We love babies! How can you not? Babies are the best, they smell wonderful, give the best cuddles and don't move faster than I do. As a crafter, I have to say I love baby showers almost as much as I love babies themselves. Baby showers are full of beautiful handmade items and keepsakes that are treasured long after the first baby grows out of them. This week for our Five Free Pattern Downloads we gathered some traditional and maybe overlooked baby patterns that are guaranteed to receive some "oohs" and "ahhhs" at the next baby shower or sprinkle. 
We are bringing you these wonderful Mary Maxim free downloads, but they are only available from the blog for a limited time. We also linked to the original patterns which can be purchased on our website in case you miss the free download time-frame. Each one of our Five Free Pattern Download Fridays posts the patterns on Friday and the download expires on Tuesday morning at 9am EST, so don't miss out!
We are bringing you these wonderful Mary Maxim free downloads, but they are only available from the blog for a limited time. We also linked to the original patterns which can be purchased on our website in case you miss the free download time-frame. Each one of our Five Free Pattern Download Fridays posts the patterns on Friday and the download expires on Tuesday morning at 9am EST, so don't miss out!
Christening Gowns
Christening gowns are often overlooked baby shower items. Many christening gowns are passed down from generation to generation, so make sure that the family is planning on celebrating a christening and doesn't have a special gown picked out before you start your project. These gowns are often stylistic with older gowns made of long flowy lace and silk. Any Godmother or Godfather can tell you if you aren't accustomed to holding a wiggly infant, then holding said precious cargo who is wrapped in layers of slippery satin will even test those with nerves of steel. If you do choose to line your gown, you may want to avoid silky material. This week we are sharing two versions of christening gowns, one knit and one crochet. We have many more on our website so be sure to check out all of our baby patterns as well.Knit
While most Christening gowns traditionally are dresses. This ensemble is a refreshing change. To knit the Christening Romper Ensemble Pattern you will need Mary Maxim Cone Cotton and size 3 (3.25 mm) knitting needles. The pattern includes a hat and booties as well as the romper and fits babies up to size 6 months.Free Download Expired
Crochet
This Christening Gown was a first place winner in our annual Knit or Crochet Design contest and designed by Kathleen Harrell. The Christening Gown Pattern is the beautiful flowing yet gender neutral pattern you've been looking for. To crochet this beautiful gown you will need a size C-2 (2.75 mm) hook and Aunt Lydia's Crochet Thread Size 10 400 yards per ball.Free Download Expired
Baby Blankets
Baby Blankets and Afghans are probably the most gifted handmade item a family will receive and with good reason. A baby blanket never gets too small, and they are an essential item to any household that frequents small children. We are posting two versions, a knit and a crochet that highlight the unique textures that are present in each type of artistry.Knit
To knit the Heirloom Blanket Pattern, you will need size 2 fine yarn like our Baby's Best DK/Sportweight yarn and a size 6 (4mm) 24-inch circular needle.Free Download Expired
Crochet
The Rippled Waves Blanket Pattern is crocheted with an H-8 (5 mm) hook and was originally crocheted using our Sport/DK Weight Yarn. This blanket was beautifully designed by Sheila Johnfelt. We recommend using our Ultra Mellowspun yarn.
Free Download Expired
Cardigan
Baby Cardigans like these are often saved and stored for use from generation to generation. It is not uncommon for heirloom pieces to be put away and brought out for the child and sometimes even grandchild of the baby it was initially crafted for.This Hooded Cabled Cardigan Pattern was originally knitted with Mary Maxim DK/Sport Weight Yarn using size 3 (3.25 mm) needles and size 6 (4.00 mm) needles. We recommend using our Ultra Mellowspun yarn. The pattern is written to fit babies in sizes 6-12 months and 18 months-2 years.
