knitty bloggy baby bumpers

At it Again

2008-07-15T22:28:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to update on a few baby knits, not for mine but for some very highly anticipated boys that will be joining the world of knitting mamas soon. (Check out the first link for some amazing knit projects from her recent baby shower). I am so excited about being able to knit for others' babies, it feels good to know they will have a little something from our home, a place once full of baby love, now toddler twin love. It also trips me out that I am knitting for toddlers now when I do knit for my own. So true that it goes lightning fast once they come into our lives.

Here is the latest Footie Washcloth.

I am such a huge advocate of this simple fast project. It can be done in a mere hour if you sit, in three even with twins running around, and the pattern choices are endless. I find myself coming back to this as a standby and I think any new mama will appreciate one or a dozen. I know we went through washcloths here at an alarming rate in the early months.

I used a variegated Sugar n Cream yarn and I do like the look though the feet are a bit masked by the color changes. For any new mamas itching to knit, try this one. So fast and rewarding in the end.

These little booties were actually a re-gift but I wanted to link to the pattern for anyone looking for a great bootie pattern.

These actually stay on their feet. I can attest to it. And they require only a smidge of sock yarn so it might use up some of that leftover stuff from your stash (so you can go get more, you know).

The other project that I love so is this little vest. I adapted it from the pattern in Natural Knits (Oz Vest) using the same design but adjusted to fit the yarn. This is from two skeins of Noro Kureyon that stared at me from the stash.

It clicked that the pattern would like lovely with the stripes and the rows of garter. I am sorry the photo shows a work in progress. It is done now and requires another photo shoot. One note about the yarn choice. Due to the way I chose to knit (in the round until armholes) I had to unwind the skein to find 'matching' yarn for the R/L sides of the neck. Came out just fine, but it required both skeins. I plan on posting full mods on my Ravelry, but I do not always get to it. I actually ended up ordering more Kureyon to make two for my twins, because why use stash if you do not replenish it. Arg.

I anticipate lots more baby knits coming. Planning is almost as fun as doing. Happy baby knits to all.

It's a bit quiet in here...

2008-07-13T02:33:00.004-04:00

So I thought I'd add my latest newborn creation - a pair of picky pants with some minor alterations (cables and back pocket)

Blogged here.

It'

2008-07-13T02:33:00.001-04:00

Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap

2008-06-01T23:51:00.005-04:00

Specs:

Pattern: Norwegian Sweet Baby Cap by Gro
Yarn: 28 grams (80 yards) of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport Multi in Devon #407

Purchased: Online at Yarnbow
Needles: US 2 / 2.75 mm & US 2½ / 3.0 mm
Size: 0-3 month size
Timeline: April 12th, 2008 - May 31st, 2008.
(It wasn't my main knitting project during this period,
there is no way it should ever take this long to knit!)
I-cords were done June 1st, 2008.
Modifications: Followed pattern as published.
Opinion: Very cute, not sure I'd knit another one though. We'll see how it fits Mackenzie when he's born, and that will make my decision about ever knitting it again.

Now I just need that baby to come out to wear it! I'm sure it'll fit him right away. It's tiny!

For the I-cord, I didn't feel like knitting it, and wanted to try out one of these Susan Bates Knitty Knobby Spools that I carry in stock. Let me tell you, it's the neatest thing ever!! It doesn't take long at all, and it requires no concentration at all. And the I-cord comes out really neat! Love it! It was the perfect added touch to the Sweet Baby Cap.

I blog here.

Judy's Grandmother's Baby Sweater

2008-05-31T22:09:00.005-04:00

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.

Daisy Cardigan : A Review

2008-05-13T18:36:00.005-04:00

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Mackenzie's Baby Surprise Jacket

2008-05-07T15:59:00.005-04:00

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...

2008-05-07T09:29:00.003-04:00

... 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.

Baby Cardigan #2, Ruffles!

2008-05-03T11:55:00.002-04:00

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!

The Un-Tiramisu Baby Blanket

2008-04-30T17:50:00.004-04:00

I found myself recently in a desperate place - far away from home with no yarn, no needles/hooks, no project. A quick surf through Ravelry and a dash to the nearest Wal-Mart craft aisle yielded the beginnings of this blanket. The pattern is the Tiramisu Baby Blanket. I used about 3.5 skeins of Caron Simply Soft in Soft Yellow and a size H crochet hook. I decided to use my favorite crochet stitch, the half-double crochet, for the body of the blanket rather than the one from the pattern, but I used the edging as written. It's bigger than the pattern suggested, measuring approximately 36" x 36." I seem to be absolutely incapable of creating a petite baby blanket. Oh well, that just means it'll be useful longer, right? I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Candy Frill longies!

2008-04-30T17:22:00.004-04:00

I just love how quick newborn longies are! These were such fun to make, with bright happy wool I dyed myself with a bit of kool aid and a few packets of jelly crystals. When I first dyed the wool I thought it was hideous and shoved it in the back of the cupboard. But I had no time to dye more as the bub had arrived, so out it came and I dipped it in jelly once more (there were a few white patches between colours which I didn't like so I mixed up some blue and pink top make a delightful lavender to fill in the gaps). Then when I cast on, I started loving what I had thought was a dying disaster! These are picky pants, knit in 8ply (so some adjustments were made to the pattern) with the ruffle edge. Blogged here.

