Sunday, March 23, 2008

Pregnant (Past or Present) Knitter Survey:

  1. When I suggested that someone might like to knit a maternity dress, I was laughed out of the room. "But I would knit a dress!" "Well, Nikki, I was talking about normal people." Would you knit a maternity dress? If not, would it be because you couldn't fathom an attractive one?
  2. When you were pregnant, what was your favorite thing to knit?
  3. Did you enjoy knitting simpler, or more complex patterns?
  4. Did you feel like wearing something mildly sexy (or at least attractive) or did you just want to cover up and hide?
  5. When your child was born, what did you wish you had thought to knit ahead of time?
  6. When you were pregnant, did you want to knit for anyone other than yourself or your child?
  7. What are your thoughts on soakers/diaper covers?
  8. Have you, or do you know anyone who has, knit a baby sling? How did that work out?
  9. What did you find most comfortable/what was your favorite thing to wear when you were pregnant?
  10. What is the most practical knit item you can think of, baby and/or maternity?


Please either post your responses in the comments, or email them to me at nikkivandecar@gmail.com. Every nth responder will receive a (small) token of appreciation.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Always happy to help another NJ gal... Sadly, I did not know how to knit until my little one was a toddler. When I was pregnant, it seemed like what fit/did not fit changed on a daily basis, so that was the main challenge in getting dressed/wardrobe planning. I remember wearing lots of T shirts. As far as baby stuff goes, even though my babe was 8 lb at birth, most baby hats and certainly all hats that went with outfits were way too big for at least 1 month (some friends have had this w/ their babies, too.) So, If I were to do it all again now that I am a knitter, I would do a lot of little hats in a proper yarn for the season, as well as a blanket and a cute sweater or two. Hope this helps.

The Pattern Slave said...

1. I would not knit a mat. dress - by the time I'd finish it I'd have a baby in my arms!

2. My favorites to knit while pg were small practical projects. socks, hats, baby bolero etc.

3. simpler for the most part given that it was baby #3 and I had very little brain avail.

4. Attractive but not overtly sexy; not hidden away either.

5. a nursing sweater that is discreet - unlike knitty's peekaboo

6. Yes.

7. I don't like them on the whole I always feel like they'll leak. Otherwise they are a great accessory no matter what kind of diapering.

8. No. Having used several slings/carriers, I feel it would be WAY to stretchy. Also, folks would really have to be aware that craft rings are not acceptable.

9. I had a very very fine gauge super soft sweater with a hood that I loved. I couldn't stand anything bulky.

10. Most practical? A lightweight simple soft bed jacket for greeting visitors in hospital and for wearing at home to keep the shoulders warm when doing skin to skin time w/the baby.

Anonymous said...

1. Firstly, let me say, that I don't knit, I crochet. but I wouldn't crochet a maternity dress because I'm too slow.
2. I knew I was having a little girl, so I loved making pretty little dresses.
3. simple. Kids look classic and lovely in simple clothes, plus they're easy to take on and off.
4. I definitely wanted to look attractive. I already felt huge, so anything that made me feel pretty was high on my list.
5. baby pants. My daughter lives in oneies, but in the evening it gets cold, and she's always running out of clean pants.
6. nope. I was in full mommy/baby mode.
7. ugh. sorry. I'm not a cloth diaper mommy.
8. I don't know anyone. I can't see that it'd work well though. knit or crochet is pretty stretchy.
9. comfy jeans and a pretty top.
10. baby-pants or sweater
maternity-slippers or sweater(as a pregnant mommy, your body changes temp. a lot.)

archiesgirl said...

1. Nope, I would be far to slow. I'm not even sure I could finish a regular sweater.
2. I didn't really feel like knitting for the first half of my pregnancy. After that I just wanted to knit simple things.
3. Simple definitely.
4. I didn't hide but I wasn't wearing anything fancy. The one really nice maternity top I bought I never wore. My mother did sew me a really nice convertible maternity dress that I wore a lot!
5. little mittens and socks! All the baby socks I bought just kept falling off I think I could have made better ones.
6. Nope.
7. I think they are really cute but I haven't used one so I don't know how well they work.
8. Nope don't know anyone who has but I think it would end up far to stretchy to be of use.
9. Convertible maternity dress or jersey knit pants and a T-shirt.
10. For baby it would be a blanket. The blanket I knit my son didn't turn out so well but one that was knit for him by a friend has been so useful. It's washable DK weight wool in a feather and fan pattern and not only is is beautiful but it is light weight and breathable but warm.

