Baby Knitting and a Big Announcement!!

Hello All-

So early yesterday morning, my big brother and my wonderful sister-in-law had a baby!!!  I am so happy for them and our Christmas trip home to New England cannot come fast enough!!!

In several posts, I mentioned that I was knitting some goodies that I couldn't share just yet.  Well, now that the little guy has arrived, I can share what I made for them.

First up is this little number I made to honor my brother's obsession with the Red Sox.  I call is "Little Slugger", and I used the Presto Chango pattern and did a stockinette panel.  Then I used a chart and duplicate stitched the "B".  I tried doing colorwork, but it ended up pulling too tightly and looked awful. 

I also made a second panel in moss stitch for the off-season. 

To match the set, I made a plain baby hat with the same moss stitch edge.  I think it all came out quite well.

Next, I made this pullover that I call, Shades of Blue.  The yarn I used was Berroco Ultra Alpaca Tonal, and it knit like a dream!!!  I plan to use this same yarn for another project soon!!!



I thought this one was the cutest thing when I knit it up.  I have to see if I took any photos of it with the wooden buttons I put on it.  I have had the Cascade Yarns Lana D'oro Tweed in my stash for ages now and it has always screamed "Grandpa Sweater" to me.  So, that's what I made!!

These next two sweaters I made a while back and sent them to my brother when they first announced that they were expecting. 

I don't know why I love making mini versions of old man sweaters, but to me they are the cutest thing on baby boys!!

Finally, here's the project I am the most proud of.  Years ago I was given my Memere's prized sewing machine.  In an attempt to learn how to use it, I pieced together the top to a quilt, perfect for a baby boy.  I even had denim cut to size for the back.  The problem?  Once I got it pieced, I had no idea how to quilt it.  Fast forward to this summer.  My Mom visited us in Calgary, and I thought she might be able to show me how to finish the quilt so I could send it to my brother. 

We worked at it for a few days and sure enough, with my Mom's help, I learned how to tie and bind a quilt!!  This project means so much since there are three generations involved.  My brother and my Memere were always quite close, so I know that he appreciates the connection to her.

So there you have it.  A whole bunch of projects that were all made for Baby Tyler.  Welcome to the family little guy!!!

Happy Crafting!

Sharon

Have No Fear...the Needles are Clicking Away Too...

Hello All-

So, with all of my garden posts, you probably think that I have retired my knitting needles for the season...nope!!  They have busier than ever!!  The only problem is that I have been knitting a lot of gifts, so I can't post photos of the finished items.  If you are on Ravelry, feel free to friend me (heffalump23), and you can see all of the fibery goodies I have been creating.

I can show you a few things I have made lately.  The first is my Lavender Lady.  Our good friends had a baby last night (woohoo!!!!) and though we gave them bin after bin of hand-me-downs, I wanted to make something as well.  Call it knitters guilt, I don't know...I just didn't feel right not knitting them something.

So, I dug out my trusty 5-hour baby sweater pattern, and started knitting.  Even though they had a girl, I like the look of the "boy" version better, so I went with that.  I am quite happy with the result, and you can't beat the fact that it takes no time at all to make!!  I even had some buttons that matched perfectly!!  I can't wait to see it on Baby Leah!!!

I haven't posted a lot about my charity knitting, mainly because I haven't worked on a WCOBBS blanket in ages!!!  I did jump on the Super Hero blanket, and I just finished up my 6-inch stripe.  I did the black, gold and purple stripe, and it is meant to represent The Wonder Twins.  I love how bright this blanket is coming out!!  A friend saw it and said it reminded her of a box of Legos...I agree!!

My friend Cara is getting the blanket next and she is going to add a stripe to represent the Green Lantern...I can't wait to see how it looks when she is done!

I did finish another baby sweater, but since the recipients might read this blog, I don't dare post a photo...I can say that it is one of my favorite baby items to date.  Here is a sneak peak of the yarn I used...

It is a beautiful variegated Berroco Ultra Alpaca Tonal.  I love the softness of it, and I named the sweater Shades of Blue, as it has various shades of blue and grey in it.  I LOVE it!!!  I am so happy that it only took one skein so I have another one left to make something else with.

Last weekend I got together with some of my knitting buddies and we went to check out a new knitting shop here in Calgary.  It is called The Loop, and is located in Kensington.  I went, knowing that I needed some US size 9 dpns to finish Shades of Blue, and that was it.  I walked out with my needles, as well as this beautiful Punta yarn...I am going to make a sleeveless vest for Hannah with it...I think.  It was too pretty to pass up, so I'm sure I'll find the perfect pattern for it. 

I also bought some Cascade Eco wool for myself.  I bought it thinking that I would make a shrug for myself, but after seeing the huge yardage on it, I might aim higher and make a sweater.  I have to drive near the shop this week, so maybe I'll stop in and grab another skein before they sell out of the dye lot.  It is a beautiful chocolate brown, and I cannot wait to make something with it!!

Finally, my friend Michelle and I decided that out cotton dishcloths are in need of replacement.  So, I dug out some white cotton I've had for a while now and started making cloths for us.  I made one yesterday and I plan to cast on another one today at Hannah's music class.  They won't take me too long to make.  I'm aiming for 4-5 for each of us...so at this rate, I'll have them done next week!!

So, have no fear, the needles are still on fire!!!  I mean, despite the REM song, Gardening at Night, my knees need a break sometime, and knitting gives me some relief!!

Cheers!

Sharon