Book Tour: Pretty Little Things to Make by Judith Moore

 

Ah, the book that started it all. I've had this book since early 2021, I believe, and it's one of my treasured possessions. I look at it often and daydream about the possibilities. There's just something so charming about vintage baby things, don't you think? I fully realize I'm idealizing, but sometimes it's nice to sit back and imagine a simpler time where there were less distractions and life was a little bit slower. Handmade things were often crafted out of necessity, and I'd like to think there was a little extra love put into the stitches as a result. This book gives me that nostalgic feeling (can you be nostalgic for a time you weren't even born in?), and I'd like to share it with you.

What initially caught my eye?

I happened to find it on an end cap in a used bookstore as I was leaving, and I couldn't help but take another look. It reminded me of a friend, and I was considering getting it for her as a spur-of-the-moment gift so she could make some cute things for her own children. She made a lot of their toys by hand, and we both shared a love of simple, vintage things. As I flipped through the pages though, I decided that maybe I'd just make her something myself and I'd keep the book for future reference. (If you're reading this, I'm sorry I never got around to it, Lanae! Maybe for number four?)

What was the project/projects that sealed the deal?

This ADORABLE sunsuit. I had never even picked up a pair of knitting needles in my life at that point, but I was absolutely sold. Perhaps it was a combination of the sunny yellow color mixed with a desire for the beach, but I couldn't possibly put the book down after stumbling upon this pattern. Can you blame me???

Have I made any of these projects yet?

Well... No. Not even the sunsuit. 🙈 To be fair, the past three years have been pretty difficult, and it's been hard to pick up the motivation to make baby things when mine keep dying, and if I'm perfectly honest with myself, I haven't reached the point in the grieving process where I'm free of jealousy and ready to give away projects my babies don't get to wear. Maybe that'll be a New Year's resolution or something: make baby things for the express purpose of giving them away. If I don't reach that point, however, I won't be mad. Not having living children is HARD and I don't owe anyone an explanation for why I can't handle something right now.

Any projects in the pipeline?

Ideally, I'd like to make everything in this book. That being said, I think I'll seek out projects that can be completed using any scraps of projects for myself first. Try to be sustainable about it, you know?

I'm thinking of making jeans at some point in the future, so the ABC Jeanius Blocks would be a perfect extension. 

Plus, it's a good excuse to practice my cross stitching skills! Judith inserts some vintage prints and ads throughout the book, like this cross stitch chart below:

I think it's a really fun touch, and it definitely caught my attention when flipping through for the first time.

I'm also considering this stroller quilt. I think it'd be cool to make a patchwork dress with bandanas or vintage handkerchiefs, so this would be a fun addition. 

 There are real-life vintage pieces showcased throughout, like dresses from the 1920s and old stuffed bears. It's SUCH a charming addition. 

Where to buy

Amazon, naturally. You can, of course, look for it in used bookstores, but if you're itching to try something, Amazon is your best bet. 

Admittedly, there are some mixed reviews and since I haven't personally made any projects I can't vouch for the patterns myself, but I think it's a cute book at the very least. 😉

I'm in love with the sailor shirt and the top with the Peter Pan collar. Julian would have looked perfect in it, I think.

All in, I think it's a sweet book with some fun ideas for the littles in your life. 

Hopefully I'll have an update at some point with some successful vintage makes!

-Haeley