Anonymous said...

1. I'm too slow to knit a maternity dress.
2. I mainly did simple things since I was a new knitter.
3. I knit a pair of baby booties for my second. I finished a baby blanket after he was born.
4. Definitely sexy.
5. I wish that I had more time to knit some pants.
6. No.
7. I think they are a great idea if you cloth diaper your children. I know a friend who used them all the time and was very happy with them.
8. No, I don't.
9. Yoga pants were the most comfortable. Or shorts, depending on the weather.
10. A baby blanket.

Anonymous said...

1. Nope, I would never do a dress. I would never get it done (especially since I'm 37 weeks with #4 right now!)

2. I do more crocheting than knitting, but I think I've made more hats this time around (for baby, friends' babies, and my kids and husband.)

3. I'm not a very good knitter, so I tend to stick towards more simple patterns for now.

4. I just feel like being comfortable. I wear sweats and tank tops unless I'm going out in public.

5. There are quite a few things I wish I could knit, but we don't know what we're having. I'd really like to do a sweater set, but would prefer to use better colors than the generic yellow and green, so I'm waiting.

6. Yes...I am all for making anyone and everyone stuff! A friend of mine just had a baby girl, and since she knew what she was having, I had a blast making a frilly little sweater, bonnet, and booties. I also do alot of toys for my other kids right now (trying to use up my stash.)

7. I will probably make some diaper covers for this summer...again, just waiting to see what it is!

8. Nope, I would like to try one, though. I've seen a pattern to crochet for an older baby, and I may try to adapt that to aid in breastfeeding (4th baby, 1st try nursing.) I usually use a front carrier for going out, though.

9. Sweats, yoga pants, and tank tops.

10. I would say a baby sweater. If baby is born in the spring or fall, it's a nice substitution for a snowsuit on the warmer days. It's also nice for summer babies to slip on if you're out in the evening and it's a little cool, and of course winter babies can wear them for an extra layer around the house.

Jenna said...

1. I probably wouldn't knit a maternity dress. The size I am and the rate I knit wouldn't work well together. I contemplated a maternity sweater, but the yarn just sat in a basket.

2. My favorite thing to knit was baby clothes. They were so cute and I really enjoyed knowing my little one would be wearing them soon.

3. I enjoyed both. Sorry for the cop out. Simple projects were great for taking to the OB's office and when pregnancy brain made it too hard to concentrate on anything but garter stitch. But, it was always nice to have something a bit more complex on the needles in case I felt up for a challenge.

4. I felt like I wanted to be sexy, but most of the time I was in a sweatershirt and yoga pants. Although there were a few times when I got sexied up.

5. For some reason, the hats that I knit for him didn't fit his head (they were all too small). So I had to quickly knit up a hat in the hospital. I think I was in denial about the circumference of newborn heads.

6. Yes. I knit Christmas gifts for my family and I tried to start some socks for myself.

7. I love my soakers. They are great. I have both knit and PUL versions and I think the knit soakers keep the messes more contained. I tend to think he's more comfortable in knit as well, since wool is breathable and doesn't feel as wet against his skin. Also, soakers are great easy knits.

8. I do not know of anyone personally who has knit a sling. I can't imagine it working well, since babies need to be fairly secure and knitting (or crochet) tends to stretch over time.

9. An oversized sweatshirt and yoga pants.

10. Soakers and bibs. Both items will see daily use when the baby is growing.

Anonymous said...

When I suggested that someone might like to knit a maternity dress, I was laughed out of the room. "But I would knit a dress!" "Well, Nikki, I was talking about normal people." Would you knit a maternity dress? If not, would it be because you couldn't fathom an attractive one?
When you were pregnant, what was your favorite thing to knit?
Did you enjoy knitting simpler, or more complex patterns?
Did you feel like wearing something mildly sexy (or at least attractive) or did you just want to cover up and hide?
When your child was born, what did you wish you had thought to knit ahead of time?
When you were pregnant, did you want to knit for anyone other than yourself or your child?
What are your thoughts on soakers/diaper covers?
Have you, or do you know anyone who has, knit a baby sling? How did that work out?
What did you find most comfortable/what was your favorite thing to wear when you were pregnant?
What is the most practical knit item you can think of, baby and/or maternity?

