May 5th, 2014
Knitting for Sylvia
I originally started this blog as a place to talk about knitting. My very first post (from September 2005!) was about knitting for Sylvia, so it seems right to return to that topic.
I knit a February Lady Sweater for myself three years ago, and at the time I mentioned that one for Sylvia was next on my to-knit list. I didn’t have appropriate yarn on hand, though, and she wasn’t clamoring for the sweater, so I put it on the back burner until last fall. Sylvia and I chose yarn together: she’s not a fan of wool, so we settled on KnitPicks Shine Sport in a bright green.
Before I could start that sweater, though, I had to finish the “rainbow cardigan” I started for her last August. I based this pattern on the top-down raglan in Ann Budd’s Knitter’s Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters: Basic Designs in Multiple Sizes and Gauges.
I love how this sweater turned out, though I am not a fan of the Mary Maxim sock yarn I used for it. (I’m pretty sure it’s the splittiest yarn I’ve ever encountered!) But Sylvia loves it, so dealing with annoying fiber was worth the effort.
With the rainbow cardigan done, I was able to start her February Lady Sweater in January. Basically, I just took the regular pattern and knit the second-smallest size in sportweight, keeping all the stitch numbers the same. The result has plenty of growing room, so Sylvia should be able to wear it for a couple years (I hope!).
The body came together in a breeze, but the sleeves took forever to finish. That’s because I had to use DPNs for them (my 9″ circular doesn’t have sharp enough tips for this yarn), so I spent a lot of time and effort on yarn and needle management.
When I was finished, I raided my button box and laid out all the threesomes I had on hand. For fun, I also put out set with one red, one orange, and one yellow button. (They have slightly different textures, but they are the same diameter and all have four holes.) Of course Sylvia beelined for the colorful trio! They are definitely the best choice for this sweater!
5 Responses to “Knitting for Sylvia”
As always, gorgeous work! Sylvia is lucky to have a mom like you. Love the color choices for both (including the buttons!).
Two sweaters is a great feat: well done! Especially side by side, these are great examples of how a vibrant yarn adds pizzazz to a simple stitch pattern, while a solid color makes a lace pattern pop.
I like the idea of knitting for a child: items (hopefully) get more wear than infant-sized garments typically do, and the knitting is less of a commitment than for adult-sized pieces. Too bad I don’t have any youngsters in my life quite yet!
@Arianna: Aw, thanks! :)
.
@Jean: Thanks! And I totally agree about knitting for little ones. I’m finding that as Sylvia ages, knitting for her definitely takes longer and longer!
Marsha recently posted..Knitting for Sylvia
First, I am so excited to see you blogging again! I have missed reading it dearly. Second, those are some wonderful looking sweaters! Look how far you have come with your knitting. I love love love the buttons Sylvia chose for the February Lady sweater. I have been picking up and putting down knitting so much during the last year. I actually spent time with a project this past weekend that I am determined to finish.
@Deborah: Thanks! I’m glad to see you blogging again, too! And I hope to see some of your knitting and sewing projects, too. That black-and-white bag you made for me is still my sock project bag that goes with me pretty much everywhere!
.
So, @Arianna and @Jean. I’m blogging again. Deborah’s blogging again. When are you two going to jump on the bandwagon? :)
Marsha recently posted..Knitting for Sylvia