Thursday, January 4, 2007

Pretty little thing

I finished the EZ baby sweater last night, and wove in the ends this morning. I keep staring at the garter and gull pattern in wonder as I can't believe that I was able to do that with some needles and wool. While the construction is simple, the pattern did take a lot of concentration--not an easy thing when you have an 11 month old who is teething no less (you can probably guess that most of the sweater was created at night after she went to bed!). Here are the results as of 9 AM today (I still have to block it and sew on the buttons):




I found it challenging to knit a lacy pattern. If I spaced out even for a second, which I tend to do when I'm knitting, it was easy to forget a yarn over. But now that the sweater is finished, I'm in awe of this magical process and eager to take up my next long-term project: a lace shawl.

Update: The sweater was blocked last night and is still drying.



It looks like the washing has clarified the pattern, and also created some extra wiggle room for my quickly growing child. I'm happy to say that she might be able to wear this past her first birthday, after all.

Second update: The sweater is blocked and dry, buttons are sewn, and the best part: it fits the little recipient perfectly!





I now see why everyone loves Elizabeth Zimmermann. The other sweaters I've made for Elsa do not hang well especially in the yoke, but this one drapes on her neck and shoulders perfectly. I am also happy because blocking brought the sleeves to seven inches, so they no longer look short.

8 comments:

joko said...

the sweater is beautiful!

Lola and Ava said...

Oh, I finally get to see the sweater on an actual baby. I really want to make this sweater for my girlfriend from college as she had a baby in August, but I was little shy because the one I made looks tiny compared to a sweater for a six month old. Can I ask who old the little one is and did you alter the pattern at all? I made a pink one for a friend at work, but it definitely is an infant sweater.

Ava

Kelley said...

WOW! I'm not sure I've ever seen this sweater on a baby. I was always a little underwhelmed when I saw pics of EZ sweaters just lying on a countertop or wherever, but now I get it! :-) Just stunning on a wee body.

Great job.

Aimee said...

That turned out absolutely beautiful! I knit one long ago, but I can't wait to knit one again now! It's great.

elsasmom said...

Thanks for the comments, everyone!

Ava--

My baby is 11 months and wears 12 month size clothes, and the sweater fits her perfectly. I did alter the pattern a bit by adding an inch to the sleeves and another inch to the body. I also did a little stretching when I blocked the sweater and that made the length come out right. I think it would definitely fit a six month old if you add on a little length.

Jessica (littlemamaknits)

Ami said...

Beautiful sweater and adorable pictures. So cute!

Carla said...

Hi!! It's the most beautiful sweater I've seen in a long time... and your baby girl is simply adorable! Congratulations!!!

catsmum said...

yes I'm another one who's never seen it actually ON a baby. Thanks for the pecs of your wee girl.
It's good timing because I'm just about to cast on for the February sweater.