Are You Ready to Knit a Sweater?

Once you learn how to knit a baby sweater, there’ll be no stopping you! Sweaters for all the babies!!!

Knitting a sweater always has felt like the measure of wether you can call yourself an experienced knitter or not. But really, isn’t it all just combinations of knits and purls? There are definitely some perks to knitting a sweater, the obvious being the fact that you now own a handmade quality, custom, wardrobe staple that you will probably have for the rest of your life! Or in this case, you’d be able to pass down a baby sized sweater to your grandchildren’s grandchildren.

Knitting your first sweater can feel a little daunting so buying a kit may make it easier to just dive right in! Wool and the Gang makes all sorts of knitting and crochet kits that include the pattern, yarn, and tools you’ll need to complete your project. No guess work on what size yarn would work best, or time lost gathering needles you don’t have.

This sweet baby sweater kit from Wool and the Gang is called the “Mamma Sweater” and is mainly knit up in the seed stitch which gives it that great texture. I love the bold blocks of color too. Baby sweaters are a great way to start your sweater making skills because they knit up so much quicker! However, you still get the practice of following a more complex pattern, piecing your project together, and probably learning new stitch techniques along the way.

Sweater weather is also a sure sign that it’s bonnet weather too! Hand made goodies from head to toe, what a treat! This Blue Corduroy Sherpa Baby Bonnet in Mustard Corduroy sure looks cute with this color block knit sweater! Bring on the hand made coziness!!!

xo Emily

p.s. Looking for an easier knit to get started with? Try my Golden Hour Scarf pattern with video tutorial to guide you along the way!

p.p.s. Interested in more inspiration and motivation to get knitting? Visit my “How to Knit” Pinterest board!

Looking for more patterns to make? Check these out!

The Garden Lattice Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern

A knit baby bonnet pattern in worsted weight yarn! A quick intermediate level project or for a seasoned beginner wanting to practice some stranded colorwork. These make perfect gifts for baby showers or your own little ones! There can never be too many bonnets for any baby, am I right?

This worsted weight baby bonnet starts out with some rows of ribbing, and then a two color stranded pattern, worked in stockinette stitch. The edges eventually are joined together to finish up the bonnet knitting in the round. I use a crochet hook to add the ties and finish up the bottom edge. You can use either double pointed needles throughout the whole project or circular needles, or switch out between them both as you desire.

I always think the funnest part of using multiple yarns in a project is picking out the colors! I recommend using Magnolia and Oak Fibers worsted weight hand dyed alpaca yarn for this fun project.

For more knitting inspiration, visit my “How to Knit” Pinterest Board!

Every new subscriber to my newsletter gets 15% off their first purchase, and once you're on the list, you’ll be the first to know when new bonnets are added to the shop!

Signs of Spring...Fresh Baby Bonnets!

You know Spring is near when you see the Daffodils pushing up in the yard, hear the songbirds singing loud and proud, and the handmade baby bonnets make your heart flutter!

This fresh batch of baby bonnets come in the best neutral linen solids, and the perfect florals and stripes in cotton with a bit of lace. Happy shopping!

xo Emily

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Knit Baby Bonnet Pattern:: A Chunky Checkerboard

I've got a new Baby Bonnet pattern for you! 

I've been knitting baby bonnets for decades. And I'm thrilled to be releasing my very first knit baby bonnet pattern so that you can make your own! If you crochet, you may be interested in one of my crochet baby bonnet patterns.

Baby bonnets are such quick and satisfying knits, and this one is even quicker because it's made with a bulky weight yarn. It's perfect for that last minute gift for baby or expecting mama.

This knit baby bonnet pattern provides material list and step by step instructions with photos to guide you through making your own knit baby bonnet in newborn to toddler size range. The pattern starts off with a ribbing stitch. The main body is knit in a checkerboard pattern using knits and purls. You will knit in the round for the final portion of the pattern. The ties and finishing bottom edge is worked with a crochet hook. 

