Monday, September 24, 2012

Hey, Guess What?!

I'm still knitting! I hold out hope that one day I will have a grown up job, read only books I want to read, and will be able to spend hours on the weekend knotting yarn into endless loops, creating things I can actually wear. It's true, I found myself the other day contemplating buying a hat. Yes, friends. It's gotten this bad.

BUT! I did finish something! It was weeks ago, in fact. And, if I a being completely honest... I made the sweater forever ago, just waiting for the right baby to be born to attach the buttons. My pre-requisites?
1. Cool parents. They had to be on board with this crazy colorway.
2. A boy. Yes, yes, it's heteronormative of me, I know. And I am suitably ashamed of myself. But with all these blues, this sweater just called out for a baby boy.
3. Parents who wouldn't feel put upon by (slightly) special washing instructions.

And the winners were Chris and Eva! They won this charming little morsel:

IMG_7274
I've had the hardest time trying to edit the pictures I have of this wee thing to look right. It's Socks That Rock in the Marbles colorway, given to me by Amy one hundred years ago. I tried to make several things out of this yarn. I tried that feather and fan scarf using two shades of Socks That Rock that was all the rage, and Sidewinders. Both gave me tons of pooling, exactly what I was trying to avoid. But I ask you, fellow knitters, has Elizabeth Zimmermann ever led you astray?
Yes! I mean, no, no she hasn't! I mean... the answer to crazy pooling yarn is the amazingly wonderful Baby Surprise Jacket!
I've made this little jacket a couple of times, and it's now my go goto baby sweater. Fun, simple, a great use for fine, variegated yarn... what more can you ask for?! For my money, it doesn't get better than a gift of this little cardi with a pair of Saartje's Booties. Both projects are fun for knitters, yet impressive for the recipients. Win-win! Oh! And did I share with you a photo of Irie Rose enjoying her set?
iriebabysurprise
So cute! Right?! I highly recommend this pattern, either individually or from the book. (And man, did I have a hard time finding that book online NOT from a huge chain. Buy from your LYS, okay?)
I'm almost done with a very exciting shopping bag! Stay tuned! Ha ha