Confession time: I don’t have kids. I don’t have anyone I currently need to make a baby gift for. I just couldn’t resist buying this book based solely on the rainbow pillow on the front cover. In the end, I’m so glad I did.

Stacey Trock’s Modern Baby Crochet: Patterns for Decorating, Playing, and Snuggling is full of patterns that will appeal to anyone, not just babies. In fact of the 21 patterns in the book I’d really only classify five as true baby patterns (two mobiles, a play mat, a crinkly toy, and a rattle). The rest are simply fresh, fun designs that even a childless girl like me can enjoy.

The book is organized into three sections based on colour themes: Bold and Bright, Pretty in Pastel, and Naturally Neutral, making all of the patterns wonderfully unisex. In fact, there are only two patterns in the entire book that do the pink for girls, blue for boys thing. Within each section the patterns span a range of difficulties from beginner to expert. The vast majority of the patterns, however, fall into the beginner or easy classifications (16 of the 21 patterns) so the book is best suited to new crocheters or experienced crocheters looking for quick, easy projects.

Each project is beautifully photographed and the instructions are clear and simple to follow. For the only difficult stitch used in the book – the wiggle stitch to make the rainbow pillow on the cover – detailed step-by-step images are provided. Stacey also includes a detailed introductory section with clear drawings of all of the basic stitches to help any new crocheter get up and running.

Most of Stacey’s yarn choices are standard yarns that can be found in any craft store, with an emphasis on easy care, washable fibres (the patterns are meant for babies after all!).  Brands like Cascade, Bernat, Caron, and Lion Brand all make multiple appearances, which also means that none of these projects will break the bank, making them ideal gifts for any mom-to-be.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the types of patterns in the book:

• Eight afghans
• Three stuffed plushes (monster, owl, bird)
• Two mobiles
• Two pillows
• Bunting
• Play mat
• Crinkle toy
• Rattle
• Pouf
• Bear bookends

In my opinion, afghans are a little over-represented, but all in all the variety of projects is fairly good. Overall, I am quite pleased with the book and I highly recommend it to any crocheter looking for some fast, easy, modern projects.