11 January 2011

for {someone else's} baby and for you!



In case you thought I'd had enough of knitting for children, think again.  Some good friends of ours are expecting a little one at the end of next month and I was so excited to try out a couple of new patterns for him.  Earlier in the fall, I was lucky enough to receive a copy of More Last Minute Knitted Gifts, the new book from Joelle Hoverson, from the very kind folks at STC Craft.  As with her previous books, it's beautiful and filled with a really lovely variety of projects ranging from bookmarks and coffee cozies to adult socks and sweaters.  This book, also like her previous ones, is arranged by the time it will take to complete the projects, and I must say that I've found these time frames to be quite accurate.  I've already bookmarked a whole bunch of patterns that I want to make, and aside from the patterns below, I've already started on the Toe Up Socks, which I hope to have finished sometime before I die, on account of those size 0 needles...

Since I found out that our friends were expecting, I had planned to make something (obviously), but of course had been putting it off.  When we got the invitation in mid-December for a shower in early January, I panicked.  Not enough time to make something! Oh how wrong I was, I had a whole book of last minute gifts to choose from! For this new little one, I picked out the Baby Socks and the Easy Baby Cardigan.  I started with the socks so that I'd have something to bring to the shower in case I didn't finish the sweater in time, but it all came together, and with time to spare!  These little socks were such a dream to knit.  They are insanely adorable, simple, and so satisfying to knit since they're finished so quickly.  I used the incredibly soft Sandnes Garn Alpakka and made 0-6 month and 6-9 month sizes, so his little feets can stay warm and cozy for a long time. {more info on ravelry, here}
  

For the sweater, I unintentionally used bulky yarn instead of worsted, but I adjusted the pattern a bit and it all ended up working out just fine.  The good thing about babywear is that it doesn't really matter if it doesn't fit perfectly, and if it's too big, even better!  I chose O-Wool Legacy Bulky and it was really nice to work with.  I had used O-Wool once before, when making my February Lady Sweater and I was really annoyed with all the "bits" that were stuck in the yarn, so I was hesitant to try it again (I'm actually still picking "bits" out of my sweater after two years of wearing it!).  Maybe the yarns have improved, because I didn't encounter any of that this time.  I was a little worried about how this sweater would come together since it's all knit in one piece, and then you fold it in half and sew up the side and sleeve seams on each side.  But hey, it worked! And they seriously loved it, can't wait to see the little guy in all his handknits! {more info on ravelry, here}

And finally, the part that's for you...I mentioned that STC Craft was kind enough to send me a copy of this book last fall, but they actually sent me two copies so I could share one with a lucky reader!  So for all of you who are finally recovering from the holiday gift making and need some last minute ideas, just leave a comment here by midnight on Sunday and I'll announce the winner next Monday.  Happy knitting!

12 comments:

  1. I was coveting those books already! Thanks for sharing, Julia.

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  2. oh, goodness. those little socks are beyond adorable.

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  3. so adorable! i've picked up that book at least a few times and almost bought it. looks like it has a lot of fabulous projects!

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  4. Oh how cute! I just started knitting. (It's the third time I've tried to pick it up and it's finally stuck. I'm a crocheter at heart.) I've seen a bunch of those patterns around the internet lately. Too cute! I'll have to get it out of library and try something harder than a scarf!

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  5. I have the book so don't enter me in the drawing, but I just had to comment! I love how your sweater and socks turned out, what a lucky baby. I just finished that sweater last night and it's blocking right now. I can't wait to seam it together and see if it actually fits my girl!

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  6. Love the colors you chose for the socks and the little cardigan looks adorable! I really need to try making socks. I'm a little scared of them.

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  7. Love the socks. I've drooled over the new book, but don't own it.

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  8. hi julia!
    i can't pass a good giveaway... it's just not in me to do so!
    so glad you're knitting a lot and often! really, isn't it the best thing to do when it's below freezing outside?!
    hope you are well!

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  9. I have been so inspired by your knitting this last year, that I have quietly decided this will be my year to learn. The book might help speed up the process :)

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  10. these are so precious, julia! i loved the last book-- this one looks fantastic too.

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  11. Those are so cute! I am still a beginner knitter, but small little projects seem to make it easier to learn!

    hhenna at yahoo dot com

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