"Nuttin but knittin" - that says it all, with an occasional deviation into the real world.

Thursday, May 03, 2007

It is surprising....



That this odd looking piece of fabric: (when properly folded)

Could turn into a cute little sweater!!

I learned a great deal from this project. While knitting it, I did not have any idea what part of the sweater I was on at any given time. So, next time I will be more careful with my color changes. I have a row of brown bumps in the yellow field on the left front panel. Darn! And, the yellow and orange pickup corners are less than perfect. Sigh....

It is too small for CIC, I believe, and I doubt that anyone would want a non machine washable baby sweater, so I will probably never do anything with it. But, it was fun to make, just the same. After you figure out how to fold it, the seaming is very minimal - just across the top of the shoulders to the wrists. Probably most of you already know of this magical pattern, but please bare with me, as it's mystery is new to me!

It was made from Knitpicks Wool of the Andes scraps, on KP circs, size 7. It is the original Elizabeth Zimmerman "Baby Surprise Jacket" published in the Fall 1999 issue of Knitter's magazine.

I am currently working on a pair of socks. I started the new Rockin' Sock Club kit selection. Loved the yarn, was very dubious about the pattern. But, I started it, and worked most of the foot. I even used circular needles, as directed! That was a first for me. The stitch pattern is an open weave, mesh stitch. I did not like it, neither the process nor the finished product. So, going against my vow to knit them as the kit dictated, I frogged, and am starting over with a plain jane sock - one that will highlight the beautiful yarn, and be a very wearable sock. And, enjoyable to knit, which the mesh pattern was not (IMO). Hopefully the sock club police will not come during the night!!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love it! This sweater is one of my future projects--I bought the DVD that shows how to do it step-by-step, now I sjust wish I had some time off to do it.

It is beautiful-really :)

Anonymous said...

How cute! The color combination is very cheerful. Sorry about the STR pattern but using it for Plain Jane socks sounds like a good alternative.

Anonymous said...

I've never made a baby surprise...but I will - I'm just so curious!
I felt the same way as you about the new sock pattern. I LOVE the yarn, but did not like the pattern. At the beginning it was the most UNrelaxing knitting (well not even knitting - purling)I had done in awhile. I almost ripped too...thinking a plain sock would just be beautiful in this yarn - instead of the bumpy mess. Well, unlike you, I kept on and it is getting easier (as new stitches always do)...it's interesting and different and fitting fine...I'm even starting to like it, but I still think you made the right decision!

Lynn said...

I really like that sweater!! Will it fit a newborn? There is this charity http://www.afghansforafghans.com/mothersday.html
that needs newborn stuff. I knit a newborn sweater for them from the Debbie Bliss book. I REALLY like the way the Surprise Sweater turns out!

JakkiMitch said...

Looks great!! One of these days I'll start a BSJ, too. [Not promising when, though!]

YawnOver said...

The jacket looks great. You shouldn't feel bad about changing the sock pattern - fight the power! lol :)

Anonymous said...

The sweater is adorable. Luv the bright colors.

Michelle said...

This is the first time I've seen this baby surprise sweater. It's quite interesting!! I really like the pattern the stripes make on the body!