Knitting baby clothes

[Swizzler]

I'm running out of nice patterns for baby clothes - they all seem to be either too frilly or too trndy (why knit your small child a poncho? Beyond me). Any suggestions? Internet sites esp welcome, or any tips for decent wool shops in London.

I've got some nice chocolate brown and cream wool and thinking of a striped cardigan, but can I find a decent pattern? Ho no

You need either some Rowan patterns Swizzler, or Debbie Bliss.
The Rowan books Rowan Baby and Pipsqueaks have lots of really pretty but not fussy patterns for babies and their recent new lines RYC also have some sweet designs in lighter wool/cashmere/cotton blends.
John Lewis in Central London sell both designers' books and yarns. I buy mail-order now (usually from Kangaroo in Lewes, other knitters on here have their faves) but that is because I already know what the yarns look and feel like. When I got back into knitting, I was cautious about buying sight unseen as it were.
Whereabouts in London are you? There is also Loop in Islington, although that is rather a chic store for glam knitters!

Have you looked at Knitty ? There are some lovely patterns there- scroll down to Kidswear. I will keep thinking...

ooh yes, i'd really appreciate some advice too - wd like to knit a striped tank top but can't find a nce pattern anywhere. wouol pfer not want to pay for a whole book when just want one pattern and local library has nothing.

Nice little stripey cardi here but it's cheating by using self-patterning yarn...

You could try Magknits too, although the archive isn't as easy to search.

I'm boring myself now, but the Daily Knitter has a good listing of free patterns here . I'll shut up now

Thanks for all the tips - I can get to John Lewis, so I might have another wander around there. I've tried some of the Debbie Bliss knits and they are really good, so might go for another of her books.

Fishie: there's a tank top pattern in Zoe Mellor's 'Adorable knits for tiny tots' (dreadful title, but some nice patterns). If you'd like a copy I'm happy to photocopy it. Not set up on CAT but you can email me at personalnotbusiness at gmail dot com.

Still looking for that ideal stripy cardie, though, so would welcome any other tips...

I'm currently knitting a Debbie Bliss pattern from the Baby Cashmerino book in 2-row stripes of teal and navy. It's a hooded top but I should think you could extend this idea to almost any pattern in the right shape and tension. You just need equal amounts of each colour. Is that any help?

What thickness is your wool?

The wool is DK. Which book is that? I did one of the Debby Bliss cardigans, but that was without a hood (like the idea of the hood for a winter baby).

Dont know if this is of any use but I use this site.
www.nakedsheep.com

Sirdar have some nice baby cardigan patterns- very simple in double knitting yarn, they have pattern for round neck and one with a little moss stich french collar and v neck- also stripes! The name of the book I am using is 'First Steps'. They may well have a copy at your local John Lewis.

Hope this helps.