This is my 2nd knitting project for the summer, St. James by Tonya Wagner at MetaPostModern Knitting. It’s a really lovely fit that reminds me of vintage sweaters from the 60s. Plus I just had to knit it because I love anything with a bow.

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The Lace Stitch Cardigan is finally finished. Hooray!

I finished the cardigan last weekend but haven’t had time to properly block it (shape it into place) until yesterday. I love my new blocking mats from KnitPicks. I had considered purchasing blocking boards, but they are much more expensive and take up a lot of space. The KnitPicks mats come in 12″ x 12″ squares and store nicely in my craft room.

Now I just have to wait until Christmas to give it to my Mom-in-law. I hope she’ll like it!

Finished my third February Baby Sweater tonight. I used 2 skeins of Debbie Bliss Cotton Cashmere that were given to me by Caroline (thanks!) and I love how it knits up – substantial and warm, with a subtle sheen. This is my first baby item that isn’t knitted in a “baby” color yarn and I really like how it turned out. I hope the mommy (and baby) I’m sending it to will like it.

After doing this pattern three times, I feel confident with the gull pattern (love it!) so it’s time to move on to my next project. I’m going to knit something for myself and hopefully have it be ready for Spring!

Pattern from Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac

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

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!