Advent Giveaway II: What to Knit When You're Expecting

Another December week has gone by, so that means it's time for our second Advent giveaway!  Today's is the utterly beautiful What to Knit When You're Expecting by Nikki Van De Car.

All photos © Claire Richardson

The book shares a title with the author's blog, which she began to chronicle her days with her young daughter and the knits she'd work on in her spare time.  The book was a natural progression from the blog and is lovely collection of twenty-seven designs for baby knits that range from tiny garments and accessories to nursery decor items to more utilitarian pieces like a bib and burp cloths.  The book is beautifully photographed and styled and is absolutely gorgeous to look at.  Something about the overall feel of the book is so peaceful and calming -- it reminds me of those first few days home with Daniel when all he'd do was sleep, and all we'd do is sit there and stare at him.

While most of the knits in the book are gender neutral, there are also designs for both boys and girls, and all garments and accessories are sized from from 0 to 12 months.  There is a nice techniques section in the beginning, then patterns are cleverly broken down into what you might want to knit in each of the three trimesters of pregnancy.  Some of my favorites include...

From the first trimester, when you have a whole pregnancy in front of you to knit larger pieces and baby basics:

Honeycomb Blanket

 Bloomers

 

 and the teeniest, tiniest Simple Mittens

From the second trimester, when you can get a little more gender-specific (if you go that route!):

 

 Ike Sweater Vest

Striped Boatneck Sweater

 Maile's Sweater (I love the lace and those contrasting buttons!)

and the sweetest Tutu (seriously, how cute is this?!?!?)

And, from the third trimester, when you may be starting to feel a little impatient and need some quick, instant-gratification knits:

Chickadee Hat

Burp Cloths

and Owl and Monkey Pillows

This would be a wonderful book to have if you are indeed expecting, but I also think it would be great to have on hand even if you already have/don't want kiddos for special gifts for friends who are. You can see more about the author and all of the patterns on Ravelry. 

And, if you'd like to win a copy of this book, please leave a comment here telling me whom you'd knit these little treasures for by midnight this coming Sunday (the 16th), and I'll draw a winner that afternoon.  Good luck, and have a great week!