Gifts for baby Harry

I found out the other day that one of my ex-workmates had become a father for the first time. I love any excuse to make baby gifts, so I had a look through my patterns and planned a wee present. I decided to go with a brown/natural theme rather than the traditional boyish blue, which gave me an excuse to go yarn shopping.

Here’s the completed present –

I made the teddy bear from a pattern that was free with this month’s Knitting magazine. Designed by Emma King, it came as either a ballerina or a pirate bear. I took the basic pattern and made it in Freedom Sincere DK, a gorgeous soft organic cotton. Then I cut out little patches from denim with pinking shears and hand-embroidered a satin stitch H on the tummy patch, as the baby’s name is Harry.

The socks were from an amazing book, packed full of adorable designs – Cute Knits for Baby Feet by Sue Whiting. I made the pattern “Socks in a Box”, in a 3-6 months size to allow for growing room. The yarn was Patons’ Eco Cotton, in a lovely variegated brown and cream colour with orange flecks. I had a few problems with the wrap and turn technique and grafting the toes, as the socks are just so tiny. I forgot how small baby feet can be!

Finally, I decided to make a wee beanie hat with the remaining yarn. I wanted something that would be wearable in summer and autumn, and would fit a 3-6 months size. There are many beanie hat patterns around, but I just decided to make up my own, after measuring a baby hat that I had lying around. I was really happy with the result, and will probably write up the pattern when I get a chance.

I wanted all the packaging to tie in with the theme, so I made tags with brown paper and attached them to the gifts with raffia. I also made a little card with brown cardboard and denim, and then wrapped the whole thing up in brown paper. I hope they like it, and I can’t wait to see some cute baby pictures!