UFO progress

I've been making some progress in actually finishing some knits recently. The stash of baby gift knitting has been growing.

 

 This doesn't mean that I have cleared the entire mess of unfinished objects from the work basket though. Still plenty of ends to weave in & last little bits of sewing to finish...

Better get a move on; these babies are being born whether or not my knits are finished!

Sewing for small people

 

I've been sewing some bits for a certain small human; I've made two slings from instructions based on this tutorial by Jan Andrea. The first sling was made using blue & lime green cotton fabrics from Murphy Sheehy. I was reluctant to entrust a child's safety to one measly layer of fabric, so used a thin lining with thicker cotton fabric. As a result, the pleats were very thick & my sewing just a bit messy. I also suspect that I cut the fabric a bit wider than the recommended 30''.

My second attempt, on the right, is sewn in grey & blue finer weight cottons. As the fabric is lighter, there was not as much bulk to sew through at the pleats. I'm happy with my attempts to sew some practical items, but am still waiting for the little one to arrive, so have yet to test these out. It is my intention to use these slings while pottering about the house etc, as little ones like to be held, and I like to have my hands free to do stuff!

I've also been working on my first attempt at a patchwork quilt; cot-sized. I was a bit overwhelmed by proper instructions & patterns in quilting instruction books, & decided to just jump in & sew. As a result, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing or planned quilt, but I am satisfied with this as a first attempt at patchwork. I used various cottons in aqua greens & blues collected over the last few years, & arranged square-ish shapes in offset rows, a bit like a brick wall. My sewing is not properly squared, and my assembly of the wadding & backing layers is far from perfect, but I don't think a small human will really mind too much.

I do intend to attempt more patchwork quilting, but will actually follow instructions & a plan next time, instead of making it up as I go along! 

Nesting

I'm anticipating a new arrival, and seem to think that the only way to prepare for this small human is to knit all the things. I would usually stick to 6 months plus when knitting for other people's babies, as they grow so quickly, but have made a few cardigans intended to be suitable up to about 3 months for my own.

Pattern; Linnie by Justyna Lorkowska

Yarn; main colour - Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

contrast colour; Schoppel Wolle Zauberball, plied before use

Buttons; from Hickeys Fabrics

Modifications; I cast on using the MC before changing to the contrast; I increased by an extra 8 stitches before separating for sleeves. Instead of making the button holes as part of the main garment, I knit on button bands afterwards. I did not use the contrast colour at the cuffs or end of cardigan as written in the pattern.

Pattern; Tomten by Elizabeth Zimmerman

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino

Buttons; from Hickeys Fabrics

Modifications; I knit this in 'sport' weight tension rather than the DK weight tension recommended in the pattern, with the aim of making a garment suitable for approx 3 month old size. I added extra length to the hood, by knitting an extra 8 garter ridges. I picked up & knit stitches all around the edges & knit for 2 garter ridges in the main yarn; then one garter ridge in the contrast colour, and then finished the garment with icord bind off & icord button holes.

Pattern; Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman
Yarn; Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino
Buttons; from stash
Modifications; I added an icord edging around the neck & front of the cardigan

Decisions, decisions...

 I do love my button jar, but sometimes find that it leads to having to make tough decisions.

After much deliberation, may I present some new finished objects - a range of baby cardigans.

 Pattern; Demne, by Annie Cholewa

Size - newborn (with room to spare)

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Rialto DK - I used just a fraction under 2 balls.

Buttons - from the stash. Probably from Hickey's from a while ago.

This pattern has you provisionally cast on many times, just to use some special cast off. I didn't bother with the cast off, but unfortunately, didn't read ahead, so ended up otherwise knitting as directed. It seems unnecessarily complicated, though I have yet to sit down & figure out the sensible way of knitting this. I'm happy with the finished garment but will likely avoid the pattern in future.

Pattern; Beyond Puerperium by Kelly Brooker

Size 3 - 6 months

Yarn; Hedgehog Fibres sock in Hunter

Buttons - from the stash. Probably from Studio 54 in Blackrock.

I've knit this pattern several times already. It's a simple pattern, but the assymmetry is just a bit different enough that I think every knitworthy child should have one. The fact that it is written in a variety of yarn weights adds to the appeal. As per previous projects using this pattern, I omitted the button band stitches while knitting the body of the cardigan, & picked up & knit the button bands later; this time in the form of garter stitch ridges.

