Baby Blueprint Crochet: Irresistible Projects for Little Ones

I am a 33-year-old mom of two young boys, a native southerner taught to knit on one grandma's knee, and self-taught crocheter since college. I use both techniques interchangeably, and have over 20 years' experience with various fiber arts; I would consider myself advanced intermediate as a baseline for both, as I don't have a ton of use for lace design, tatting, or other "frumpier" patterns that seem to define the upper echelons of these arts.So the upside to Baby Blueprint Crochet is the fact it's modern and adorable; patterns are largely retro-chic, and some of them border on baby hipster... I've used these designs with great success for friends in the Portland area and Northern California/ SF, if that's any indicator (we've lived out west for a number of years now, hence the great variety of knitting and crochet patterns in my current book collection!). ;0) The "Joni Jumper" dress alone is practically worth the cover price: it's an easy, go-to classic that can be reenvisioned in a variety of yarns for a variety of climates, and the schematics, with measures in inches and metrics, allows for easier yarn and proportional conversions.However, some of these same diagrams lack measure specificity: the "Hunter Pullover" sweater, which is adorable in design, features one such schematic, where a colorwork band is listed as 10" across, it connects to a yoke that needs to decrease to 4" at its peak-- two hatchmarks are drawn on one side, with a listed measure of 1 3/8" for the larger demarcation, but no numerics on the other, even though that region seems to need more room, despite being drawn markedly smaller? It makes the final creation more a product of guesswork and eyeballing the simplified diagram than it does actual sizing, which is disconcerting. And while you can normally rely on some basic algebra and conversions for stitches to modify patterns for yarn variations, for some reason, Ms. Chachula has chosen to indicate measures with pattern repeat numbers rather than stitches; in other words, if it takes 4 stitches to create one motif, that counts for "1", so when you look for quick reference, you're seeing "5 SR" (repeats) rather than the 20 inidividual steps/ stitches it takes to create your desired outcome?Some of the finishing techniques are vague and lack direction: measures are not noted for various seams and joins, the artist is told to run rows of single crochet (as a basis for finishing and borders) across something with no stitch counts of where to stop or begin, and row repeats are hidden in the fine print without boldface or italic to draw attention to the necessity of continuing in pattern before moving on to the next increase, decrease, or bind off. I've honestly had more difficulty following some of these patterns than I had initially learning to crochet from a book in my late teens! And I would wholeheartedly agree with the previous 3-star reviewer, who also says that some of these patterns just don't make much sense.On the whole, I adore the designs and think Baby Blueprint Crochet makes great contributions to modernizing craft techniques that can seem a little old-fashioned, so I have great respect for what the author is trying to accomplish with this volume. And some of the patterns are intuitive and well-written.... but others require a great deal of interpretation, wishful thinking, and some leaps of faith where the author failed to provide clarity or guidance instead. So buy with an awareness that there may need to be some revisions made to later printings, and if you're not afraid of a few challenges, this is definitely a manual for you! The finished pieces are decidedly cute as can be and make great gifts, but they do require more mental input and trial-and-error than some of the other contributions out there. If you're willing to look at pictures and take some chances, you'll be pleased with the outcome-- when you've finally figured out, on your own, how to make all the details come together successfully.

Many of the outfits are absolutely adorable. So far I've only made the Joni Jumper, but comments by others lead me to believe that it is typical for the book.Joni Jumper.This pattern could use some editing and some changes to simplify the needlessly complicated front collar. The pattern is easy to do if you don’t mind reworking it a bit. Also the guage seems to be way off even when compensated for. I just worked to the measurements when they were given. The actual stitches are simple and the dress is adorable. A lot of really cute patterns in this book, but frustrating due to minor errors or omissions (like in correct stitch count because working in each of 8 stitches gives you 8 not 7 stitches/ hook size not given for one piece).

These patterns are a bit confusing for me. Perhaps the blue prints are a bit small and hard to read. Therefore I follow the worded patterns and get a bit confused. I may not be used to this. I am seasoned. I've been crocheting for 45 years at a steady pace.I bought this book for one pattern. One pattern that was so cute that I spent the $20 + to get the book. Definitely worth it. Just need to learn to adapt and practice the blueprint method.I guess I should check Youtube to see if there is any videos to help with this method.

The designs in this book are absolutely adorable! I love Robyn's modern designs which defy the frumpy look that older crochet patterns have. I have to say, though, that several patterns in this book are very hard to follow. I am a very experienced crocheter and it is rare that a pattern gives me a problem, but several in this book I cannot figure out for the life of me.

I really love this book. I really like the patterns . I have been crocheting for years and found the patterns new and refreshing.The patterns are really for a more experienced crocheter and not a beginner other than one or two.

It looks adorable. I can't wait to begin making this for my ONLY granddaughter. The family lives in a chilly climate (Portland, OR) so I know she will wear it often...if I only get it made for her!

Not overly impressed with the patterns but i did find a couple I like in it a lot but could have had a better selection.

Full of cute patterns. The packaging was excellent and the book arrived in good shape.

Lovely patterns

I like the patterns but think the sizings appear larger than I;m used to, I think when I try them I'll make a smaller size.