1. Hmm. A maternity dress: no. A maternity tunic: sure, and with an empire waist it could be quite flattering!
2. Baby socks/booties, as teeny baby feet are the most scrumptious.
3. Simpler patterns are better for my frazzled brain, though easily memorizable lace patterns are great.
4. Definitely a little something sexy needs to be thrown into the mix.
5. No.
6. A really beautiful, heirloom quality receiving blanket.
7. Adorable, and I love how environmentally conscious cloth diapers are.
8. No.
9. Anything empire!
10. An easy to wear cardigan, one that will look chic as your body changes.

KimK said...

1. Between nausea and fatigue, my knitting mojo was completely gone for the first five months of both my pregnancies. I'd have never had time to knit myself an entire dress before giving birth. But I think the idea of a knit maternity dress could be attractive.
2. My favorite thing to knit while pregnant was whatever I was working on, usually something for myself. My project taste did not change, although I felt the need to knit a blanket each time.
3. Mostly simpler. I just get too tired to concentrate for long on anything too complicated.
4. Sexy, for sure -- once I was past the halfway point and felt better and looked pregnant (not just fatter), my maternity clothes certainly leaned in the "hot mama" direction. Unlike my normal clothes, which have been as boring as you can imagine.
5. There wasn't anything I wished I could have knit before, other than a nursing shawl. But I'm going to use my Cozy (from Knitty) for that.
6. I rarely want to knit for anyone but my immediate family, so, no.
7. I think they're great for what they're used for, but I didn't choose to go the cloth diaper route.
8. Not the greatest idea, unless lined with fabric. Knit and crochet will sag too much under the weight of a growing baby and quickly become useless.
9. Knit pants (store bought) and a top that makes me feel cute.
10. I think a shawl or wrap that would work as a nursing cover-up and also be used later as intended (like my Cozy) would be very useful and long-lasting.

Best wishes on your survey!
Kim
KimK on Ravelry

Anonymous said...

I can't answer many of these questions, since I didn't knit back when I first had the kids. However, I can tell you that I never wanted to hide my pregnant body: I wore very form-fitting garments (most of which were by Japanese Weekend) designed to accentuate the body and its newfound attributes.

I would be nervous about making a knitted sling because of the potential safety issues. Slings are simply constructed, but obviously, having them stay in place is a major concern, and I don't know if i would be comfortable in a knitted sling. I always opted for very sturdy woven fabrics.

Most of my friends who have gone through pregnancy lose their knitting mojo (if not all of it, most of it) until after the baby is born. Pregnancy brain definitely takes it toll on most of us.

Lynn said...

What a cool survey!

1. No, I would not knit a maternity dress. Way too much yarn and I wanted to concentrate on making stuff for the baby.

2. My favorite thing to knit when I was pregnant was little cardigans in rainbow colors. I made them in a 12 month and 24 month size.

3. Since I was off 4 days a week, it didn't matter what I knitted (or crocheted).

4. I wore some things that accentuated the increasing bustline but draped over the baby bulge and tended to stick to bright colored tops and dark pants.

5. Her christening gown and communion veil.

6. Nope, just the baby.

7. I like the idea of soakers and diaper covers, but I would have wanted to make them out of 100% cotton.

8. Had a friend that knit one and it was way too loose/soft to safely hold the baby, but she ended up felting it and it made a cute sling for her daughter. She just knit it up, didn't have a pattern or anything.

9. I had 2 favorite outfits. The first was a red, V-necked microfiber kimono styled top that tied in back and could be adjusted throughout the pregnancy that I wore with black microfiber pants and then the other was this really cute short sleeved poet shirt and a pair of overalls.

