Pattern: Crossover Jacket
Size 0-3 months
Source: Debbie Bliss Simply Baby Pattern Book
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto Aran
Colours: Silver Grey (#09) and Denim (#205)
Needles: 5mm Aero Straights
Modifications: Contrast Sleeve Colour, Addition of Button Closures
Start: January 4 Finish: January 7, 2010
I finished knitting this little cardi a while ago when I heard our neighbours baby had been born prematurely. Recently he came home from hospital after a 2.5 month stay so I think now is a good time to take a little gift over. He is their third child in 6 years and as I watch them slog between car and front door with the older kids leaping around them and that hateful "bucket" style car seat banging their legs, I see their dedication and exhaustion.
Its my third time working this pattern - the last occasion I made the two shown above for a set of fraternal twins.
The pattern, knit in Aran Cashmerino is very quick and easy - the reason I chose it for the twins the first time around. There is no shaping except the sleeve increases. The neck opening requires no collar and has a straight bound off edge.
It is the remnant of the ball of blue from that first run at the pattern that I used to trim this most recent version. I also added a full sleeve in the contrast colour to give it an asymmetrical look. (And cut the cost of making the sweater by 30% while using up yarn in the stash - bonus!)
That got me rethinking the closure. On the first two sweaters I used the stipulated leather thong tie but I was knitting a larger size for larger, older, squirmier babies and thought the bow would be quick and easy. This time, for a very wee infant I decided to go with buttons to close off more of the front and so make it warmer. I already had a button hole at the top edge of the left front but using the contrast colour added two crochet "eyes" ( 6 single crochet loops starting through one stitch at the front edge and then finishing through its immediate neighbour and tied off.) to catch two additional buttons.
That sweater is SO cute! I can't wait to have a grandbaby to knit for.
ReplyDeleteI really like how that sweater came out. The different colored sleeves add a lot, and I think the fastening looks very practical - and pretty too.
ReplyDeleteso cute! I love the assymetrical sleeve - adds a lovely designer touch. I have no babies to knit for - we're at that weird stage - all teens and such, no weddings or kids on the horizon.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure they will be so touched that you made the effort to make a handknit for their baby.
ReplyDeleteIt's so sweet.
It's cute! I like how each of their children will have the same sweater but each one is just a little different. The knitted buttons look cute, soft and baby safe. And, I like the contrasting colors on each one of them.
ReplyDeleteAw, I love the different coloured sleeves. Looks like a pattern I should take a look at. 3 friends are expecting .... lots to knit ....
ReplyDelete