Saturday, May 31, 2008

 Judy's Grandmother's Baby Sweater

Specs:
Pattern: Judy's Grandmother's Baby Jacket by Judy Spector
for my soon-to-be-born son Mackenzie
(Ravelry Link) from Greetings from Knit Cafe
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash in Wasabi #887
Purchased: Online at Robyn's Nest
Needle: US 5 / 3.75 mm
Size: 6 month size
Timeline: March 19th, 2008 - May 31st, 2008.
Modifications: Followed pattern as published.
Opinion: It was a long knit, but I really enjoyed it. I like honeycomb stitch. I got to learn Elastic Bind Off as well as Three Needle Bind Off during this project.


Now I just need a baby to fit into it. I'm 35 weeks pregnant on Monday, so it could really be any day now! My first son was born at 38 weeks, so we'll see when baby number 2 makes his appearance!

Detail of the honeycomb stitch. What a great looking stitch.

I blog here.

 Tuesday, May 13, 2008

 Daisy Cardigan : A Review

Before I had my twin sons I was here all the time, scoping out new projects and leaving congratulation comments for all the new happy Mamas. Well, the boys are a year now and I do not get around here enough. I wanted to check in, there are still so many great projects and so many cute babies.

I thought it would be good to review a project that I knit before the boys came and posted about here. The pattern is theDaisy cardigan found over at Knitty.
Hoodies

I chose this pattern because I love hoodies, but I just realized when I went back to link to the pattern that it has the esteemed Yarn Harlot as it's designer. I knit 2, one for each, in a substituted yarn. I chose to knit with Classic Elite Premiere in a light blue and a nice green.

So, now, over a year later, with both pieces having seen a lot of use and abuse, I am happy to give both yarn and design a big thumbs up.
Back detail

The pattern was fun, lots of seaming, but small enough to not overwhelm. The construction is that of knitting fronts and backs and sleeves, which I am not overly fond of, but it did not bother me because this yarn is a real pleasure to work with. It is not terribly hard on the fingers despite the cotton content and the sheen is lovely. And it has proven to be the perfect yarn for baby knits, long wearing, little staining and not too much pilling.
'Daisy' cardigan

I have washed both of these so many times and they emerge from the dryer rumpled but wearable.

I never quite got around to any of the suggested embellishments, I wanted to embroider some cute felt animals onto the front lapels (ah, to dream, combining knitting and embroidery, to have the time). The sweaters are plain as is, but I think my boys dress them up nicely. One thing I would recommend is to sew in a light zipper or add afterthought button loops because unless the boys are stationery in stroller or backpack, these sweaters rarely stay on. I have resorted to safety pins on fronts.
'Daisy' cardigan

I am such a lazy knitter.

Taking these photos today made me realize they actually have a lot of room left in them, I say they will likely use them until Fall. The sleeves are long but can be turned up or sucked on by teething mouths, the hoods fit perfectly.
Sleeve detail

I think they have been wearing them since 6 months or so, but I cannot remember what size I chose to knit. Overall, I highly recommend both yarn and pattern for anyone looking to make a useful handknit for yours or to gift.

One note, I noticed the BSJ in the previous post and the author's comments regarding size. I knit a BSJ in sock yarn (Koigu, to be exact) and used size 7s and came out with a sweater that fit my boys at around 6 months until about 8 or so. It is such an awesome pattern because the sleeves tend to be 3/4 which keep them out of all the stuff of baby hood.I found the resulting fabric light but still warm. Hope that helps anyone with some lovely sock yarn begging to be made into a BSJ. I think I used approximately 2.5 skeins....oh, how I wish I documented over at Ravelry consistently.

Anyway, knit on, KBBBs. I can be found here if you want to see a few grown up projects and a few more cute pics of the boys. Happy late Mama's day to you all!

 Wednesday, May 07, 2008

 Mackenzie's Baby Surprise Jacket

I forgot to post this last month upon finishing it. My son is due in 61 days (hoping to not make it that long)!

I present to you, Mackenzie's Baby Surprise Jacket. The information is as follows:

Specs:
Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman (Ravelry Link)
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport Multi in Devon #407
Purchased: Online at Yarnbow
Needle: US 4 / 3.5 mm
Size: 0-3 month size
Timeline: Cast on February 23rd, 2008 at the Montreal Canadiens vs. Columbus Blue Jackets game - Cast off March 16th, 2008. Added buttons & seamed on April 10th, 2008.
Modifications: None really. Followed pattern as published.
Opinion: Sport weight is not 6 month size. Thank goodness Mackenzie isn't born yet. This way, he'll fit into it when he does! But regardless, I love the finished project!

I am just loving this finished project! It's a fave piece of mine right now. And the buttons are just awesome. Nothing fancy, but look great.

I had my son Sean's friends' little brother model for size the sweater. He barely fit into it, and he's in the 50th percentile for 5.5 months old. Hmmm. Sport weight is supposed to be 6 month size according to the pattern. Apparently not. I think it's around 3 month old size, if that. Anyhow, it's a good thing it's for a baby that is not born yet, so he can wear it until he outgrows it. If he was already born, and didn't fit into it - I'd be upset! LOL. I am really happy with it's finished results.

I blog here. I'm currently in progress of a matching Sweet Baby Cap, since I had plenty of leftovers.

Happy Knitting,
Robyn

 Not technically babywear but...

... I was told I could post up to size 3. Well this is possibly the last piece I make for my son that fits into this category! Boys grow up soooooo fast these days!! Maybe I'll have to start baking another, just so I have a baby knit excuse!






Made from a Sirdar pattern in the "Cheeky Chino's" leaflet (a gorgeous pattern book from which I will be making many more things!). I used 8ply "Colour 4 Me" as I much prefer real wool on children and will put up with the extra care wool requires knowing that their skin can breathe properly and they are nice and warm. It knitted up nice and soft, which was very necessary since the collar comes up so high. It mustn't be too scratchy as the little guy wouldn't let me take it off him to stitch the zip in after I tried it on for size. And all he had on was a singlet!

Stitching the zip in was a frustrating process... you can read why here. Seriously, if anyone has any zip stitching (into knitting) advice, I would love to hear it. I have a little pink baby jumpsuit that has been sitting in the WIP box for several years now, rolled in a ball with a pretty pink zip all ready to be stitched in, but it seemed so difficult to get it neat and tidy AND sturdy for lots of nappy changes.


 Saturday, May 03, 2008

 Baby Cardigan #2, Ruffles!


Stats:

Pattern: Reynolds Utopia #82260, Ruffled Cardigan
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft Brites, color: Rose Violet
Needles: US 8s, 13 inch straights
Made for: I don't know yet, just wanted to make it
Timeline: it was about a month and a half

this project was totally out of my stash. the yarn, the pattern, and even the button! i am so proud!