10. The afghans I did were really practical and my girls still use them and they are 6 & 8 respectively. I also enjoyed the knitted and crocheted burp rags made out of crochet thread because they were really pretty and those were the ones I used at church and when we went out (plus, they could be bleached and stayed white that way). The best one was just plain stockinette in a rectangle with an edging of crocheted lace. Pretty, practical and still good enough to use when my grandchildren come along. Yep, they are up in the attic in a vacuum sealed bag just waiting to be put to use.

Hollis said...

1. It would have taken me way too long to knit a maternity dress...but I suppose if I was suddenly gifted with speedy knitting skills, I don't see why it would be any different than a regular dress, except with shaping for the tummy of course!

2. Let's see: baby things! Sweater for my son, hat for a friend's new baby, baby booties.

3. I tended to do more simple projects...I got pretty tired so I didn't want to have to think that hard!

4. I loved wearing pretty things while I was pregnant. That was one of the most fun parts for me: buying a bunch of new clothes. That feeling waned for me near then end though when I started feeling a lot like a beached whale ;).

5. Hmmm...that is a good question. I wish I done some knitted pants. I saw some and they look so comfy.

6. I did do some knitting for other new babies on their way.

7. I don't use them so I'm not much help here.

8. No...haven't knitted one. Having a sling, I would think you would need a pretty sturdy type yarn that doesn't stretch TOO much; otherwise the baby could end up down around your knees! :)

9. I loved shirts with empire waists that tied around the back. I thought they were really flattering and are kind of adjustable (you can make the ties looser as you get bigger). I also had a pair of roll panel jeans that I adored. Super comfortable and adjustable. And then there was this shirt dress...super cute. I have to stop now.

10. Most practical... Hmmm. Hats, booties, blankets.

Carrie said...

1) I wouldn't, but that's because I'm plus size and sweaters take too much yarn, much less dresses :)

2) Baby things and normal things (gifts, hats, etc.) Fav baby things include sweaters, booties/socks, hats.

3) Both.. simple for when my other child is around and complex for when he's asleep :)

4) Mostly covering up, although a little cleavage inevitably shows up towards the end :)

5) I wasn't that big a knitter for my first, but I did wish I had just done MORE. Of everything! Also that I had prepared some postpartum simple knitting.

6) Yes, I really enjoy making gifts. This time I'm being more prepared and knitting holiday and birthday gifts well ahead of time so I don't have to stress out about not having the time to knit with a baby!

7) Love em, use em.

8) I am an avid user of baby slings but I don't think a knit one would work very well. They need to be supportive and a good pattern for that would be difficult, I think. It would either need to be lined or knit at a very, very tight gauge. I don't think I'd enjoy making one. I do sew them though :)

9) Yogs pants and tunic-length tops. The empire waist looks cute, but often doesn't fit a larger or constantly changing bustline -- although I suppose the beauty of knitting is that you could adjust it! I prefer gathers at the neckline or just lots of shaping for the tummy.

10) If you're doing cloth diapers and like wool, soakers are great, especially later when they're more like little shorts. Hats and socks/booties were always good, especially if extra cute! I have more blankets than I know what to do with.

Maharetina said...

1. No, I wouldn't. But not because of "maternity", but because I don't knit big garments. Never have finished a thing I started bigger than socks, hats, baby clothes :)

2. During my first pregnancy (that's when I started to knit), baby sweaters and dresses and my first pair of socks for my husband. This time: socks, socks, socks. A hat (that was meant for me but was to small. It fits my daughter well, though) and baby booties. But mainly socks, for me and my husband.

3. More complex patterns. Keep the brain active and don't get boring :)

4. At home, I go for comfortable. But when I leave my cave, I want to look attractive, not like the mother of a 2-year-old-and-soon-of-another-newborn ;)

5. Nothing. Had no time to worry about that stuff anyway ;)

6. Well, my husband. But I've never knit for anyone else between pregnancies either, so I don't know how significant that is.

7. We use them, but I haven't knit them. And I won't, as my skin is very sensitive to wool and soakers had better be made of wool. It can deal so much better with all the ... umm ... wetness.

8. No and I never will. Would be far too stretchy. I'm very picky about the fabric for our baby-slings as I will carry my baby in it. I don't want her to slip through, nor do I want her or my back be unsufficiently supported.