If you want to skip knitting, and buy one already made, I'm happy to knit it for you! Check out my shop for tons of cozy baby bonnets!

It’s such a pleasure to be able to share the fun of knitting baby bonnets with you! I’d love to see your finished product, you can email a photo to me at emily.bluecorduroy@gmail.com or tag me on instagram @emily_bluecorduroy. 

If you want to hear about new patterns as they become available be sure to sign up for my Newsletter!

xo Emily

*This pattern is for personal use only, not for use in resale.

Make Your Own Crochet Baby Pixie Bonnet

I love pixie bonnets, they're so whimsical!!!

I've just released a pattern so you can now make your own crochet baby pixie bonnet!  The main stitch is a crochet shell stitch which adds a sweet feminine texture.  The pattern uses a bulky weight yarn so this bonnet can be made up quick and easy for a fun evening project or a last minute gift.

The crochet pattern provides a materials list, directions and photos to guide you through making your own crochet baby pixie bonnet from sizes newborn to child.

It's written for an intermediate skill level; someone who is able to read patterns, and has a knowledge of basic stitches.  I've set up a Crochet Lessons Series to make it easier to practice those basic skills that you may need a little help with. And I've just added the Shell Stitch Lesson to help walk you through the main stitch of this new pattern with a a bonus Shell Stitch Blanket pattern, which means you could make a Pixie Bonnet and Crochet Baby Blanket matching set!!!

For more knitting inspiration, visit my “How to Crochet” Pinterest Board!

Every new subscriber to my newsletter gets 15% off their first purchase, and once you're on the list, you’ll be the first to know when new bonnets are added to the shop!

If you end up making this hat, or the blanket, or just starting out with the basic lessons, I'd love to hear how your progress is going and see what you've been making! You can find me on Instagram @emily_bluecorduroy or shoot me an email at emily.bluecorduroy@gmail.com.

xo Emily

Fall Baby Style :: Knit Pixie Bonnet

all photos by talented mama Krista Stooksbury

pix-ie (noun): a supernatural being in folklore and children's stories, typically portrayed as small and humanlike in form, with pointed ears and a pointed hat, and mischievous in character.

...incase you weren't sure if you should get a pixie bonnet or a regular bonnet.  

The shop is full of handmade baby bonnets of all types! Pixies, knits, fabric, fleece lined, sun visors, ruffles, neutrals, florals, corduroy, denim, cozy, and cute, time to stock up!

Didn't see what your looking for? Let me know in the comments below...  xo Emily

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Simple Crochet Baby Bonnet Pattern

Alysia and I have been so encouraged by the great response to our Heirloom Crochet Bonnet Kit, available at Magnolia and Oak Fibers on Etsy.  We're so thankful to everyone cheering us on with this new project!  And a few of you have asked if you could buy just the pattern. Well, now you CAN! The pattern for this sweet crochet bonnet is now available in my shop!

The baby bonnet pattern is designed for beginners ready to take their crochet skills to the next level, and an equally fun and rewarding project for a crocheter with more advanced skills. 

You'll find the perfect mini-skeins of hand-dyed fine alpaca yarn at Magnolia and Oak Fibers in the prettiest pastels, they're the perfect amount of yarn to make one of these bonnets.

This bonnet works up pretty quickly, using a magic circle, single crochet, double crochet and a front/back post double crochet stitch that is fully explained in the pattern.  The pattern gives you a list of materials needed, step by step instructions to make a bonnet for sizes newborn to 24 months and photos to help show the process. 

Grab your Heirloom Bonnet Crochet Pattern Here!

Brush up on your crochet skills with my Crochet Lessons Series.

