I’m now about 8 months into my second year of knitting and its official: I want to knit clothing for myself that is not hats or scarves. So, in order to build my skills and confidence, I decided that knitting a perfectly adorable sweater for a friend’s baby would provide the confidence and skills to move into larger clothes. I found the patter in the book, One More Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit by Leigh Radford. It has a variety of quick projects to knit for many purposes, including winter warmth (hats, gloves); accessories (purses, jewelry); baby clothes (sweaters, poncho, pants); household items (placemats, kitty toys, felt vases, etc).
The sweater went well. As with most knit projects, I get to a point where I either have to improvise by adding a stich, or I have to rip out the stitches and re-do. Unfortunately, I tear out knitted stitches far more frequently than I would like—this project was no different. I was relieved to overhear at the knitting store the other day that other ladies—even the owner of the store—get absent-minded with knitting, as well.
Here is a picture of the baby in the sweater—everyone, meet baby Vanek. I have not met him in person, since I reside in California and he is happily sleeping his days away in Minnesota.
The sweater pattern is called “Nash’s Garter-Stitch Baby Sweater”. The whole thing is in garter stitch. You can’t go wrong with knitting every row—easy-peasy! I found the pattern easy to follow—although I ran into some problems with the tab that has a space for the other tab to pass through for buttoning (see close-up below). I found some adorable buttons that were perfect—with the markings of stitching on top (check out the photo below). As far as skill building for future knit projects, this was the perfect project to practice piecing on.
So I must thank baby Vanek for giving me an excuse to make a baby sweater, and for making this sweater project a reality. Good thing this little sweater will get plenty of use in Minnesota!
Great job! I’m too scared to attempt clothing, especially having to worry about guage for a particular size. And shaping, and sewing, and working on the same piece for ages…
just sharing. I think this might appeal to you, seeing your knitting
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8d_8fM6PQc
Mr. Jacobinovich, I am intrigued to hear how you made the connection between Johnny Cash, knitting and me. Please do share. That might just blow the lid off my whole existence. I am a big fan of Johnny Cash’s all covers album—Good stuff.
Loved it. thanks. – from the hatgal