9. Anything that is not too tight on my belly. And flat shoes. During my first pregnancy, I loved my summer dress. This time, it's too cold for that ;)

10. Socks for the baby. (Well, and for the mommy.) But the baby socks you can buy slip of the baby's feet so easily, it drives you crazy.

Anonymous said...

my humble opinions:
1. I would never knit a dress ever, never mind when pregnant- just too much fitting and knitting.
2. little cardigans for baby. I didn't start knitting until 7 months so small projects only as I didn't like to tempt fate (not an easy early pregnancy)and there was a bit of the not having baby things in the house superstition.
3.becasue of time constraints small simple things ( but I dont like frilly things anyway)
4.I loved my pregnant body shape and got some lovely clothes to show it off.
5. it was a hot summer so no knitted things at all.:(. I would have loved a nursing shawl though)
6. I got round not knitting for my baby too early by knitting for everyone elses...
7. Have only recently heard of them - but still no even though I like the ides of cloth nappies they didn't work out for us.
8. No I like firm woven cloth- Heavy babies stretch even that out and need re tied every so often. But sling legwarmers or depp scarf/hat would be good.Baby necks get very exposed in slings
9.my red and white striped sailor top.
10.I was surprised by how practical my lightweight lacey shawl was - the lightness mean you can cover a sleeping baby without stirring, cant be kicked off because it stretched so much and it doubles as nursing shawl and very warm when needed.

Unknown said...

1. Maternity dress: I can't imagine taking the time for it, honestly. When I was pregnant, I didn't have that sort of time (or energy!). I think it would be interesting because it could be custom-fitted, though.

# When you were pregnant, what was your favorite thing to knit?
Simple things. Again, didn't really have the energy to do anything big! I did a few dishcloths, a few small toys for the kid-to-be. That's about it.


# Did you enjoy knitting simpler, or more complex patterns?
Simple, see above. :D

# Did you feel like wearing something mildly sexy (or at least attractive) or did you just want to cover up and hide?
A little of both. After the first 3 months it got easier (no morning sickness!) and I started feeling more attractive. I did like things that showcased my belly because I was so proud of it, though. My favorite 'after-hours' wear was a pair of boy-cut shorts and a nightie that was open in the front. Covered the important things, but let the belly hang free!

# When your child was born, what did you wish you had thought to knit ahead of time?
Soft, small cloths. Hats, because my daughter kept throwing hers in the mud. I would have also knit a small pair of mittens for those baby-claws!

# When you were pregnant, did you want to knit for anyone other than yourself or your child?
N.O. NO! :D

# What are your thoughts on soakers/diaper covers?
We cloth diaper, but I have never gotten into the soaker thing. I like 'longies' as pants, but NOT as diaper covers. I do know some ladies who swear by wool soakers, though.

# Have you, or do you know anyone who has, knit a baby sling? How did that work out?
A friend of mine knit a 'backpack' type sling. It was basically a square with straps, one on each corner. It was super reinforced, double-stranded bulky yarn. She says she loved it, and it had just enough stretch to be comfortable without being dangerous.

# What did you find most comfortable/what was your favorite thing to wear when you were pregnant?
At home, very loose pants and loose tank tops. Out, maternity pants and flared-belly tops. I had one sweater that was specialized for maternity and I LOVED it, it was soooo soft and snuggly, but it was also fancy enough for office wear or eat-out wear.

# What is the most practical knit item you can think of, baby and/or maternity?
Lots of small cloths, the kind you can tuck ten of them in a diaper bag pocket with no problem. Also, I would have loved a knitted or felted diaper bag. Soft, stretchy hats with ties under the chin would have been nice.

Hope i've helped! :) Kudos! I think what you're doing is wonderful. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Unknown said...

