I have knit & crocheted for years, crocheting more than knitting and mostly I crochet baby items. I soon became tired of the run of the mill generic patterns and began to look for new & different crochet patterns, patterns that stood out from the ordinary. How delighted I was to find this pattern book ,"Candy Babies", by Candi Jensen that had those special qualities I was looking for.

The book itself if very pleasing to the eye. My copy is a 136 page softcover volume made with heavy stock paper. The first 57 pages have full page color photos & descriptions of each project. The next section contains the patterns with more color pictures and easy to read directions along with line drawn charts indicating measurements. At the back of the book is a short chapter on crochet basics and a resource guide for yarns used.

Candi uses a variety of different yarns, textures, colors and combinations to achieve a unique look to her designs. Sometimes it's a fancy edging on a simple pattern that adds spark and interest. Sometimes it's a bit of sewn on lace, or an applique, or ribbons & buttons that add the finishing touch. Some of the words that come to mind when I look at the photos of Candi's finished patterns are pretty, cute, unique & whimsical.

The crochet patterns included in this book are:
Emerald Isle - Pullover & Pants,(6,12,18) months
Pastel Parfait - Vintage inspired Hat & Vest (6,12,18) months
In the Navy - V-neck pullover (6,12,18) months
Fine Lines - Button front romper(6,12,18) months
East Meets West - Kimono sweater (6,12,18)months
Orient Express - Oriental style dress (6,12,18) months
Blue Dreams - Denim inspired Jacket (6,12,18) months
Vest Friend - Denim look Button front vest w/faux-fur trim (6,12,18) months
Living Color - Multi-striped poncho (6-18)months
Golden Child - Shirling-inspired jacket & helmut hat (6,12,18) months
Feet First - Booties inspired by Australian sheepskin boots (6-12) (12-18)months
Fur Ever - Plush faux-fur coat (6,12,18) months
Poncho Power - Peruvian inspired design poncho (12-18) months
Wrap Star - Surplice top w/dainty picot edging (6,12,18) months
Warm Front - Pullover & pant set, pullover has running trellises of cables (6,12,18) months
Summer Love - Short-sleeved dress w/subtle lacework & picot edging (6,12,18) months
Ahoy Matey! - Nautical Pullover (button shoulder) & matching shorts (6,12,18) months
Tank Girl - Striped pullover top (button shoulder) & short set (6,12,18) months
Party Princess - One piece tie-front cardigan w/blanket stitch edging 6 months
Victorian Charm - Cardigan adorned with ruffled lace & dainty pearl buttons (6,12,18) months
Baby Bloomer - Soft Romper adorned w/floral applique (6,12,18) months
Take a Bow - Basic cardigan w/cute gingham bow (6,12,18) months
Hot Step - Four pairs of booties; bunnies, ducks, bears & dinosaurs (6-12) (12-18) months

I am very happy I purchased "Candy Babies". I have made a couple of the patterns and found that the instructions were clear and easy to follow. One of the projects I made was the shearling-inspired helmut hat w/earflaps that is shown on the cover. How darling it turned out! You can't just walk into a store and find designs like these. They must be handmade with love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Candi Jensen is also the author of "Candy Tots" and "Candy Blankies". She has over 300 published designs in national magazines including Vogue, Knitting and Family Circle Easy Knitting. Her innovative designs are also used to promote knitting & crocheting for charitable organizations.

A mother & a grandmother, Candi loves babies and finds joy in designing for them. In the introduction of this book Candi says, "You don't have to limit these projects to yarn you would normally think of as suitable for babies. Crocheting with novelty fibers in saturated hues will make a special garment that is much more fun."

I say.....Crochet from the heart for the ones you love today!!!








Recommended:
Yes