Expectant Little Knits

I'm supposed to be receiving a copy from the publisher, but I couldn't wait; I bought a copy of Expectant Little Knits from Amazon. No, I don't have any news on the family additions front, but I do have two patterns in this book--including the Double Wing Top, pictured on the cover.  The other pattern is also a sleeveless top, but worked in cotton instead of silk/merino, and called "Anjou"--"put a positive spin on 'pear-shaped' with this empire waist top"!

Although I can't vouch for the general quality of the instructions, not having knitted any of the projects except for my own samples, I can say that I was quite impressed with the appearance and variety of the various garments, which included some creative ways to accommodate body changes both during pregnancy and afterwards:  buttons along the sides, or across the bust to allow for discreet nursing; removable side panels; side pleats; and of course, stretchy stitch patterns like lace and ribbing.  In fact, although I'm delighted one of my patterns made the cover, I'm not sure how or why it was chosen from among so many great designs!  The last three photos show my personal favorites (in order pictured):  the Gherkin Tunic by Ashley Moncrief, the Red Twist Dress by Helen Hamann, and the Lacy Babydoll by Melissa Wehrle.

(Apologies for my less than stellar reproductions of these pages!  All photos, copyright Lark Books 2007.)

Edited to add:  Connie asked whether my statement that I couldn't vouch for the instructions meant that I wrote up the patterns only for the sample size for my projects.  The answer is no--I did write the instructions for all the sizes for my patterns!  I just meant the instructions for all of the other projects in the book.  However, I should have noted that Donna Druchunas did the editing, which is a very good sign!

Comments

[connie]

Beautiful designs indeed, Angela. Congrats! What do you mean, you can't vouch for the instructions? Did they just have you write instructions for the sample size?

[Cristiana]

Congratulations from me too!
Brava bravissima!

[Julia]

Very cool. Maternity sizing has always been a mystery to me. This is a great one to have on the shelf!