After celebrating the sunny colorwork of Sunflower Socks by Lorraine Thompson last week, I’m turning my attention to a much tinier pair of knitted treasures.
As the date of my granddaughter’s arrival draws closer, I find myself considering more and more baby knitting patterns. There’s something especially meaningful about imagining a little one wearing an item that was lovingly made with the wee one in mind.
The Bendy Bootees, Bootees with Knees by Cynthia MacDougall immediately came to mind. We featured it in our Spring 2014 issue – going way back here! These aren’t simply sweet little bootees. Their extra length extends over a baby’s knees, helping them stay cozy while adding plenty of personality to those tiny legs.
They’re also wonderfully practical. Once baby begins crawling and exploring, the longer design helps protect those busy little knees. Of course, the real challenge may be deciding which irresistible color to knit first!
skill level Confident beginner
time A manageable baby knitting project that can be completed well before the little recipient begins crawling
ideal for New babies, expectant parents, baby shower gifts, growing families, confident beginners, and knitters looking for a practical keepsake
you will practice knitting in the round, ribbing, shaping, increasing, decreasing, creating heels and toes, knitting longer leg sections, finishing baby bootees
finished size Designed for babies.
Bendy Bootees, Bootees with Knees by Cynthia MacDougall for ANPTmag Issue Spring 2014; photo by Carla A. Canonico for ANPTmag
These unusual bootees are Cynthia’s adaptation of an old pattern for bootees with knees. The original version was created to protect babies from drafts when babies commonly wore nightgowns. The extended legs helped keep them covered and warm.
Modern babies may dress differently, but the longer style remains useful. Mothers who received the bootees reported that they also helped protect little knees once their babies began crawling. That makes this pattern a lovely example of a traditional idea continuing to serve families in a new way.
The pattern was featured in the ANPTmag Spring 2014 issue. This edition was devoted to the sweetness of creating for babies.
The issue brings together an adorable collection of baby quilts, blankets, sweater sets, mobiles, and accessories for decorating a nursery. It also includes helpful information about what makers should consider when knitting and quilting for babies.
As I wait to meet my granddaughter, this collection feels more meaningful to me than ever. There are so many lovely possibilities for creating pieces that are useful now and may become cherished reminders of her earliest days.
Get the Bendy Bootees, Bootees with Knees pattern here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/bendy-bootees-bootees-with-knees/
Get the ANPTmag Spring 2014 print issue here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/spring-2014/
Get the ANPTmag Spring 2014 digital issue here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/spring-2014-digital-issue/
Bendy Bootees, Bootees with Knees by Cynthia MacDougall for ANPTmag Issue Spring 2014; photo by Carla A. Canonico for ANPTmag
The extended legs, shaping, ribbing, heel and toe construction make these bootees interesting to knit, while their practical design creates a thoughtful handmade gift for a baby who will soon be bending, kicking, and crawling.
Would you choose a soft traditional shade for these bootees, or knit them in a bright color that celebrates baby’s growing personality?
Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag knitting project I’ll share with you!