How about a pair of mittens for the older toddler brother? I live in SoCal and I wear a jacket, scarf, and gloves in the winter on the chilliest mornings and nights. If they go to the snow, they'll need them for sure.

It sounds like you'll be busy having fun! :-)

I live in So Cal too, but I would never dream of wearing gloves to keep warm. I am a transplant from colder climes,so that may explain it some. Do you live inland with the cooler nights of the desert?

I live inland, but still in L.A. county. I don't where gloves everywhere I go in winter... just in the very early mornings when I head for work (6:00 AM) when lows are 30s-40s. Never indoors, of course.... and only seldom, mostly on cold early mornings if I have to go out or late evening/night when it's particularly chilly. If the kids aren't from a colder climate, they might enjoy them with a matching scarf and especially if they go to the snow in the mountain resorts.

I remember making the basinette purse many years ago...haven't done any recently. Your idea for the "big brother" is more practical than fun. I would suggest (depending on age of the "big brother") these crocheted items: football, hacky sack/footbag, crayon tote or a checkerboard set. I've made some hacky sacks and a few checkerboards in fun colors. There are plenty of patterns around on the internet. Start with the one attached. Since you also knit, I am sure there are similar patterns.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crochet Pattern Central.

Thanks for suggestions, Susan. Yes, I was looking for fun ideas. I will check out this site.

Have you made Elizabeth Zimmermann's baby surprise jacket? It's the cutest jacket (go to flickr.com or google images and do a search and you'll see all kinds of variations for colors). Pattern was $3-4 at my LYS and it's in some of her books. It can be done in self-striping yarn, with leftovers, etc. Some people add a collar or (my fav) a hood. In case you aren't familiar with it, it's knit all in one piece looking like a blob and then you fold it the right way and seam up the sides and voila! A very cute cardigan!

Also, I found the cutest booties, Saartje's baby booties, here's a blog link that includes the pattern link...
Saartje's booties I've seen them done with all sorts of yarn and buttons and they're adorable. They would be cute done in the same colors and buttons as the BSJ.

Knitty.com has all sorts of cute baby/toddler things, including little animals. It's worth doing a search.

Have fun! I'm waiting for someone I know to have a baby so I can get busy on a BSJ but I may have to make one regardless, just because it looks like such a fun knit! :)

Here is a link that might be useful: BSJ photo

I think that purple varigated BSJ is darling. I will have to look for the pattern. What kind of yarn? I almost wonder if that purple one is sock yarn.