Bitty Babies

Any day now, a friend of mine will find herself in the hospital, but for the best reason that you could hope for; She’s ready to give birth to her baby, as evident by a belly so rotund that she’s practically bursting at the seams! Cozy in the womb, this unborn infant is already proving to be handful, standing everyone up on her due date. All I can think each morning is “It could be today,” and I’m sure my friend echoes these thoughts with even more enthusiasm. It is still a shock that some one this close to my age is about to have a child of her own, such a difficult venture and life-long commitment, but I certainly wish her the best for it. I would never have a kid of my own, for lack of patience and fear of failure, but I just know that this friend will be the most loving mother anyone could ask for.

So any day now, I’ve been expecting the call to come, announcing the arrival of a sweet, smiling baby girl…

Despite my short temper when dealing with children, I can’t help but be excited to meet this new bundle of joy. So small and innocent, seeing the world for the first time with wide open eyes, she could become whatever she wants. Every door is open and the possibilities are endless- Who knows what hobbies she might pick up, what she’ll want to be when she grows up, who she might fall in love with some day? To contemplate the beginning of life with no restrictions is an overwhelming prospect to be sure, but so inspiring at the same time. Watching a newborn grow and develop into a walking, talking person… It truly is a miracle.

Still, I’m more than happy to observe from afar, having heard all too much about the pains of childbirth and of the sleep lost for months thereafter. If only there were a way to have a baby that is only quiet, well behaved, and appears on time, in less than a few hours after conception…

Head:

With any skin-tone worsted weight yarn and an F hook,
Sc6 in a circle
Sc twice into each st (12 sts)
Sc1, sc twice into next st* around (18 sts)
Sc2, sc twice into next st* around (24 sts)
Sc3, sc twice into next st* around (30 sts)
Sc4, sc twice into next st* around (36 sts)
Sc around for 10 rounds
-Embroider and insert safety eyes. Don’t forget the little curl of hair!-

Sc4, sc2tog* around (30 sts)
Sc3, sc2tog* around (24 sts)
Sc2, sc2tog* around (18 sts)
Sc1, sc2tog* around (12 sts)
Stuff firmly and leave a long tail

Ears: (Make 2)

Ch4, sc into second loop from hook, sc 3 times in next st, sc in final st (5)
Ch1, turn. Sc across, and then continue around and sc into backs of the first row’s sts (8)
Sl st into the last row to form an even oval, cut thread and tie tight.

Body:

In pink, Sc6 in a circle
Sc twice into each st
Sc1, sc twice into next st* around (18 sts)
Sc2, sc twice into next st* around (24 sts)
Sc around
Sc3, sc twice into next st* around (30 sts)
Sc around for 5 rounds
Sc3, sc2tog* around (24 sts)
Sc around for 2 rounds
Sc2, sc2tog* around (18 sts)
Sc1, sc2tog* around (12 sts)
Break yarn and tie off

Feet: (Make 2)

Sc3 in a circle
Sc twice into each st (6 sts)
Sc1, sc twice into next st (9 sts)
Sc2, sc twice into next st* around (12 sts)
Sc around for 2 rounds
-Insert stuffing-
Sc2tog* around (6 sts)
Sc around
Break yarn and leave a 6 inch long tail to sew with

Arms: (Make 2)

Starting with the skin colored yarn, Sc6 in a circle
Sc around for 2 rounds
-Switch to pink yarn-
Sc around for 4 rounds
Break yarn and leave a 6 inch long tail to sew with

Bib:

In white, sc5 in a circle
Sc twice into each st (10 sts)
Sc1, sc twice into next st* around (15 sts)
Sc2, sc twice into next st* 3 times (18 sts)
Turn, ch1, sc 14
Break yarn. Whip out your red yarn, and attach that to one of the top corners. Sc into each st all the way around, sl st into the corner that you started in, ch 18, sl st into the opposite corner, forming a loop (It should look like a little necklace.) Break yarn and weave in ends.

To Assemble: Positioning the bib on the body so that the loop goes around the opening up top, sew on the head. Done correctly, this should prevent the bib from ever coming off (as long as the baby keeps its head together!) Cut a smile out of black felt and either stitch or use fabric glue to adhere it to the face. Everything else is very straightforward- Sew on the ears, arms, and feet as indicated by the photos.

Take care of your new bundle of joy!