Pattern; Garter Yoke Baby Cardi by Jennifer Hoel

Size; the pattern is written for 6 - 12 months, and in DK weight tension (22 st / inch). I knit it as written, but in an aran weight yarn. I'd estimate the size at 9 - 12 months

Yarn; Rico Design Essentials Soft Merino Aran

Buttons; another lot in the stash; from Studio 54 in Blackrock

I quite enjoyed knitting this & am satisfied with the end result. The pattern gives a few options for the button bands. I knit 3 garter stitch ridges & then used an iCord bind off (incorporating button holes in the icord).

Of course, all these new cardigans, started & finished since the end of January do mean that I have been neglecting pre-existing works in progress. Time to lash into the WIP basket & get some projects finished!

Repetition

In spite of my of-late befuddled brain, I've managed to finish some baby knits. These have already made their way to the recipient. 

Pattern; Offset Wraplan, with some modifications to the stitch distribution in the front & back of the garment. 

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Rialto DK. 

Buttons; I may have picked these up in Hickey's on Henry St - my memory fails me.

Pattern; Devil's Cap - Purl Free finished off with a knotted i-cord. 

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Rialto DK

True to my recent form, I wasn't bothered putting any thought or preparation into recent knits, and so just kept working on more of the same - though these remain unfinished.  It won't go to waste though - I already know of 4 babies due next year!!

Languishing

At the moment, my home is a bit of a disorganised mess, and I've recently been going on about my good intentions to tidy it & clear out unwanted & unnecessary stuff.
In the midst of all that mess, I've rediscovered a couple of knitting projects that are so very nearly finished.
Small knitted things, that just need a bit of sewing.
Things.... for babies.
As though I didn't knit enough baby things last year, in evidence here, here, here & here....
Yep. That's right. While I was busy making things for babies last year, other people were off making more babies. And in the last couple of weeks those babies have been arriving!  So I really should get out the needles & the buttons & finish these off..

 

However, I have been distracted by other knitting, lovely other knitting involving steeks *...

 ... and cables. 

*yes, that is a sample knit for Kate Davies' new Blaithin Junior pattern. (the sooner I figure out how to insert fadas on a Mac laptop the better). I thoroughly enjoyed knitting up the pattern. I really admire Kate's designs - the thought & inspiration behind them, and the fact that I learn new techniques while knitting them. Plus, they're pretty! Also, steeking = not that scarey anymore, and learning is fun!

Finished Objects - baby stuff.

The last baby stuff for this year!!! I specify this year because there are already two babies due next year in my 'to-knit-for' list. I have been knitting most of these over the last few months but couldn't post until the gifts had been given.

 Pattern; Lil devil baby hat by Kitty Schmidt
Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK
This is the second time I have knit this pattern. It seems highly appropriate for baby girls with rocker parents; cute and a little bit mischievous.

Pattern; Tomten by Elizabeth Zimmerman

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK

Needles; 4mm

Buttons from the Trim Wool Shop

I've added an applied icord edging in contrast colour & icord button loops. I really should have measured this before giving it over to the wee child. It's a bit roomy on the wee 15 month old in my life; she is currently wearing 9 − 12 months sized commercial clothes. She's also quite slim for a little toddler. It should keep her snug in the cold winter. Because of the garter stitch it will stretch to fit her as she grows.

 Pattern; Baby sweater on two needles by Elizabeth Zimmerman
Yarn; Cashmerino DK
Needles; 4mm
Buttons from Studio 54 in Blackrock
This will accompany the little pink baby devil hat, even though they are completely mismatched.

 Pattern; Devils Cap (purl free) by Irene Birk
Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK in 2 colours
Needles; 3.5 mm
This is more of a formula than an exact pattern; a little bit of sums based on your tension & head size.
I made this in a 1 − 2 years size at a tension of 22 st per 10 cm. I thought this looked very big for my favourite little toddler but it's just a little roomy - perfect for some growing room. She still won't leave it on her head, but at least it can be tied on when the weather turns cold!

Pattern; Offset Wraplan by Sara Morris
Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK
Needles; 3.5 mm
Buttons from Studio 54 in Blackrock - I love these buttons; they look like wee smarties
Hat; made-up

This was my second time to knit this wraplan pattern; this time I separated the 2 fronts & back sections to allow for equal numbers of stitches in the front & back of the garment. I still think the garment looks rather short compared to its with so will probably make this again, longer.

That's it; no more newborn baby knits this year. I think I've knit for 9 babies this year. I may have lost track slightly. And I have already decided that there will be no knitted gifts for C******** (I refuse to type that whole word before December 1st). For now, I knit, spin & sew whatever I feel like, with no deadlines!

Baby Boom continues...

I've been churning out the baby knits. 

First, a hat & cardigan set for a little boy due in November;

Cardigan Pattern; Sweet Bunting by Laura Chau

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK

Hat Pattern; made-up.

