood for your thoughtful present.
Do-donate your finished projects. Places like Genesis Women's Shelter are in need of donations of baby items just like the one you finished.
Don't-use an itchy yarn. Make a swatch of the proposed yarn, and then rub it against your neck. If you think its itchy, then so will a baby. An itchy baby is a screaming baby. And a screaming baby has irritated parents who will not return your calls.
Do-try out new techniques. A baby sweater is a perfect place to try out things like fair isle or intarsia. The baby won't really care if the colorwork in the back is a little messed up, as long as it has two arms and a neck hole.
Don't-be afraid to use colors other than pink and blue. Try other color combinations, like red and yellow, that are fun yet still unisex.
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