COMFORT KNITTING & CROCHET BABIES & TODDLERS contains fifty knit and crochet designs including a lovely selection of cardigans, blankets, caps, some accessory items and a couple of toys. Since this was a review copy I was only privy to a few items of those that would be included in the actual book. But there was certainly enough to whet my appetite and illustrate how lovely this book is as an addition to any crafters library. Color wise the photos show off these patterns to their best advantage and with just a little imagination any knitter or crocheter could envisions them in colors to their liking. Any good crafter knows that the colors of a sample are just that a suggestion of how the pattern looks. Crafters know that the best projects are those that encompass lots of their own input in color selection. In these samples they use varied stitches which for me is always a huge plus. Of course a beginner will enjoy using the colors to spice up their work. Those more advanced will appreciate the incorporation of lovely stitches into the patterns. Equally important was the inclusion of items stretching the limits of size and shape. Circles, quadrants, hexagons, patchworks are just part of the visions.

There is a luscious factor of these patterns with the author's choice of trim and detail. I would be remiss if I didn't include the fact there are several patterns whose entire instruction takes only one or two pages. Pretty much a dream for someone looking to complete a lovely child item without lines and lines of patterning.

I will mention three of my favorites from this review copy. First one is a knit Bobbled Blanket done in triangles and then connected to form a gorgeous circle with a four rows of bobbles around the circumference. The model was done in pearl and ivory so that it would be appropriate for either a boy or girl. Here is definitely one example of a pattern that I wouldn't even deviate from with color choice. Just gorgeous.

My second was a quick knit selection -- a knitted ruffled Bolero. Simple and adorable and would be lovely in just about any pastel color. Followed on the heels is a crocheted bobbled and cabled Cardigan. The cardigan is a little more detailed but gives the crafter a chance to try their hand at cabling in crochet. Crochet cabling is very different than the knitted version because you do not need cable needles a fact that is a personal favorite of mine.

So if you are a beginner or advanced knitter or crocheter there will certainly be multiple items that will catch your eye and trigger your imagination in this COMFORT KNITTING & CROCHETING book entitled BABIES & TODDLERS. Norah Gaughan is a well-known name in this industry whose benchmark is her work with shapes and you will see a lot of her influence in the patterns included in this book. Well worth the price and a welcome additional to any crafters library.