Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Baby Gifts: Simple Heirlooms to Make and Give

Baby Gifts: Simple Heirlooms to Make and Give
fibrogal avatar reviewed on + 180 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


The top of the front of the book reads "simple heirlooms to make and give"--I don't know about the heirlooms part, but simple does seem to be the theme here. If you can sew a little, you can make the sewn and embroidered items. If you can't, there is enough information on sewing that you can learn, or you can assemble the gift basket, decoupage a chair or stamp a wood block.

The projects are divided into these four groups: Wardrobe Classics; Nursery Trimmings; Pretty Practicalities; Toys and Things. Here is a selection of the projects offered: baby bloomers (diaper cover); snow hat and socks (made from a cashmere sweater, SO practical); cashmere sweater (like I said); felt cap and booties; fancy pants (applique on purchased clothes); one-of-a-kind onesies (embroidery, paint and lace on purchased clothes); snuggle suit; hanger covers; silk quilt (again with the dry clean or hand wash); laundry bag; pillow; basket liners; hooded towel; and stuffed alphabet letters, blocks and bear head on a blanket.

Personally, I wasn't that impressed. I don't think that there was anything here that I hadn't seen before except the idea of having a new mother deal with silk and cashmere for the baby. The only item that I was even tempted to try was the booties, and as I said, I've seen them elsewhere. The pattern for the bib is one that does not fit well and the recommended materials for it are ones that are not known for lasting after multiple washings. The bear blanket could be cute. It seems like it would have been easy to show the booties in multiple sizes, but there is only one size given. It would have fit my daughter at about 7-8 months, but she had small feet, so perhaps it would be appropriate. They are a "Mary Jane" type, so if they are too big, the toes would pop out.

I just didn't see any heirlooms here. There are a few gifts that would be much appreciated by new parents.