When my second son was born, we were gifted a pair of baby booties knit just for him. They were chocolate brown with a colorful and fuzzy trim and blue gingham ribbon ties.
I. Loved them. I put them on him every chance I got, and they received almost as many compliments as my son.
But not quite as many. 'Cause both my boys got game from the get-go.
Shortly thereafter I dove into knitting with a vengeance and have since delighted in spreading the joy of hand knits in miniature form. Booties are perfect for new parents because they are used farthest away from all areas of possible messiness. This makes them least likely to need washing and therefore most likely to actually be used.
Of course, sometimes knitting booties also calls for knitting a coordinating hat. With ear flaps, of course, because babies need ear flaps to be all warm and snuggly, right? Especially babies of cold and snowy climates. Like Pennsylvania, where my cousin lives. My cousin who just had a baby.
I had spent months pouring over patterns after I got the news. I wanted something special, personal, and fun. Something that would put a smile on her face every time her baby wore it. Because new moms need that. I thought I might find something turtle-related because my girl likes turtles, but I didn't have any luck there.
Then, I found them. The ultimate fun and funky baby knits. I give you "Baby 'Chucks' and Brainmonster" as captured in the wild outside of River City.
I offer my heartfelt thanks to those responsible for these patterns, for I could not love them more.
The only changes I made from the original Baby "Chucks"pattern were to (obviously) use ribbon for the laces and to crochet loops to help hold the tongue in place. The ribbon both looks better, in my opinion, than I-cord or crochet chain and also serves as an homage to the pair that started it all. And the tongue looked like it had potential to be pesky to get on squirmy, kicky little feet without something to keep it in check.
The pattern I found for the Brainmonster, however, was written for an adult and so was used as more of a guideline, really. I took my favorite baby hat pattern, made the ear flaps seed stitch instead of stockinette, and did a band of 1 x 1 rib around the base. I made sure to factor in room at the forehead for the teeth, which I made smaller than in the original pattern so they didn't hang in baby's eyes. For the Brainmonster's eyes, I opted to first sew on a black button, then use some industrial strength glue for the googlies.
Please be aware that if you head to River City in search of your own Baby "Chucks" or Brainmonster, you will not find them there. These were made specifically for my cousin's new little man. If, however, there is a new little one entering your life that you feel must have some hand knits of their own I would be happy to talk to you about my knitting services! Call or stop by River City any time for more information.
