Okay, is that super-duper sweet or what? I’m so proud of myself for finishing the set: Elizabeth Zimmermann’s February Baby Sweater, with an inspired-hat (pattern from Ravelry), plus a little crocheted flower for a little extra sugary goodness, just in time for a February baby!

Now that I’m pretty comfortable with the gull pattern from the sweater and the gradual decreasing needed with the hat, I’m probably going to make a few more sets to give away. There have been so many babies arriving in my circle of friends that I feel like a baby sweater factory, but hey, the more practice the better :)

Ah, I finally figured out EZ’s pattern and finished my second February Baby Sweater! The second time was definitely easier than the first. I guess I was too excited and didn’t read the pattern correctly the first time and made the increases around the collar too soon. The second time around, everything started to look right. Yay! I love this pattern so much!

The only thing I did differently from EZ’s instructions – I put the two sleeves on waste yarn and finished the body first, then I picked up the sleeves and continued. I added seven stitches under the arms and they felt just right to me, not too bulky like a few people mentioned on Ravelry.

With more friends having babies this year, I think I’ll be making a few more of these EZ sweaters!

Pattern from Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac

Okay, I’m not actually knitting “Branching Out,” but I’m really branching out from knitting to crocheting! After talking about it for a few years (and accumulating quite a few books), I finally decided to take the plunge and tried my hand at crochet! Here’s the very first thing I tried, a little flower. I’m surprised it actually came out looking like a flower!

There are some knitters who pooh-pooh on crocheters, and I’ve had crocheters come up to me and my friends at a cafe and make comments on how crocheting is better than knitting(!). One thing’s for sure – craftspeople sure are passionate about their craft. I guess I am a knitter by nature, but you won’t see me put crocheters down – I think crocheting is amazing! There are so many things you can do with crocheting that just isn’t the same with knitting, and I want to try it all, especially amigurumi!

I’m an equal-opportunity crafter :)

I started the February Baby Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann during my weekend of recovery. I’m sure quite a few of you heard me whine about my wisdom teeth extraction so I shall spare you.

EZ’s pattern took some getting used to – the way it is written is not like any pattern I’ve learned, there is a lot left open for interpretation. Plus I’m not very good at doing lace – it always takes me at least a few runs before finally “getting” any lace pattern.

This was my first EZ garment, and I have to say she is quite a writer. She is such a funny lady, and I love how much of a wool snob she is. That said, I bet she wouldn’t approve of the Berroco Comfort I’m using here, but it’s for good practice. I don’t know about the babies around EZ, but most of my friends would probably not let their precious babies wear wool in fear of allergies. Whatever happened to the good ole days when babies actually wore wool?

After a few days, it started to take its shape, but not without hiccups. I could totally see what I did wrong here too!

Here is the completed February Baby Sweater, complete with dark lilac buttons. It kind of looks cute in its own wonky sort of way. Another great learning experience! Now that I know what to do the next one will be much improved.

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Pattern from Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac

I loved the Anthropologie-Inspired Capelet so much that I made one for my friend Yvonne. She loves the color orange, and I thought this style would look super cute on her. It took me a few days to complete, and I gave it to her about a week before Christmas.

Today she wore it for the first time and sent me a photo and it totally made my day!!!

Is that super cute or what?! She was happy that it fit her so well, and so was I. I love seeing people wear something I made. This keeps me want to keep knitting.

Thanks Yvonne!

Circular Shrug – free pattern from Ravelry. Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in colorway Lake, on sz 8 needles.

This was a super-easy pattern but stitching it together was a pain in the butt because I found the pattern illustrations really confusing. Plus I think it’s too big on me >_< Oh well, it’s really nice & cozy though, and I love Cotton-Ease!

Another knitted gift! I made this for Caroline. The pale yellow reminds me of ducklings (she loves them)!

JoAnn Sensations Dolcetto yarn in a pale yellow on sz 8 needles. Vintage shank button closure. Pattern based on "Little Ruff" from One Skein Wonders.