Pattern: EZ's Adult Surprise Sweater, Modified for Small Person
Yarn: 2-ply "Cotton Candy" Corriedale (CMF) Handspun
Once I got it all cast on, this project really seemed to fly by. At times I found myself doubting that this would fold the way it was supposed to, but clearly EZ can be trusted not to lead a knitter astray. Even though things strictly in garter stitch tend to get boring for me, I never found myself tiring of this project. Maybe it was the handspun, maybe it was the construction. Maybe it was getting to see it on the intended recipient.
Speaking of handspun, even though the runs of color in this yarn were not long enough to really create any pronounced striping effects, I do think this project was a really lovely use of this yarn. It avoids the pooling and wierd color effects and the changing colors instead create depth in the garrment and help to emphasize the ridgy texture of garter stitch.
While I've knit socks and scarves from my handspun, this is the first full on (albeit small) sweater that I've ever knit from it. Every time I knit with my own handspun, I find the whole knitting process to be richer. I enjoy touching the yarn more, watching the color. And, if I do say so myself, even though I am a novice as far as spinning goes, I still think my yarns are better constructed that most commercial yarns I buy. And that gives me some extra pride as I turn it into something.
This yarn was just a little stiffer than most I've plied, making it perfect (I think) for stretchy loosey goosey garterstitch when it comes to helping the sweater keep its structure. I think the fit is reasonable on Ms. Baby -- I wanted something closer to a 2T in the hopes that she'll get a spring and a fall out of it. She's definitely got a couple of inches of sleeve to work with, so hopefully it will be roomy enough and long enough as well. (BTW, I love the soulful look on her face in this picture. She is a sweetheart, but she has many serious moments. It was nice to catch one of them.
I trimmed up this sweater with the little hearts -- I like the contrast of the dark red heart with the greens and yellows and pinks.
It may sound funny, but often, in my head, I think of Z as "my heart baby" -- the whole process of bringing her into the world was such an emotional ride, and by the end, I feel like my heart has become a bigger place because of her. So the hearts seemed perfect for the buttons. My heart baby wearing the gift of my hands, a handknit, handspun sweater. It makes me happy in a deep warm place, and has helped keep me a little warmer in the last cold days of February.
Yarn: 2-ply "Cotton Candy" Corriedale (CMF) Handspun
Once I got it all cast on, this project really seemed to fly by. At times I found myself doubting that this would fold the way it was supposed to, but clearly EZ can be trusted not to lead a knitter astray. Even though things strictly in garter stitch tend to get boring for me, I never found myself tiring of this project. Maybe it was the handspun, maybe it was the construction. Maybe it was getting to see it on the intended recipient.
Speaking of handspun, even though the runs of color in this yarn were not long enough to really create any pronounced striping effects, I do think this project was a really lovely use of this yarn. It avoids the pooling and wierd color effects and the changing colors instead create depth in the garrment and help to emphasize the ridgy texture of garter stitch.
While I've knit socks and scarves from my handspun, this is the first full on (albeit small) sweater that I've ever knit from it. Every time I knit with my own handspun, I find the whole knitting process to be richer. I enjoy touching the yarn more, watching the color. And, if I do say so myself, even though I am a novice as far as spinning goes, I still think my yarns are better constructed that most commercial yarns I buy. And that gives me some extra pride as I turn it into something.This yarn was just a little stiffer than most I've plied, making it perfect (I think) for stretchy loosey goosey garterstitch when it comes to helping the sweater keep its structure. I think the fit is reasonable on Ms. Baby -- I wanted something closer to a 2T in the hopes that she'll get a spring and a fall out of it. She's definitely got a couple of inches of sleeve to work with, so hopefully it will be roomy enough and long enough as well. (BTW, I love the soulful look on her face in this picture. She is a sweetheart, but she has many serious moments. It was nice to catch one of them.
I trimmed up this sweater with the little hearts -- I like the contrast of the dark red heart with the greens and yellows and pinks. It may sound funny, but often, in my head, I think of Z as "my heart baby" -- the whole process of bringing her into the world was such an emotional ride, and by the end, I feel like my heart has become a bigger place because of her. So the hearts seemed perfect for the buttons. My heart baby wearing the gift of my hands, a handknit, handspun sweater. It makes me happy in a deep warm place, and has helped keep me a little warmer in the last cold days of February.
Lovely sweater, lovely girl. May they enjoy a beautiful spring together!
Beautiful! The buttons make it - what a perfect choice!
Oh, what an adorable sweater and an adorable baby! They're really getting too big to be called "babies," but I can't explain the sweetness any other way.
Just beautiful. Both Z and the sweater. And I agree with you on knitting with your own handspun - even the most boring projects become fascinating.
Cute sweater and cute kid! She's looking so grown up -- more of a toddler than a baby already. Where does the time go?
The sweater is lovely. Knitting with your own handspun really does add something to the knit experience.
BTW, I love your blog so I nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger award this week.
Such a cute little sweater for your little lady!
I find garter stitch pretty boring, so it takes a project with a unique construction or some other element to make it a bit more engaging. For the projects I've been working on lately (garter stitch, every single one of them), I wish I had something like the handspun going on. The commercial yarn is in so flat a color that I find myself falling asleep while I knit!
They are both gorgeous :)
That's a lovely sweater. The photos are excellent -- good work all around!
Very nice work! I love the use of handspun.
Oh, it turned out just lovely! I love the heart buttons and your beautiful pictures.
What size needles did you use? What approximate weight was the handspun?
Beautiful, both Z and the sweater. I like the subtle striping of the handspun, and the fact that she has this sweater spun AND knit by you is wonderful.
Oh, the sweater and your baby are just beautiful - and I LOVE the buttons, they are perfect!
The yarn is beautiful and so is the finished sweater! As for the baby--there are no words!
Oh, how sweet this sweater and your little Z in it! Love the colours and your choice of buttons. Lovely touch. Enjoy reading about your thoughts and process on your knitting.