For Sebastian
Hood goes down
Hood goes up
Pattern: Modified stupid Sirdar baby pattern
Gauge: 19 sts/4"
Needles: 4mm (US 6)
Yarn: One strand each of Sirdar Country Style Dk and Knitpicks Essential Sock Yarn
I started knitting on Feb. 7 and finished sewing the buttons on today, Feb. 25. I hated the pattern, hated the look of the fabric at the correct gauge with the DK yarn alone, so I decided to add the sock yarn. I knit the newborn size to achieve the measurements for the 6-12 months size, which worked out well. What I really should have done was use the pattern for measurements and design one myself since I changed it a lot anyway and I would have liked it better with less seams and fewer ends to weave in.
For example, the pattern had you knit the button band separate from the ribbing around the hood, and I followed that when I should have just saved all the ribbing for the end and done it at the same time. As it was I had to seam the button band to the hood ribbing, which is dumb. The instructions for the hood shaping were also dumb...they wanted you to shape it like an inverted T and then seam it together in two places. I left it for last and then improvised some shaping which included short rows, double decreases and grafting it together at the top. No seams, comfy hood. The shoulders were bound off in steps so I ignored that and used short-rows to shape and 3-needle bind-off to join.
I also changed the design on the yoke. the entire sweater from underarm to shoulder was supposed to be seed stitch, but when I knit it that way I hated the way the fabric widened and stretched too easily. I could have reknit it with a smaller needle to compensate, but I decided I'd just come up with a little stripe instead, which I like better.
I'm really happy with the finished product. I do wish I had thought more about the pattern's construction of the sweater before I started knitting. If I had, I would have instead knit it in one piece, back and forth, to avoid side seams. I also would have picked up around the armscye and knit down for the sleeves to minimize bulk. Even so, I love the finished cardigan and I'm very happy with my finishing. The buttons are from Peace Fleece, extras I ordered when I made my Everyday Cardigan a couple of years ago. They turned out to be perfect for this.
Previous: Waiting for Naptime
Next: Socktopussy
Comments
Wow Maggie, it's beautiful! Congrats on a great job!
chelle · Feb 25 · 7:03 PM
That sebastian is one lucky baby dude!
sandra · Feb 26 · 11:53 AM
Oh My God!!! It is WAY too cute. I love it. You are such a knitting Jedi. I can't wait to see how cutetastic he is going to look in that. We must visit soon. Hugs in advance for your beautiful gift.
littlestar · Feb 26 · 10:52 PM
Very very cute cardi! And gah, how I hate stupid patterns.
Theresa · Feb 27 · 6:57 AM
It's beautiful. Lucky little guy!
freakgirl · Feb 27 · 9:51 AM
Beautiful work, as usual. Welcome baby!
Janet · Feb 27 · 9:20 PM
Oh my God, this is beautiful! Be very proud of yourself - this is just so gorgeous! Well done, Ms Maggie
Rona · Mar 7 · 11:05 AM