REVIEW: To Baby With Love by Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell

Review by Christine Evans.

Everywhere I turn at the moment there seem to be burgeoning bumps that will soon be precious offspring and, as I really love giving handmade presents to celebrate their arrival, this book arrived in the post at a most opportune moment.

The last two babies (or at least, their proud mothers) in my life have been presented with handmade patchwork quilts but they can be time consuming and a labour (pun intended) of love. So I was keen to find some new baby gift ideas ready for the next batch of babies to arrive. This book more than delivers.

Author, Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell, has produced 35 projects perfect for welcoming new babies and inspiration for several birthdays and Christmases to come. There are many that are suitable for beginners and they range from whimsical to practical including quilts, mobiles and finger puppets.

The book is organised into handy chapters marking the transition from new-born to toddler: New Baby, Active Baby, The Wider World and Growing Up. The extensive instructions are accompanied with pretty illustrations and gorgeous photographs, thanks to the styling prowess of Sania Pell and all the templates you need are in the back of the book. My only gripe with that is that you have to photocopy them - I really love those books that come with full-sized pull-out patterns.

I particularly want to try making a fabric book or the simple but effective vintage fabric bibs. Perfect gifts don’t you think? I would have loved to have seen some projects for the mums themselves - why should the babies have all the fun? But other than that it’s an inspiring collection of patterns and a must for any mum-, auntie- or grandparent-to-be.

Publisher: CICO Books

ISBN-10: 9781907563133

ISBN-13: 978-1907563133