Spurred on by my early scarf success, I decided to branch out away from scarves in an impromptu interlude.

My friend Evette had just had baby Charlotte so I decided on a trip to Arty Cat to check out the incredible range of yarn suitable for babies. Over the next four nights I embarked upon a pattern for Charlotte's booties using Debbie Bliss baby cashmerino in pink.

It is, in my humble opinion, a yarn of the gods and so beautifully soft. I have a soft spot for merino wool, but more on that later...

I can confess now, almost a year later that poor Charlotte's booties were not a thing of beauty. My first attempts at backstitching left a whole lot to be desired. I hope Charlotte and her Mum forgives me, in the knowledge that they are very unique and bear witness to my first ever attempt at decreasing and stitching up.

From these inaugural booties, I have progressed to knit up several variations of these booties. Thankfully, many of my friends and family members welcomed new arrivals in 2011, so I had plenty of chances to experiment: Robert's in white ecobaby with blue ribbon; Tabitha's in Debbie's pink again with pink flowers added; Amelia's (pink again!) using stocking stitch for a rolled effect at the top of the bootie; Emily's and Jessica's in pretty Sidar Snuggly Smiley (multi pink) again with stocking stitch. I used gorgeous gift boxes from Paperchase which are just the right size.

I absolutely love how quickly these yummy-looking booties can be put together over a few evenings. I'd love to hear what you think.