Cuddle toy

2008-04-30T12:12:00.005-04:00

I'm on a bit of a toy kick these days. First I made a Big-foot Bunny (from Knitted Toys by Zoe Mellor):

and then one of Oat Couture's Cuddle Toys:

This one is a bit of a mutant ... I embroidered a kitten face, but the ears are more bear-ish. I don't suppose my 7 month old will mind ....

(Big-foot Bunny is Raveled here; the Cuddle Toy here)

Completed Project: Mossy Jacket

2008-04-23T15:38:00.002-04:00

The Mossy Jacket is complete! Here for more details.

I Didn't Make This Sweater

2008-04-10T10:40:00.003-04:00

I didn't actually make this sweater, but I did make the baby. This is our little guy, Henry, born exactly four weeks ago. I've been very busy, hence slow on the posting and on the making anything new myself. The second baby is definitely more laid-back than the first, but juggling the two kids doesn't leave much time for mama stuff. It gets better, right?

Anyway, more Henry love over at my blog.

Baby Legs

2008-03-31T23:16:00.004-04:00

I have bought Baby Legs for my daughter, which are so cute. I figured that it couldn't be too hard to come up with my own design. These are knit using Maizy in the colorway Miami Nice. The stitch pattern is a diagonal rib. She has skinny legs, so I measured her thighs and cast on 60 stitches. I think they turned out pretty cute!

My personal Easter bunny

2008-03-24T17:59:00.002-04:00

yarn: Rowan Cashcotton DK (color #600)
pattern: "Bunny Tails" from Itty Bitty Hats

more pictures on the blog.

oh sorry!

2008-03-17T13:30:00.002-04:00

i totally forgot to post the stats about the baby cradigan below, so here goes:

Stats:

Pattern: Reynolds Utopia #82260, Yoked Cardigan
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft, color: Soft Blue
Needles: US 8s, 13 inch straights
Made for: I don't know yet, just wanted to make it
Timeline: February 21, 2008-March 8, 2008

hope that helps! sorry i forgot to do that earlier. this is great pattern and one i am sure i will revisit again!

by the way...since i am here, let me wish you a Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I am so proud!

2008-03-13T11:23:00.003-04:00

i have been a part of this wonderful group for way over a year now and up until this point i have knit many baby items, but no baby garments...enter my first baby sweater:

i am so stinking excited about it! it isn't just my first baby sweater but my first garment ever! the picture doesn't do the color jsutice. it is a sweet pale blue color and the botton is from the Batrix Potter collection (Mrs. Ribby) and is a kitty. so cute!

at this point in my life i am not having babies and my friends have slowed down so this sweater is homeless. although to be honest i am not sure i am going to be able to give it away. i have a little stash of finished baby things that i have not been able to give away. this may become part of that stash for a very special baby one day!

Vogue!

2008-03-05T07:09:00.002-05:00

The baby and I had a little photo shoot yesterday. She had a lot of fun striking a pose.

pattern: Sweet Baby Cap
yarn: Vesper Sock Yarn "Strange Little Mama"

The New Man in My Life!

2008-02-28T13:23:00.001-05:00

I would like to introduce the newest man in by life.
Ryan Grant Boykin.
Click here for more details.

Rainbow yoga pants

2008-02-26T08:42:00.003-05:00

To celebrate my baby's hips getting well enough for her doctors to allow her to be harness-free during the day I made her a pair of pants using the leftovers from her Tulips sweater:

yarn: Dream in Color "Classy" (main color: Summer Sky)
pattern: my own

The only problem is that I didn't use as much of the leftover yarn as I thought I would .... I have enough for several more pairs of pants!

guess I should introduce myself and some pics.

2008-02-14T02:55:00.003-05:00

Hi
My name is Michelle and when I signed up for this blog, I was knitting baby booties for a friend. Meanwhile I became pregnant and had my 3rd son in December. Here are some pics of Patrick with finished objects. You can see more on the other blog I post on
craftyaction.blogspot.com

or on Ravelry: codename DrStip

'Toasty Topper' Model ...

2008-02-13T14:35:00.003-05:00

More details here

Elefante # 2 Completed

2008-02-11T11:03:00.000-05:00

I have completed my second Elefante. This one is for my sister who wanted it in green. For more information, click here.

Meathead Hat

2008-02-09T13:58:00.000-05:00

Specs:

Pattern: Meathead Hat by Larissa Brown
Yarn: Cascade 109 Bulky #9404 (I had leftovers from another project)

Needles: US 15/ 10.0mm

Timeline: February 6th, 2008 (about 1 hour total including seaming!)

Blogged here.

On Ravelry Here.

What a quick knit. Fits my 13 month old son perfectly. I had a lot of fun making that hat, that I want to make like 10 more. I'm due again with baby number 2 this June, another boy. I definitely want to whip up a bunch more hats!