And practice your skills with this Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern!

xo Emily

In the Garden with a Baby and her Bonnet

Fall outfits can be so complicated! You want to be all cozy in a sweater and boots, but the sun is shinning too bright, so you wear that t-shirt, but then later in the afternoon you wonder why you're so chilly! Where's that sweater? Where's that bonnet?  Little Addie here has is all figured out, onesie and bloomers on the bottom, cozy knit bonnet on the top, the perfect compromise!

Outfit details:  Bonnet from Blue Corduroy // Bloomers from Rhinestones and Tutus // Onesie from Mini and Meep // Rattle from Banner Toys // Lovey from Moon Child Co. 

Photos by the talented Sarah Reed of Two Three or Not Two Three 

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xo Emily

Fall Baby Outfit Inspiration: What to wear in a Sunflower Garden

Motherly Wisdom: Never pass up a trip to visit a field full of sunflowers.  And for a bonus, plant your own sunflower seeds next summer, you won't regret it! Here's some outfit inspiration to help get your babe in the mood.

Outfit details: Mustard Corduroy, Sherpa lined Bonnet by Blue Corduroy // Flower Frock by Sister Moth Shop // Leather Baby Shoes by Starry Knight Designs // Cable Knit Hand-dyed tights by Sawyer and Halle

For more fall baby style inspiration check out my Pinterest Board "Fall Baby Style".

Behind the Scenes:: a Fall Crochet Project

I've got a new crochet project in the works!

It's a collaboration with my friend Alysia of Magnolia and Oak (@magnoliaandoak on Instagram), who hand dyes yarn in the most beautiful of colors.  She invited me to come up with a simple crochet baby bonnet pattern, one easy enough for beginners,  that she could include in a kit with her hand dyed baby alpaca yarn and a hook, everything you would need to make your very own baby bonnet!

There will be more details coming soon, like where you can get these kits, the colors it will come in, and what the bonnet looks like.  But for now, all you need to do is think of who you need to crochet a baby bonnet for!  Oh, and if you need to, start brushing up on your basic crochet skills with the Blue Corduroy Crochet Lessons series.

To be the first to know when this crochet kit will be available, and about other upcoming projects and products, sign up for my mailing list!

Looking for a simple crochet project to practice your skills? Grab my Free Crochet Dishcloth Pattern for Beginners!

Baby Bonnets for Baby Nature Lovers

Bonnets for little adventurers, nature lovers, and flower pickers.  Handmade from quality materials, I hope that these bonnets will be passed down to siblings and cousins and grandkids, gathering memories and experiences with each sweet baby who wears it.

Outfit details:  Sunbonnet by Blue Corduroy// Onesie and Bloomers by Sawyer and Halle// Blanket by Lou Lou and Company// Paci-clip by Templeton Silver

Photos by the lovely Sarah Reed of Two Three or Not Two Three

Visor Sunbonnets in the Shop!

photos by Native Fern

These new sunbonnets are the perfect thing this spring for little adventurers! So much sun protection for their head and eyes, keeps the wind off their ears, and so comfortable to wear.  I made these with a velcro chin strap and a bit of elastic at the back of the neck for a great fitting hat.

Now available in my Blue Corduroy Etsy Shop in four different colors, denim blue, black, tan, and green.  Lightweight and all cotton.  Machine wash and dry.

30% off Cyber Monday Sale Today Only

Have anyone on your list who needs a cozy handmade hat? I've got hats for the whole family! Today is your last chance to snag Blue Corduroy goodies at 30% off!

Use coupon code THANKU30 in my shop today only.

I'm so thankful for every hat I make and sell!
xo Emily

Crochet Baby Bonnet in the Forest

These just might be the most comfortable baby bonnets ever! I crocheted these sweet hats with a cotton yarn that feels as soft as your favorite tee shirt.  It fits snug on your babes head, which makes it easy for them to forget they're even wearing a hat.  The bonnets come in black or natural, and go with pretty much everything, whether your romping in the woods, or visiting the museum downtown.  Find them in my Etsy shop in newborn to child sizes.  

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photos by my daughter Ruby of Native Fern.