i asked jenny to help me with knitting a baby sweater (you can see some of the gorgeous knitted goods from her clothing line here and here). i learned to knit when i was a kid, but as an adult i’ve only made one simple scarf, and that was years ago. for some reason i’ve stuck to crochet, after learning from cal and then illustrating a crochet book. but knitting seems much better for clothing, so now that i have brushed up on it, i’m scheming about all the things i can make! and knitting for a baby is perfect for me because the projects are small and fast.
jenny helped me find some great patterns and i chose a kimono style from this book. i was worried about the sizing, but i compared the finished back to a newborn sweater that i have and it seems just right. jenny is in mexico now, so as i’m waiting for her to get back and help me with the front panels, i’ve started on a second back, this time combining two alpaca yarns to make a thicker, warmer sweater.
if anyone has any patterns that they love, please post a comment!
i haven't yet tried any of them but garnstudio has a great collection of patterns – for free! i am going to try one of their wrap cardigans aswell. also on etsy you can find some cute and cheap patterns.
Hi! I've knitted with Erika Knight patterns. I think the patterns are often too short. Once I made a cardigan of knitted squares, soft alpaca yarn. I want to try that again. If you're knitting, self-made wool pants are best for nappies too!
Hi Lena, "Vintage knits for modern babies" has an adorable raglan sleeve pullover. I have made it in a couple of sizes for my little guy, Nadav. It has very sweet buttons at the back of the neck, so its easy to get on. That book also has an great bonnet/hat that covers the ears. This sweater is a little more involved, but was fun to make: http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2009/11/7/free-pattern-from-kelbourne-woolens-and-the-fibre-company-th.html
And lastly the baby sweater in Elizabeth Zimmermann's knitters almanac is very cool, and has very little seaming, which can get bulky on tiny knits.
Really enjoying this new blog!
I second Zimmerman's BSJ (Baby Surprise Jacket). It's like a miracle of origami how it comes together. I was nervous to attempt my first sweater pattern so I went with this because you just stitch up the sides and shoulders. I did get the DVD to help with some confusion in the pattern which helped tons. Good luck!
Here's a shot of the sweater: http://www.flickr.com/photos/16156196@N05/4062263281/in/photostream/
Also wanted to add that this blog often has amazing handmade clothes for kids:
http://lolaaddict.canalblog.com/
It's in French and I have no idea how I found it, but the mom is a crafting/knitting genius with kids clothes and toys.
I really love the double yarn knitting, beautiful colours. One of my favourite patterns is this little vest, and it's very easy to knit:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pebble-henrys-manly-cobblestone-inspired-baby-vest
thanks everyone! these are great links.
Wow, you're fast! Let me know if you need any Lissa advice, she's in this week. I love the mixed yarn for the second panel by the way, so pretty.
This one is quite sweet.
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-hoodie-7
Elizabeth Zimmerman baby surprise jacket my mum just knitted a few for me. She said very easy to do. Gotta Lear. Love your blogs and photos!