Saturday, February 2, 2008

Daisy Baby Sweater



Welcome, Michael Walter Stewart! You are going to be looking sweet and cuddly in your new hoodie sweater, hat and lovely booties. Your mom requested that it be made in a variegated yarn which includes deep and vibrant colors. No pastel blue for you!

I used Cascade Sierra Quarto which includes a mix of royal blue, blue, purple and light blue or white. I can't wait to see it on. The pattern Daisy (size 3-6 months) designed by Stephanie Japel is found on knitty.com. The matching hat and booties were derived from a Crystal Palace Pattern. Maybe a coordinating blanket is in the future.

The sweater design was a very simple. The instructions are well written and easy to follow. The body is worked as one piece. The only adjustment I made was the number of stitches on the hood edging and front button-band. Instead of 3 garter stitches, I completed 2 garters.

I knitted the entire sweater in a weekend. Finishing was a breeze. Seaming is minimal: Raglan shoulders and sleeves. It took me a moment to decide if to seam the shoulders before seaming the sleeves. Great decision! The arms worked perfectly. I was able to practice my grafting on the hoodie. My results were ok, but I know I will improve with practice.

After wet blocking, I added 3 mother of pearl buttons. Perfect...! I am very please with the results and hope Michael's Mom is happy with the yarn selection and finished results. Since Michael arrived earlier than planned, it will be months before I see him in his new hoodie. I am going to find him a pair of jeans and a cute onesie to finish the outfit.