Dear KnitBits® Subscribers,™

Spring is finally here although it still feels like winter in New England. As I am writing, the crocus leaves are pushing through the ground in our backyard and my elderly Fred watches the busy birds and squirrels from his nest, atop a heated, felted Vibe™ cat bed.

In spite of the frigid weather, it is a time for nature's rebirth and for many knitters it is time to knit for babies. If you are thinking of knitting a baby gift, you will want to make something that is sure to please the mother and the baby equally. If you are like me, your preference would be toward colors that don't scream "baby shower." No sweet pastel pink or baby blue will do for this very special baby. Perhaps the nursery walls are painted a sophisticated coral or sage green. If the expectant parents chose not to know the gender before the baby is born you can be very daring in your color choice, being careful not to consider a gender specific baby gift.

Blankies are a universal favorite. For today's free pattern we have designed a soft and chic designer baby blanket, Endora. A combination of softness and style, our cabled lemon mousse Lullaby™ blanket is framed with a bold band of orange flash Plush™. It's a perfect look for the modern baby.

Would you like other options?
Take a tour of these Free Kid's Patterns including the ones shown above.

Crazy about bags?
It seems like all the knitters and crocheters we know have gone bag crazy. Perhaps it is because you can make one in a matter of hours. We had such a tremendous response to our last KnitBits with 8 Free Bag Patterns that I thought you might be interested in a new bag book, Vogue Knitting on The Go: Crocheted Bags, from the editors of Vogue Knitting. I designed the Hobo Bag crocheted in Idol™ and Suede™. I adorned it with beads, studs, fringes and braids. Frankly, we are just as mad about bags as the rest of you seem to be. We will continue to bring you our latest and greatest bag ideas because Norah and I just can't seem to get enough of them. When we go shopping we see so many ideas that translate into Berroco Yarns.




Sasha from cyberspace wrote: "Thanks for all your free crochet patterns. I love your Magritte bag. I want to find the exact bangle bracelets that you used. Can you tell me where I can buy those square bangles?"

Hi Sasha, thanks for writing. I am thrilled that you like this little bag. It was inspired by a set of bangles that I purchased at Target® several weeks ago. I am always shopping for hardware and jewelry to adorn handbags. I look everywhere including hardware stores for wooden, metal and plastic findings. Flea markets and antique stores are also a great place to find bag related stuff. I have even taken a handle off a bag that I no longer want and transplanted it onto a bag that I am making. There is no end to the inspiration surrounding us.

All the best,


Margery Winter
Creative Director