Lollipop Start
Baby sweaters feel like they might becoming a kind of potato chip knitting thing for me -- can't knit just one! My next project for the Z baby is Lollipop from Rowan Classic Mother and Baby. It's a wrap-style top knit with Rowan Classic Cashcotton 4 Ply. It's a sweet and relatively simple pattern, that has a tiny lace floral detail. Unlike Tulip, it's not likely to knit up in a handful of days. This little sweater is knit at 28 stitches/4inches -- not too different from your average sock gauge. So for the first time ever, I am knitting a sweater on US size 2 needles (the pattern suggests that that gauge is possible on US size 3s... I must be becoming a looser knitter... another pregnancy side effect, perhaps?).
I decided to knit this one in the 6-12 month size. It's not a heavyweight sweater, and it should be a nice sort of thing for spring. Having now swatched and started on a sleeve, I find that I like this yarn as much as I like the DK weight Cashcotton. It has a nice hand and drape and is definitely soft enough to be worn by a baby.
The Mother and Baby book is also a very nice book in Rowan's Classic collection. There are likely a couple of projects that will end up in the Z's dresser drawers as she grows, and I have yarn on the way for a little project for myself as well. Lest you assume that this one is all about maternity sweaters, it's really not. There are a number of garments that are clearly meant for after the bambino arrives. So if you get a chance, this book is worth taking a look at. Assuming I have time to knit after Z shows up, there will be some more ordering of yarn for a second project for me out of this book as well.
So cute! It is like a chip - once you pop, you just can't stop!
Wow! Fantastic and feminine selections! I especially like the second one (in pink).
Careful with the tiny knitting, it's gorgeous but some of us have a tendency to temporary carpal tunnel during pregnancy, do your stretching & alternate with less strenuous (that's spelt wrong) knitting.
that wee sweater is achingly cute.
That's beautiful! 6-12 is the perfect size to knit for as that is the age they begin to sleep less (giving you less time). At least that is how it worked for me!
Tres cute! Like the mumsy sweaters too.
Blessings!
I like how the first sweater you've chosen, while for during pregnancy will be great at any time afterwards. :)
The tension thing very well may be pregnancy related. I was one of those poor souls who ended up with carpal tunnel at the end of my pregnancy, and it really mucked with my knitting. I couldn't manage a stitch without my braces, and with them it was slow going. :(
Our bodies do all sorts of strange things when babies are involved, chances are it's just all the hormones and such mucking about with your hands. Chances are, you'll be knitting cute little sweaters right up till she's born. And cute doesn't even begin to do justice to what you've made so far!
Ooh, I love that color! That's going to be a fantastic sweater. I love little baby knits!
What a darling baby sweater! And the mama one is lovely too. I don't have babies to knit for, but I may need to check out that book anyway.
Hi Theresa - I've replied a couple of times to your email to arrange payment for the stash yarn, but my email seems to be going awry. Can you email me please? Thanks! lrlowrance at ameritech dot net.
Adorable, and the mom sweaters look very practical as well as beautiful! As far as gauge -- this year I have found my tension to be tight, when I've been knitting loose for 19 years. Who knows why we do what we do.
Hee Hee - adding "loose tension whilst knitting" to pregnancy side-effects!
That looks like it will be lovely! Maybe you should start perfecting your one-handed knitting. Or get one of those nursing donuts, sit with a 10 pound bag of flour at your breast, and try knitting... I remember reading a LOT when ds was very tiny. Lots of nursing, onehanded reading (I didn't knit then, so sad), oprah watching, and dual couch napping. Sweet, but exhausting, time! OH! Maybe you can try wearing the bag in a sling or baby carrier and walk around and knit. The babies really like motion! Check out Randi's mei tai, http://in-my-mothers-name.blogspot.com/
Hmmmmm I could be all wrong here, but aren't you due in Aug? Sept?..... 6 - 12 month size just might be a tad bit small for a, more later than early, Chicago spring. Obviously it depends on how big Ms Z is at birth and how quickly she grows, but from my experience, my kids were never on the mark when it came to age sized clothing. Of course there has to be an industry standard but given the average birth....? I'm betting Ms. Z will be bigger than "average", her mother is healthy strong woman. Perhaps you ought to consider what your birth weight and that of the Mr. was, but then again, that won't prove much either. lol
Dressing babies is an interesting endeavor. Just make sure come Jan. you pull out this spring sweater and see if it fits! What she swims in one week can fit like a glove the next. Ahhhh the memories of baby growth spurts!