1. Would you knit a maternity dress? If not, would it be because you couldn't fathom an attractive one?
I'd consider it - was pregnant in spring/summer so wraps, shawls, shrugs were more important. Would try if pregnant in winter.
2. When you were pregnant, what was your favorite thing to knit?
Toys, wraps, shrugs.
3. Did you enjoy knitting simpler, or more complex patterns?
No preference, but sometimes it did need to be simple!
4. Did you feel like wearing something mildly sexy (or at least attractive) or did you just want to cover up and hide?
I put on nearly 7 stone (from 9st). Sexy would have been some help...
5. When your child was born, what did you wish you had thought to knit ahead of time?
Soakers and longies. Didn't even know they existed.
6. When you were pregnant, did you want to knit for anyone other than yourself or your child?
Yes, but not a priority. I did some scarves.
7. What are your thoughts on soakers/diaper covers?
See Q 5. Longies also make great baby trousers, for those who find the Great Nappy Debate too yicky for words.
8. Have you, or do you know anyone who has, knit a baby sling? How did that work out?
No, not something I considered or have heard of. Had thought about buying one, but now (right here right now!) a knitted/crocheted cotton/linen sling sounds like good, low-brain-function pregnancy knitting.
9. What did you find most comfortable/what was your favorite thing to wear when you were pregnant?
Loose cotton summer dresses. Long hot summer, 7 stones heavier...
10. What is the most practical knit item you can think of, baby and/or maternity?
Spit rags: some kind of dishcloth thingy for mopping up reflux. Or knitted maternity pads and breast pads. Reusable 'wipes' for washable-nappy babies. Truly, the mess never ends, y'all. I'm just sayin'.

Anonymous said...

Cool idea, Nikki. I fell in love with a knitted maternity sweater that I say in Interweave Knits, but with my overheating, a sweater didn't seem practical.

Okay, now for your questions:
Maternity dress - I can't even imagine how much yarn a maternity dress would take? Honestly, I cannot imagine an attractive one that would not cause overheating. However, knit fabric hugging a big belly would be so cute.

When I was pregnant, my favorite projects were smaller, like socks and a bolero. They were not necessarily simpler, just smaller, so that I did not have a big heavy wool project in my lap.

I loved to show off the shape of my belly when I was pregnant - I was so proud of it and I thought I was beautiful (as I think all pregnant women are). However, with boobs getting larger, I had to be even more careful about tops that were too low cut.

I wish I had knit a few simple hats for my baby, since I kept losing the ones I had received at showers. Also, I saw a really cool pattern for a blanket that fit around a baby bjorn carrier - that would have been handy in the fall/winter.

I was knitting for everyone when I was pregnant, except for my baby. Weird.

I don't really see the need for diaper covers, unless they are decorative for a special occasion?

I have never knit/seen a knit baby sling. I would think it might stretch out a lot? I think that I probably would not knit one, being afraid it might be unsafe?

I wore a lot of sleeveless shirts and tank tops, given the hormone levels causing way too much body heat. I would say whatever you include should not be too warm. As for pants, I was often wearing a pair of maternity gauchos toward the end.

The most practical thing to knit is a hat. All babies need them and they can be easily lost. There is always the need for a fabulous diaper bag, too.

asilem from ravelry

Anonymous said...

Would you knit a maternity dress?
probably not too much time involved and I'm not big into knitting large projects i like simple instant gratification in my knitting since i get it so infrequently in the rest of my life :)

# When you were pregnant, what was your favorite thing to knit?
I made lots of baby hats and booties this time around (baby born 3-14) but in previous pregnancies i have knit blankets,and sweaters and crocheted dresses and afghans.

# Did you enjoy knitting simpler, or more complex patterns?
I like simple repeating patterns that look complex and don't bore me :)

# Did you feel like wearing something mildly sexy (or at least attractive)?
I really enjoy being pregnant usually but this last pregnancy was so draining i just wanted to hide. I have a hard time carrying boys lots of nausea and totally exhausted all the time

# When your child was born, what did you wish you had thought to knit ahead of time?
I wish i had knit a smaller sweater! This baby was a pound smaller than all my previous pregnancies!
Would have loved a lacy knitting cover up too.

# When you were pregnant, did you want to knit for anyone other than yourself or your child?
Yes, for my friends and families babies :)

# What are your thoughts on soakers/diaper covers?
I love knitted longies, but i don't use cloth diapers so never needed soakers.

# Have you, or do you know anyone who has, knit a baby sling? How did that work out?
Nope but I love the ones my sister has sewn for me !!!

# What did you find most comfortable/what was your favorite thing to wear when you were pregnant?
I bought a pair of jeans at motherhood maternity that had a half panel so they didn't go up to my boobs but didn't fall of my hips.(i have no hips lol) I also have a lovely black dress that is nearly floor length. Velvet with satin trim. Gorgeous. I have even worn it not pregnant!!

