Beehive for Bairns, Vol. 2: From 1st Size to 2 Years: With Special Supplement: Bed Jackets

In Short

This instructional collection serves as a comprehensive manual for knitting and crocheting a complete range of infants' clothing and nursery accessories. Spanning sizes from three months to two years, it provides technical guidance for constructing everything from basic layettes and leggings to decorative bonnets and complex, patterned coats. Because it prioritizes standardized measurements and specific material requirements—a hallmark of the mid-century textile industry—it remains a reliable reference for those who value precise, traditional garment construction and the enduring craft of hand-knitted baby apparel.

The Story

The narrative of this book is one of systematic preparation, guiding the maker through the stages of a child's early development. It begins with the fundamental needs of a newborn, offering patterns for blankets, shawls, and simple garments that establish the foundation of a layette. As the child grows, so too does the complexity of the projects; the book transitions from basic infant wear to structured overalls, rompers, and dresses designed for the greater mobility and size of a toddler approaching their second year.

The progression is rooted in utility and the practical requirements of the season or the child's age. For instance, the instructions for leggings and sleeping suits are meticulously detailed, ensuring that the garments will accommodate the physical needs of an infant at three, six, or nine months. The text moves through the technical requirements of shaping—demonstrating how to achieve the necessary fit for a boy's cap or a girl's bonnet—before expanding into more ornamental territory.

Toward the final chapters, the scope widens further. The inclusion of a special supplement dedicated to "Bed Jackets" shifts the focus from the baby to the mother or caregiver, offering a thoughtful, elegant project that can be made in miniature for the infant or at full scale for an adult. The book concludes with a return to the essentials of maintenance and technique, providing a bilingual glossary and detailed charts that ensure the maker can successfully translate the patterns into finished goods. Throughout, the arc is one of sustained care, moving from the intimate, soft beginnings of a layette to the more tailored, durable clothing required by an active, growing child, while maintaining a focus on the quality of the materials—specifically the "non-shrink" wools that promise longevity for these handmade treasures.

How It Unfolds

The foundation of the layette The book opens by establishing a system of standardized sizing, allowing the knitter to choose between three-month, six-month, and nine-month variations for any given piece. It encourages the maker to begin with the basics, such as the "Bye Baby Bunting" blanket, using specific crochet hooks and yarn weights to ensure the correct tension.

Scaling for growth As the child nears their first birthday, the instructions shift to more complex garments that require careful shaping. The manual introduces techniques for gussets and crotch seams in rompers and leggings, ensuring that the clothing remains functional as the child learns to move.

Adding decorative detail Once the structural basics are mastered, the book introduces patterns that incorporate texture and pattern, such as the "Girl's Bonnet" and various pullovers. These sections show how to integrate eyelets, ribbing, and moss stitches to create garments that are both visually appealing and comfortable.

The final expansion In the concluding segments, the patterns grow in scale, covering full-sized coats and a unique supplement of bed jackets. The instructions remain rigorous, focusing on buttonholes, neckbands, and the final assembly that gives a handmade garment its professional, finished look.

The People

While this book does not feature characters in the traditional sense, the "people" are defined by the roles of the maker and the recipient. The maker is envisioned as a dedicated, precise individual—someone who values the "time-old question" of what to create for a baby and takes pride in the meticulous process of pressing, sewing seams, and attaching delicate ribbon rosettes. This person is guided by the expertise of the authors, who function as mentors, constantly reminding the reader that "the best is none too good for baby."

The recipient, meanwhile, is the "average child." The text treats this child with a mix of affection and clinical observation, noting their average weight at birth and their growth milestones. The child is a shifting target; they are first a newborn in a bunting, then an active toddler in leggings and rompers, and finally a young child needing a structured coat. The tension between the ideal "average" child and the inevitable reality of individual variation is acknowledged, adding a layer of realism to the instructions. The reader is tasked with reconciling these patterns with the specific, unique child in their life, turning the abstract measurements into a personal gift.

In Its Own Voice

The book’s voice is one of unwavering standard and gentle encouragement.

"We are pleased to present Volume 2 of BEEHIVE FOR BAIRNS--giving an even greater variety of Baby garments than Volume 1."

This introduction frames the volume as an essential resource for those seeking to expand their repertoire of handmade gifts.

"As baby garments and bedjackets are more loosely fitted than tailored garments a change of size in needles is satisfactory for change in size of garment."

This advice provides a rare, practical concession to the reality that a garment's fit can be adjusted through technique rather than just pattern alteration.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for the value of domestic craftsmanship as a form of care. It posits that the time invested in knitting and crocheting is an expression of love, and that the quality of the raw material—the non-shrink wools—is fundamental to the success of that care. The underlying question is how to balance the fleeting nature of infancy with the permanence of a handmade object. The patterns are designed to be heirloom-quality, intended to survive the rigors of frequent washing and daily wear, suggesting that the effort of making is a vital, grounding force in the life of a family.

Why Read It Today

Readers today will find this book to be a fascinating window into a mid-century approach to domestic life, where the home was a site of technical production. Those who love the meditative process of following a complex pattern will appreciate the precision required to execute these designs, particularly the sophisticated stitch patterns used for the coats and bonnets. It feels like a quiet, structured conversation with a bygone era, emphasizing patience and a high standard of finish.

However, the reader should be prepared for its limitations. The reliance on specific, period-appropriate yarn brands and hook gauges means that modern knitters will need to engage in some "translation" work to substitute current materials successfully. Furthermore, the instructions are written with a brisk, utilitarian efficiency that assumes a certain level of existing knowledge about knitting terminology. While the language is clear, it lacks the hand-holding often found in modern pattern books. Yet, for the reader who enjoys the challenge of working from a "standardized" set of rules and values the ability to create something durable and aesthetically classic, this book remains a profoundly satisfying and useful guide.