Buttons; from Studio 54 in Blackrock

For the cardigan I (obviously) ignored the wee colour pattern. I just wanted a relatively seamless cardigan for an infant. 

I knit a wee hat to match with some of the leftover yarn. It's made from a mixture of previous patterns. I'm usually one for knitting in the round where possible, & avoiding seams. However, I don't like the appearance of coloured stripes when knit in the round.

Yarn; DK weight

needles 4 mm ( I used 3.5 mm for my loose tension)

Tension; 22 st / 10cm

Cast on 74 stitches (2 stitches for seaming); knit flat; knit 2 x 2 rib for 2 - 3 centimetres.

Then knit in striping stocking stitch for 10 centimetres.

Decreases; Row 1 (RS)Knit 1 *knit 7, k2tog* (across row) knit 1

Row 2 and all WS rows; purl

Row 3 Knit 1 *knit 6, k2tog* across row, knit 1

Continue in this way, keeping first and last stitches as seam stitches, until you decrease to 6 stitches. 

Bind off first & last stitches over the next round; knit last 4 stitches in icord until long enough to tie a wee knot.

Sew seam using mattress / ladder stitch.

I may or may not have had to fudge those last couple of decrease rounds. I intend to knit a few more of these, to use up partial balls of DK weight yarn.

This baby boy already has a 3 year old sister who loves hats & the colour purple, so I decided she deserved a gift too.

Pattern; Capucine by Adela Illichmanova (Ravelry Link)

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran

Needle; 4.5 mm circulars.

Buttons; from stash. Heart buttons from A Rubanesque, Crayola button from a previous Knitting & Stitching show

Some of the pattern directions were a little.. vague. Tension, for example. Anyway, this makes a very cute wee hat. I'm a slightly loose knitter, so most others may need to knit using 5 mm needles to get a similar size. I only moved on to the second ball of yarn for the last couple of decrease rows & the tassles. I used sewing thread for the buttons to ensure they were secure. 

Then I decided the other half's niece (now 15 months old) deserved a knit too; using aran-weight leftovers. 

Pattern; Scrap-Happy Celebration Hat by Cosette Cornelius-Bates

 Yarn; leftovers of Debbie Bliss Aran weight yarns

Needles; 4mm

When knit according to the pattern (CO 96 stitches) this was big enough to fit over my abnormally large head; I started with 80 stitches, changed colour when the colour ran out & then fudged the decreases. I also should have added under-the chin ties because 15 month olds are not known for leaving hats on their heads. 

Baby Boom; finished knits

I've recently finished & given some knitted gifts for the bumps-in-progress, so I can now show freely show off my knitting without spoiling surprises!


Bitty Cabled Cardigan by Heather Cabanas 
Yarn; Louisa Harding Kashmir DK

This is a dotey wee cardigan & it knit up in a flash. I knit the largest size (intended for a newborn) & it seems tiny. I would normally knit at least 3 − 6 months for babies, but the mother-to-be really liked this one.
It'll hopefully fit the child long enough for a photo!

Rib-Knit baby hat by Jennifer Sauselein 
Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran

A very simple pattern; knit a tube of ribbing & then bind it closed at the top & adorn with button/toggle/beads of your choice. It's very stretchy so I think it will last the wee ones for a while as they grow. I used just under a ball for each hat so it's be a great way of using up those odd balls of aran weight yarn.

 Daisy by Stephanie Pearl McPhee
Yarn; (grey cardigan on left) Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran
(blue cardigan below) Debbie Bliss Rialto DK

I've now knit this pattern 4 times; enough!! For these two cardigans, I sewed the sleeves & body together before knitting on the collar. My recently learned mattress stitch skills meant the original knit-on collar would not sit right. 


The baby knitting continues, & the bumps continue to grow.

Finished knits; the baby boom!

The babies have started to arrive, so I've been rushing to finish some baby knits.

First FO; Owlet by Kate Davies

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran; this was the 6 month size.

Second FO; a log cabin blanket. There are several blanket patterns available online, so I knit a variation of the theme, starting with 10 stitches & increasing by 10 stitches for every section. I knit this using 3 shades of Sirdar Snuggly DK & finished with a crochet edging.

Of course, my family pointed out that my choice of safe gender-neutral colours are also the Kerry County colours. And this new baby is in Cork. So I had to knit something red.

Hello Baby Hat by Susan B Anderson

Yarn; Debbie Bliss Cashmerino aran.

I decided against making the wee fruit topper as per the pattern.

This will go in the post later in the week. I am assured that new mam & baby boy are doing well, & the new auntie (my bestest friend in the whole world) is looking forward to conversations about art & politics in a few years.