The birth of my nephew’s first daughter, the impending birth of my niece’s baby and the birth of a dear friend’s grandson – such a bonanza of babies – sent me scurrying to my bookshelf, my trunk of old needlework magazines, to the library and to the Internet in search of knitting patterns for baby items. Good thing these patterns weren’t all piled one atop the other because surely I’d be buried in the avalanche of all the knitting directions I’ve squirreled away.

A Web search yielded www.woolworks.com, which lists 50 free patterns – such as Clifford Williams’ granddaughter’s mittens, Mrs. Donakowski’s child’s bow tie scarf, and baby booties from Nancy Crawford’s grandmother. The site posts patterns for hats, mittens, scarves, blankets, washcloths, sweaters, vests and buntings. The only drawback to the list is that no photos accompany the patterns so you’re knitting “blind.” Even so, the site is a treasure trove for those who want to knit for the new baby in the family, or for charitable organizations that focus on children.

And if that’s not enough to keep your knitting needles clicking, visit www.knittingonthenet.com to find more free knitting patterns for babies. There I found a pullover sweater pattern and one for booties made on two needles. The site also offers a blanket featuring a knit-purl interlocking heart design. Photos accompany these patterns.

Another good source for free patterns is www.knittingpatterncentral.com.

To read the article “Practical Tips on Knitting for Babies” by Melissa Walters, who lives in Maine – the article doesn’t say where – visit www.knitty.com.

For those who prefer to crochet baby things, www.crochetpatterncentral.com is the Internet destination. There I found directions for making crocheted booties like the ones my grandmother made in the 1950s. The site features a long list of patterns accompanied by photos so you know what the item is supposed to look like when it’s done.

The pattern I use for knitted booties I found in a stash I keep in ring-binder notebooks. The booties are knit on two needles and have a rolled cuff. I think I am going to add a crocheted lace drawstring to secure them around baby’s ankles.

For those who prefer a book of knitting patterns for baby items, try Erika Knight’s “Simple Knits for Cherished Babies” or “Baby Knits Book,” and “Baby Knits for Beginners” by Debbie Bliss.

Crocheters might find “Simple Crochet for Cherished Babies” by Jane Davis a helpful pattern resource, too.

Besides knitting booties, I’m knitting a child’s pullover sweater using Dale of Norway two-ply wool yarn. I’m making it up as I go along. I don’t guarantee it will work for anyone but me. It goes something like this:

Materials: Several balls of garnet red yarn leftover from another project. Bamboo knitting needles No. 8.

Gauge: 5 stitches equal 1 inch.

Back: Cast on 45 stitches. Working in stockinette stitch – knit one row, purl one row – work until piece measures 11 inches from beginning. Bind off stitches. Make front the same way.

Sleeves: Cast on 30 stitches. Knit in stockinette stitch for 9 inches.

With large tapestry needle, sew 11-inch pieces together at shoulders, leaving 8-inch neck opening. Sew sleeves to shoulder edges of sweater front and back. Sew underarm seams.

It’s plain and simple, but embellishments can be knit in. Try a row or two of eyelash yarn at the neck edge, knit 10 rows of garter stitch before binding off, or experiment with a cable placed here and there. Knit lace at bottom and sleeve edges might be nice, too. I’m letting the edges roll.

Baby garments make great projects for trying new stitches, colors and techniques. If you make a mistake or don’t like how a stitch or color looks, the garment is small enough to easily pull out the experimental part.

Snippets

. Sharon Schulberger, director of program services, March of Dimes, Falmouth, e-mailed that as a result of information contained in last week’s By Hand column, more than 30 people have volunteered to help with the Preemie Project, including members of the Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs. Women from Sullivan, Blue Hill, Warren, Hampden, Wade, Mars Hill, Brewer, Bradley, Caribou, Dixmont, West Gardiner and Bangor responded to the call.

. With soaring fuel oil prices in the forecast, we’ll need to get creative to keep our houses warm this winter. Please send ideas for things one might do with needle and thread to foil the cold, or stories about inventive ways you’ve used in the past to keep the chill at bay.

Ardeana Hamlin may be reached at 990-8153, or e-mail ahamlin@bangordailynews.net.

Common Threads

I cannot remember the age I learned to embroider, but I do know that it was before the age of 10. I like to tell people I was born with a needle in my hand because I can’t remember when I wasn’t doing some sort of needlework. Embroidery was the first form of needlework I learned. My mother took a piece of white cloth and ironed on it a transfer of some baby animal. She gave me a needle and thread and a silver embroidery hoop with cork lining – I still have that hoop. She showed me the basic stem stitch and I was off and stitching for hours on end.

Soon, I graduated from the piece of white cloth to dish towels bearing a transfer of little girls doing housework – one for each day of the week. I remember sitting outdoors during summer vacations and sharing my stitching with friends – all these little girls sitting on the door stoop with embroidery hoops in their hands, stitching and chatting. What fine memories of those glorious summer days. Thanks for bringing that memory back to me. – Barbara Ouellette, Old Town