Woo hoo! I finished my first knitted object that isn't a square, oblong, or triangle! After reading a number of knitting books and patterns, I was finally able to mentally get my arms around the mechanics of a simple knit sweater (yeah, I'm a slow learner), and so it was time to try my hand at one. Being the risk averse person that I am, a baby sweater seemed the best place to start for quick gratification:
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(Hmmm, looks like it could stand some more blocking.) The sweater is adapted from the Baby Kimono pattern in the Summer 2005 issue of Interweave Knits. The original pattern is all garter stitch, but I wanted to try stockinette stitch with a seed stitch border. I also used Bernat's Handicrafter worsted weight cotton yarn (the photo makes it look pink, but it's actually peach), which knits to a different gauge than the Rowan Wool Cotton recommended in the pattern. I re-jiggered the pattern to adjust to my gauge by simply converting the original number of stitches into inches, then multiplying the result by my number of stitches per inch. Also, the sleeves looked a little short to me, so I added another four stitches (about 4/5ths of an inch).
Other firsts with this project: first piece in stockinette, first time using cable cast-on, first time using stitch holders, first three-needle bind-off, first time sewing pieces of knitting together.
It was so much fun - I'm ready to knit another!
it looks great!!!!
Posted by: shannon | Friday, July 01, 2005 at 02:22 AM
Thanks, Shannon!
Of course, it isn't perfect, and I've noticed small mistakes or things I'd do differently next time, but overall this was a great project for boosting the self-confidence of a neophyte knitter.
I have a good amount of worsted weight cotton that I purchased off eBay a while back, so am looking for similar projects. In the category of simple baby sweaters, the next project will likely be the Haiku sweater from Knitty.com.
Posted by: Janis | Friday, July 01, 2005 at 06:52 AM
That is so sweet, Janis. Look at you...jiggering with patterns and all. Great job!
Posted by: Liz | Friday, July 01, 2005 at 01:41 PM
That is precious. My first baby sweater ad one arm longer than the other.
Posted by: Ellen | Friday, July 01, 2005 at 04:58 PM
Awwww, thanks for the encouragement, everyone. Knitting folks are the nicest people.
Ellen, that's classic! Was the sleeve a lot longer? Did you do anything about it or didja chalk it up to "first sweater"?
Posted by: Janis | Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 01:06 AM
Hello Janis,
When you just get the knack of centering the opening it will be perfect! Don't give up, you almost have it ;)
Posted by: ken | Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 09:04 AM
Hello Janis,
(I'm feeling guilty from my sarcasm.)
That sweater really is great, with a nice style. Hard to imagine it's your first. Some lucky baby is getting a nice sweater.
Posted by: Ken | Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 02:14 PM
No need for guilt, Ken! I love your wry sense of humor. You gave us some pretty good chuckles this morning.
Posted by: Janis | Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 05:48 PM
I love seed stitch on kid's clothes. It's beautiful. :-)
Posted by: Urooj | Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 11:03 AM