In an effort to keep the number of projects I have going under control, I'm trying not to start anything new until after I've finished something on my active list of current projects. Since I just finished the Diamond Fantasy Shawl, I get to get started on another project: the Circles Stroller Jacket from Itty Bitty Nursery by Susan B. Anderson.
Itty Bitty Nursery is one of those books that takes simple concepts and makes them inspirational -- at least for me. There are several projects that I wish I could just dive right into. I decided to start with this one because it seemed like the sort of thing that Ms. Z might get a lot of wear out of. I'm making it in the 12-18 month size, but it measures to be not that different from the 6 month size embroidered denim jacket that I bought for her from Baby Gap -- the main difference is the length in the body. Z's actually quite a long baby for her age. At her 4 month check up the pediatrician told us she is currently in the 85th percentile for height. So it's my hope that this jacket will work for us this spring and into the fall -- assuming I can get it finished in the next couple of months.
The yarn that the project calls for is Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton. I am currently ignoring the impracticality of using almost white yarn for a baby jacket because I love the look of the cream colored jacket with the soft taupe crocheted circles. And because I love the yarn. I don't think I've really ever knit with 100% cotton yarn before, and this yarn is really a treat. It's soft and quite lofty and I think it will be just lovely against Z's skin. Clearly we'll just have to avoid bright colored food when she's wearing it. But at least it will be washable.
I'm beginning to understand why a lot of knitters who become moms knit baby items -- right now anything larger seems like an impossible goal, and surrounding my daughter in soft handmade things has become irresistable.
That yarn will ruin you for other cotton forever. There is nothing else like it.
That looks like a beautiful pattern - please show us lots of progress pics!
Beautiful!
Blue Sky Organic Cotton is really nice to knit with. I used it for a baby blanket since it was so nice and soft to the touch. :)
I will have to try that cotton! I am enjoying knitting little things for my nephews, baby hats and things go so quickly and are a nice break from the bigger projects. Z will be quite the well dressed young lady I'm sure.
I'm not a mom and I LOVE knitting baby stuff. It is cute, small and gives instant gratification.
one word to ease your mind about baby stains -- oxyclean! An overnight sock will get out just about anything (as long as you don't wash and dry the item first).
I wanted to comment on your last entry. Z looked totally angelic in her gorgeous gown! Put her atop a Christmas tree!
But why are you starting cereal before 6 months? She doesn't need it, and many doctors are now recommending not giving rice cereal at all as it's pretty much junk food. This is something that has changed in the past couple years, it used to be you 'had' to start solids at 4 months, then it was 4-6 months, and now it's nothing before 6 months, at which point you can actually start off with real food like avocado, banana, potatoes, etc. It's a lot less messy and cheaper to wait till they can eat real food :)
Wow........... I'm late at the congratulations stage - I've been away from the regular blog reading so long - too long to watch the story of you having a little one unfold. 2 kids, work and my etsy shop have taken all my spare time away from me.
That stroller jacket is gorgeous.
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