Soft as a Baby’s…Blanket April 14, 2009

There are only so many big gifts that can be given to expectant parents for the new baby and if the baby’s gender is to be a surprise, that adds a bit more of a challenge. Be the one who gives baby his or her blankie with this exquisitely soft Luxe Limited Edition Baby Blanket in Cashmere Cotton and Pique ($70) from Mary Grace Designs. The soothing white blanket is in contrast to the cheerful yellow edging. A classic design that will accompany baby through infancy and perhaps be handed down to the next generation (with proper care and storage).

This blog also has many other posts featuring lovely Gifts for Baby as well as one all about Baby Blankets. as well as many posts featuring blankets for baby, kid, or kid at-heart.

Luxe Limited Edition Baby Blanket in Cashmere Cotton and Pique, $70

Luxurious Yarn for Discerning Knitters April 13, 2009

Since learning to knit last year, I have found a new appreciation for knitwear and yarn. The shift came nearly three months after I learned my first stitch and had only experienced knitting with acrylic yarn. That was, of course, until I squished my first skein of silk-blend yarn. I was hooked! It is like having only eaten a Hershey bar then trying chocolate truffles fresh from Belgium or some such place. There is no looking back now.

Going with the chocolate analogy, it stands to reason that handspun and/or hand-dyed yarns would be even better! That brings me to the luxuriously delicious yarns I am currently adoring. All are from Hedgehog Fibres. Prices start at $30 for 100g (200m). Priced for special projects (like a shawl or baby hat/sweater) or if you want to give your favorite knitter or crocheter a very thoughtful gift, pair with a pattern. 

Of course, I will still enjoy working with acrylic and there are fine points for the fiber, but I have really learned that certain projects demand special fibers – and some luxury fibers create special projects that may have otherwise been rather ordinary.

Hedgehog Fibres. L-R: (Top Row) Meadow Cashmere/Silk Worsted, Malachite Silk Singles, Bronzed Lead Silk Singles; (Bottom Row) Drift Away Merino/Bamboo/Silk Fingering, Signal Cashmere/Silk Worsted, Shell Silk/Merino Worsted

Starry Starry Bathtime April 10, 2009

It was love at first sight when I saw these darling Embroidered Star Turkish Towels (washcloth $2.99, hand towel $5.99, bath towel $9.99). Soft cloud blue with delicate chocolate brown embroidery. They look so soft, I wish I lived near a Restoration Hardware Baby & Child so I could touch the 100% cotton towels myself.

Emrboidered Star Turkish Towels from Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

Sunshine Days April 2, 2009

Sunny days are quickly approaching and what better way to celebrate than to introduce your littlest family member to summer clothes?! I remember how much I loved cotton in the summer, crisp or knit it always seemed more like a sunny day when I got to wear something sunny. Dapper Duds makes this darling Cute Black Yellow Bird Dress and Bloomer Set ($34) just for such occasions. You may order exactly the size you need, so it’s custom made for your little one.

Cute Black Yellow Bird Dress and Bloomer Set from DapperDuds on Etsy

St. Patrick’s Day for the Wee Ones March 3, 2009

Top off your St. Patrick’s Day with a Hand Knit Baby Hat ($12) from Once Upon A Hook. Available in Aran (off-white) with a green clover or green with an Aran clover.

Hand Knit Baby Hats from Once Upon A Hook