A little February in May

I posted about this finished project a long time ago, but had to show you some pictures of M actually wearing it. The Elizabeth Zimmerman February Baby Sweater:

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Double Trouble

These have actually been done for awhile but waiting on buttons. The original ones I ordered were too small and I had to order new ones.

I picked this pattern out before I knew the twins' genders so the colors are very gender neutral. 

The project traveled with me to Ireland and all over before I stopped traveling. 

Pattern : Small Things Sweater by Carina Spencer

Yarn: Rowan RYC Cotton Jeans

Needles: Size 8 for body and Size 6 for cuffs

Made for: Baby Girl and Baby Boy H

Size: Newborn

Started: July 1, 2012 and September 1, 2012

Completed: December 30, 2012

I chose to do the Grow With Me cuffs that can be folded over to adjust as they grow.

Overall, I was very happy with this pattern, and I like how the heathered yarn fits the project. It won't be long now before they will be here and wearing some of these knitted items!

You can also glimpse the beautiful cradle my cousin made me in some of these pictures!  We have many talented crafty people in the family.

In the Zone and Even Seasoned Knitters Make Mistakes

I am officially in baby knitting zone. Here is a new project I started. The pattern is Pembroke and it is a vest I am knitting in Knit Picks Comfy. I love the deep blue color and Comfy is so soft!

I think little boys in vests have an irresistible preppy adorable look and therefore it is only fitting that I should make a vest for my son.

I cast on this project after I realized I couldn't begin a Fruit Cap I was planning to match one I already knit for baby girl. I ordered the color yarn I wanted from Webs, but when it arrived I realized instead of Tahki Cotton Classic, I ordered Tahki Cotton Classic Lite which is actually a sport weight and not the DK weight of the contrasting yarn I already had in my stash. Doh! Rookie mistake, but new yarn is now ordered and while I await its arrival I needed a new project, and cast on the vest.

Here is the infamous yarn.  It will go in my stash for another project down the road.

Swaddle Cocoon

A friend of mine pointed me in the direction of this pattern, and it just may become my go-to gift for new babies.  It is quick, easy and beautiful.  And once I have two infants at home, quick and easy is a must if I am to get any gift knitting done at all!

Pattern: Laurel Love Cocoon by Melissa Riley
Needles: Size 13 Circular 40" Needles (I used the Magic Loop Method)
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande
Made for: The Twins (Baby Boy and Baby Girl H)

First Cocoon Started: December 14, 2012
Completed: December 16, 2012

Second Cocoon Started: December 16, 2012
Completed: December 18, 2012

I learned the Magic Loop Method for this project, and while I found the method easy enough, I think I prefer the Two Circular Method of knitting for in the round to Magic Loop.  I did have a little bit of difficulty with laddering/loose stitches at the sides, but I found if I paid close attention I could eliminate this as I was switching sides. I do prefer Magic Loop to the more fiddly double points for small circular projects.

If you are interested in learning Magic Loop, here are two tutorials I found helpful:

1. Knitting Daily
2. Commuter Knitter

I will have to take pictures of the cocoons with babies in them.  I think the effect it lost without proper models to show them off. 

February Baby Sweater

Until recently, I have not blogged in a very long time, mostly because I had not been knitting much at all.  But now that I have twins on the way very soon, I have been on a mission to finish old projects and get some items done for them.  This will be for Baby Girl (We are having a boy and girl).

Pattern: Baby Sweater on Two Needles from Elizabeth Zimmerman's
Knitter's Almanac
Needles: I wrote down US 2.5, but I think I actually used closer to a US 5 but I can't remember for sure.
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport colorway Grass

Started: December 18, 2010  
Completed: December 16, 2012

 I used modifications made by PAKnitWit as described here. Namely:
-Widening the neck hole by Casting on 62 stitches.
-Work 8 rows in garter stitch. 
-Work the first increase round as follows: K7, (M1, K6) 8 times, M1, K7 (71 sts)
-I also Slipped the first stitch of each row for a neater edge and only worked 3 buttonholes, as many other have.

Blocking really gave some shape to this sweater and I am pleased with the results.  And as always I love working with Shine Sport.  It is just so soft and has such a nice drape!

Blue Bonnet

I have knit this pattern many times before, but it is always more fun to make something for your own, soon to arrive, child.

Pattern: Baby Bonnet by Joelle Hoverson from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Made for: Baby Girl
Yarn: Rowan Calmer
Needles: US size 10.5 for cast on, 9 for body and 10 for I-cord
Started:  July 19, 2012
Completed: December 14, 2012

As I was linking the yarn to a Ravelry link, I noticed that Rowan Calmer may have been discontinued which is a shame.  I have used this yarn several times and I love its softness and drape.  I have found it the perfect yarn for this bonnet and also used it for my February Lady Sweater.  I think I may have enough in my stash for one or two more of these bonnets.

There is lots of other blocking and finishing happening this week, so be on the lookout for more posts to come.

Cozy Movie Knits

On Friday, I started a new project.  The pattern is Laurel Love Cocoon and I am using a yummy Alpaca that has been in my stash for awhile.  And who says you can't teach an old knitter new tricks?  I am using Magic Loop, a technique I have never tried before for this project.

This is quick and easy, which is good, as I will be knitting two of them!  These would also make great gifts for friends having babies, without investing a lot of time to an involved project.

On a roll.....

The result of more seaming and finishing....



Pattern: Gavyn by Amanda Blackford
Made for: Baby C
Size: 1 - 2 years
Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Solids; Colorway: Royal Palm
Approximately 0.5 skein (710 yards per skein)
Needles: US Size 9
Started: August 21, 2009
Completed: January 9, 2010

Because this is knit in an Aran/Worsted weight yarn, it is a very quick knit. I actually finished all of the knitting in just a few sittings, but again, it sat waiting for me to seam in the arms from the time I finished knitting in August until now.

The Bernat Cotton Yarn is so soft and I like this earthy green color.

The Gavyn pattern is one of the few sweaters I have found that is truly meant for a baby boy. Most baby sweaters are really meant for baby girls and are too frilly for boys.

I am quite pleased with how it turned out and will probably knit this sweater again as it is enjoyable and easy and looks great!

Seam away

It has become apparent to me that I avoid seaming to the detriment of my unfinished projects. Remember when this was blocking back in August? Yes, August. I just finished seaming it up and sewing the ribbon and buttons on yesterday. It only took me 5 months to get to it.



I finally had to forbid myself to knit anything else until I buckled down and took care of this long overdue task.

And although I really don't like seaming, I love the end result of seaming and love watching the raw seperate pieces turn into a beautiful finished product.

Pattern: Smock Coat by Debbie Bliss from Simply Baby
Size: 12-18 months
Made for: Baby G.
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport; Colorway - Fedora
10 Skeins
Needle: US Size 2 and 4 Addi Turbos
Started: October 12, 2008
Completed: January 9, 2010

Shine Sport is so increadibly soft and I love the end result of this jacket, but the seed stitch was a little tedious at times.