Is the new year still new? I hope so. I meant to blog but life got busy, in a good way. Too much to do, too little time to knit, very little time to blog. 2012 is here and we had a blast ushering it with the help of the baby who enjoyed nothing more than presiding, from her high chair or from our laps, at the dinner table.
In addition to the holidays, we had a twin-21st birthday to celebrate, so that by now I have practically drowned under the weight of the Great Landmark Events of 2011 and I am starting this blank new year with (relative) serenity and delight in the return to bland and predictable January. Even the bittersweetness of a semi-empty house feels pleasant, especially with the return of Downton Abbey to soften the blow.
When last I blogged, I had wrapped up a gift scarf (which was much appreciated and soon put to good use, thank you very much) and I was quickly finishing a simple baby project. Using Sweater Wizard software, I knitted a simple hooded jacket in seed stitch. The body was knitted in one piece to the armholes. Sleeves were picked up at the armscye and knitted down, in the round, with extra length at the cuff just in case.
Coincidentally, as I was getting started on this sweater, TECHknitting , that most excellent blog, featured a post on increasing and decreasing in seed stitch. I used the method recommended for sleeve decreases. I liked the look of a stockinette "seam" which added a nice texture and made it easier to stay in pattern (unfortunately, I forgot to take a photograph before the hoodie was given away).
Confession time: this project didn't turn out too well. I messed up. See how the bottom edges are curling even though seed stitch ought to lie perfectly flat? That is because, when I picked up stitches all around the sides and hood for an attached i-cord edging, I didn't pick up the same number of stitches on the second side. I must have picked up 10 fewer stitches or so, thereby pulling that side in, to the point where it is over 1" shorter than the other one.
I could have frogged and fixed things, but by then, I was tired of the project, tired of the yarn, and just not that willing to take extra steps. This was meant to be a quickie convenient jacket, not a heirloom, by a long shot. I decided it would have to work as is, a convenient, easy-care jacket to reach for, and nothing more. It isn't easy for me to let go of my perfectionist streak, but in this case, I was done, and eager to return to nicer fibers too.
The yarn I used is Plymouth Encore Worsted. I like it a lot, it feels soft enough yet not limp and it improves with laundering. I have made good blankets out of it. Here I think it is not quite right for a baby garment. I am happier with the baby sweaters that I have knitted in fingering or dk weight, up to a light worsted weight. They hang better on the shoulders and don't envelop the baby in excessive bulk. I have a good amount of Encore in my stash and now I know it is meant to be turned into more blankets, period.
Fortunately, this coin has a flip side too: there are a few things I am happy about.
1. The Elf-like hood. Inspired by Technitter, I knitted the hood in seed stitch, keeping a center line in stockinette, and increasing every 6th row by one stitch on each side of the center line. I liked the visual effect and decided to extend it when it came to "seam" the hood. I did a 3-needle bind-off with the two wrong sides of the hood together, so that the stockinette ridge would be visible on the outside.
Ok, I may have gotten carried away with the wide Elf-like hood concept, but Lola seemed to enjoy it -- at least for that one minute, while her aunt Celeste entertained her. In my confessional spirit, I must disclose that she burst into furious tears approximately two minutes into our tentative photo shoot.
2. The buttons. I found them in my button box. I don't remember how they got there, but I like them a lot here. Nice shape, convenient to use with an i-cord buttonhole, not too babyish or girly, just right, and best of all, I didn't have to go to a store to find them.
"Keep your handknits and give me back my Baby Gap hoodie!"
She is gorgeous!! Isn't this Nana - business just the best!
Posted by: CCK | January 10, 2012 at 06:42 AM
Oh, what a great post. I'm thinking the pink hoodie scars aren't scars, really, but mere idiosyncrasies, for which those buttons more than compensate. And besides, when Lola is wearing the hoodie, the only thing people will notice is her beauty...!
Posted by: Sylvia | January 10, 2012 at 03:19 PM
Your little hoodie turned out darling, I love the hood and seed stitch pattern, plus your tiny cutie-pie looks adorable wearing it!
Posted by: TwirlyCurlyBird | January 11, 2012 at 06:27 AM
Knitting for one must be a breeze for you, compared with knitting for two. On the other hand, Lola, lucky girl, may be getting twice as many handknits!
Posted by: Ann | January 11, 2012 at 08:25 PM
I wish I could knit that! It looks amazing and on the baby, even more so. Congrats on great finish
Posted by: kathy b | January 18, 2012 at 08:35 AM