# What is the most practical knit item you can think of, baby and/or maternity?
nursing shawls are so versatile and can be used as blankets or shawls plus they are long term useful for mom!
I Love a classic baby sweater that can be used for that in between weather.
Also love knitted longies.

HTH you :)
Kjutt from ravelry
dw to Chris
mom to 6 great kids

Melanie said...

No maternity dress...aside from the fact that we do not need one here when we adopt, it would take far too long
I love knitting baby booties and blankets when I'm "paper pregnant"
The simpler the better...I like being mindless when I knit.
When I was pregnant (child #1), I was into peasant shirts b/c they downsized my frumpiness.
I didn't knit when my first was born-I started knitting when he was ~3.
Diaper covers are cute. It might be fun to do ruffled one for girl with their name or initials embroidered on.
Didn't knit a baby sling, but I love using mine, so it would be good to do it through knitting.
Most practical knit item for mom/baby would be blankets...can't have enough to run out you need one for cold weather or to throw over baby during rain or over carseat handle when it's hot or very sunny.

Petra said...

1. No maternity dress
2. That's a lot of yarn for not a lot of use!
3. Simple patterns - I couldn't do math to save my life.
4. Attractive - it was summer, though, so not a lot of knits...
5. I wish I'd done a blanket, and not just done soakers...too small soakers, as it happened. I didn't do enough hats, either, and my babies both had huge heads, so the hats I did do didn't fit.
6. I knit for everyone while pg.
7. Love soakers/diaper covers - love, love, love them. In the round is easiest, no counting needed.
8. Nope, haven't knit a baby sling, don't know anyone who has. Seems like a bad idea, knits are way too stretchy.
9. I had a pair of huge stretchy pants I wore day in, day out, towards the end. A selection of light accessories would've been nice at the time, to break up the monotony of my three tops, one pair of pants combos.
10. hats or blankets - you can never have too many

Cara said...

1. i could never finish this or want to wear one... too bulky..
2. booties, like the ones you have on your header, love those! and bibs
3. simple simple simple
4. ehh, not so much. more so on the comfy side
5. move booties
6. well, i just had my 2nd and while i was pg for him, i think i knew about 7 others that were due around the same time as i was, so i was busy knitting for them and for not so much for me
7. they are cute
8. there is no way this would work, i have a sling that i sewed, it has to be tight and not stretchy in the least bit
9. yoga pants
10. bibs and burp cloths

Anonymous said...

1. Yikes, no. I'd be afraid of how it would look and that I wouldn't get much use out of it...

2. a blanket for my new baby and a big ol' maternity-size sweater for me!

3. I always like to have both kinds on hand.

4. mostly cover up and hide, or cute and grrrlish

5. cardigans, wraps, boleros, hats, booties (or socks) and more blankets

6. Only me and my older child, as well as the baby.

7. Didn't and still don't use them, but I'm intrigued by the idea of them...

8. No. But I saw someone on a chilly fall day with a nice woolly poncho thingy that went over the mom and the baby who was in a back-carry sling

9. long A-line or swing cardigan

10. definitely blankets!! no question--they last longest, and are durable, useful, washable, visible, and lovable.

Stickyfingers said...

*No, I wouldn't knit a maternity dress because A)it would take too much yarn, and B) it would be too much time/energy investment for a dress that would be no good to me in x months. Now, if it were a mat dress that would look good on me afterward too . . .
* My fave thing to knit has been little wee cardigans. They're fast. Really fast. I prefer seamless.
*Simple is good, but I want different. And I want something that looks NORMAL! So many baby patterns are bubble shaped, or have weird necklines.
* I would love to wear something attractive! No interest in hiding.
*Not born yet, so I can't help you there.
*Not as much, but sure. I have things that need to be knit for other people, that I've promised them, or just wanted to make. I know there won't be much time when baby arrives.
*My thoughts on soakers: ew.
*Sorry, I don't.
* My mat jeans, and a nice snuggly zip down cardi.
* Most practical? Geez, I don't really know. Maybe a round or square shawl? Good for a nursing coverup or as a special blanket.