A Colorful Log Cabin

Posted by Jessa on March 22, 2013 / 3 Comments

Sarah finished this beautiful log cabin blanket around Christmas and now it adorns her guest bed. Who wouldn’t want to get a night’s rest under such a vibrant handknit?

Berties of a Feather

Posted by Jessa on July 9, 2012 / Leave a Comment

Flock together! Here’s some Bertie Lou fun to start your week right -

By Knitsublime

By Mushroom

By Mossling

Babies, babies, everywhere!

Posted by Jessa on July 2, 2012 / 5 Comments

Is it just me, or is everyone having a baby this summer? Maybe I’m just more cognizant of it this year because I’m of that age where it seems like everyone around me has taken it into their heads to procreate. Even though I’m no where near procreation myself, I can see the appeal from a knitter’s standpoint. After all babies are small. That means quick projects that take less yarn. Plus, they’re not picky (although their moms may be another story) and will wear hand knit anything, from hats to pants.

First, some sweaters.

A couple of things about babies: They have really big heads and also grow quite quickly. This Seamless Kimono pattern addresses both of those concerns as far as sweaters go. I love it because the ties make it moderately adjustable, so the baby will get a little more out of it than your average pull-over or cardigan. Also, it’s no frills and suitable for boys or girls. The above example was knit by Celia aka countingstitches on Ravelry using Dream in Color Classy which softens as it’s washed and wears well (I know, because I’ve knit the same sweater out of the same yarn for my niece!).

If you want something a little more elaborate (read- have enough time to knit a fancier baby-shower gift because unlike me, you plan ahead) the detail on Little Oak by Alana of Never Not Knitting is especially charming. As a matter of fact, for babies and children all of the patterns in Alana and Hannah of Knitbot is something you want to check out. Believe me. Madelinetosh Merino DK is so soft and comes in so many colors, it’s a perfect yarn choice for this one .

Now for some accessories, which knit up unbelievably quickly and are great for using up odds and ends of yarn!

Are you a sock knitter? Then I know you have some leftover yardage you can use for these adorable booties, Tiny Shoes by Ysolda Teague. They can also be found in Whimsical Little Knits. Bonus with this one: an opportunity to bust into your button stash!

And last, my most favorite knit for newborns and most knit pattern of all time is the Greenleaf Baby Hat by Evelyn Uyemura.When I say most knit, I’m not kidding. We’re talking into the double digits with this thing. There’s nothing not to like! It’s super quick due to the size and the fact that it’s knit with aran weight yarn. Jill Draper Makes Stuff’s Mini Empire would be a great yarn selection, given the beautiful colorways that would be well suited to either gender or unisex hats (no predictable pastels). Just make sure that the new mom knows that it’s not machine-washable!

Do you have any go to baby knits? Care to share them? What do you like and look for in a pattern for infants?