Lora Hates Spam

by Norah Gaughan and the Berroco Design Team

This is a book of knitting and crochet patterns for those who are experienced at both knitting and crochet, and based specifically on the Berroco line of yarns.

I found the patterns both practical and attractive, and geared mostly towards fashionable ways to keep the baby warm. There is a nice selection of jackets and caps in classic and cabled designs as well as many baby blankets in interesting designs interspersed within the other patterns. I came across one summer dress, but otherwise the patterns were for winter warmth.

The Paddington Coat was especially appealing to me. The classic cable design could be used for a boy or a girl depending on color chosen. I also liked the bomber style jacket for boys, and wondered what effect it might have with the cap with the chin-strap that resembled a motorcycle helmet. The caps include one reminiscent of a baseball cap and a very nice basic cabled design.

Many of the blankets were variations on patchwork design, but there was one called High Fidoodlity Blanket which I found very interesting with its wavy stripes.

The one toy pattern was a slice of citrus, which added a whimsical note to the collection.

There are a couple of lovely patterns for girls like the Bolero jacket which has an almost Victorian sense of elegance, but this would be an excellent pattern book for those looking for boy baby patterns, which can be all too scarce. Abbreviations and special stitches are listed in the back and the book should be easily followed by anyone who already works in knit and crochet.