FO Friday – Newborn Vertebrae

On September 20, 2018September 21, 2018 By FogKnitsIn FO Friday, Nephew, Sweater4 Comments

My little nephew has been on the outside now for two months! Of course, that is a milestone marked with a new sweater!

I thought I was making a cute and tiny sweater. I was nervous that he’d outgrow it before I got it sent off. I’m pleased to report, he received it and he’s got some room to grow! Yay! Not as tiny as I thought!

Sorry, no pics to share since he’s not my kid to plaster all over the internet but, my sister did send me a pretty funny picture of him crying while wearing the sweater. I’m definitely keeping it, so I can remind him, in the future, how much he loved the sweaters his auntie made him.

The sweater is a free pattern, Newborn Vertebrae by Kelly van Niekirk. It’s a pattern where one size is free, the smallest in this case. The remainder of the sizes, you pay for. Despite making the smallest size, I was able to get a sweater closer to the six month size! For once, having a loose gauge paid off! The yarn is KnitPicks, Felici in color Hawaiian Shirt. So cute!

It was a simple knit. Aside from gauge, I didn’t change a thing. It’s the perfect little baby sweater…frontless, so it doesn’t get spit up on. Also, facilitates skin-to-skin contact. That might be my favorite part. This isn’t just some cute thing that I wanted to do…it’s got an important developmental function! It’s necessary, even! Yay Knitting!

Up next, something tweedy for the little man. Perfect for fall…

I’m definitely about to binge start 6 projects! It’s gonna be so good!

WIP Wednesday – Sweater Surgery

On January 10, 2018January 10, 2018 By FogKnitsIn Sweater, WIP6 Comments

I happily cruised through the raglan increases on my sweater. The classic Stripe Acceleration Effect was definitely felt here. It went by in a flash. The sleeve divide was the same, barely a pause.

Until…

(dun dun dun)

I forgot about making buttonholes. This marker had one express purpose…to remind me about buttonholes.

What a bonehead move! A full inch too far. In a yarn that doesn’t really cooperate with being ripped out. UGH.

I let a lot of mistakes slide. This is not one of them. This type of mistake needs to be corrected, no ifs, ands or buts.

When faced with the choice to either drop down to fix a mistake or to rip back, I always choose dropping stitches, correcting the problem and laddering back up. Worst case scenario, I can’t fix it and maybe even make it worse. Ripping back is always there as Plan B.

This time, I got lucky.

Viola! Buttonhole Surgery Success! Woooo!

Assuming, I don’t forget anything else, it should be smooth sailing to the bottom hem from here!

My goal is to have this sweater ready to wear at Stitches in late February. Hopefully I can say this without jinxing myself…that deadline is a no brainer! Time to start thinking about buttons.

Armhole Depth

On September 15, 2016September 15, 2016 By FogKnitsIn Sweater, WIP10 Comments

I picked up the Freddy Krueger sweater again. It’s a very basic raglan shaped, stockinette stitch sweater. I’m not following a pattern, just making it up as I go. It should be a no brainer. Naturally, this means I’m over-thinking it. Or am I?

It looks okay at first glance. Upon closer inspection though, I think the armholes need to be deeper?

I know for myself, a 9″ raglan line gives me a comfortable armhole depth. I, also, know, that given my gauge, I typically have to work a few rows even before I divide for the sleeves, when working from a pattern. I’m wondering if I should have done the same thing here.

I have no idea what the proper measurements should be for children’s sizes though? This particular measurement doesn’t appear in many patterns. I tried to do some research. I found one pattern with a schematic that went as far as indicating the measurement, labeling it with an abbreviation for easy reference and then failed to give any actual measurements?? Seriously? Why do all that work and not follow through?

Anyone have suggestions? I’d love some sort of size chart to refer to but a quick eyeball from toddler parents is just as good. I’m aiming to fit a 2 year old. I think that armhole is too short. I think I need to rip back and add at least an inch before the sleeve divide. I don’t think I can mess it up by making it larger. I wouldn’t want a baggy armpit on an adult sweater but given the mechanics of dressing a child, a bit extra is even a good thing.

What do you say, knitting blog hive mind? Are we in agreement? I’d rather rip back and get it right than have a cute sweater that doesn’t fit. :)

Freddy, Jr.

On July 22, 2016July 22, 2016 By FogKnitsIn Casting On, Sweater, WIP10 Comments

Who’s inner 5-year old doesn’t want to live in Opposite Land? It’s been FO after FO all week, so it’s entirely fitting to end the week with a new cast on. Yay Opposite Land! Anything to keep me from finishing my mini mochi crochet shawl, that Rockefeller I started way bay when, the hitchhiker I impulse casted on last week, or even that project who’s bind off is half finished. I could do just half a row, and have a beautiful, beaded, purple, cashmere shawl but no, I’d rather start something new!!

New is so exciting! I love new! Especially when it’s something fun. Something ridiculous. You may have noticed how much I like knitting ridiculous things.

Like a Freddy Krueger sweater for a little kid! It’s just such a good idea, it has to happen.

The yarn was sitting right *there*. As if that was an accident? Clearly, it was meant to be.

I’m staying true to the look of the original sweater but I’m changing the construction. This is a no brainer as a top down, raglan, pullover. The original is a very fine rib, machine made I’m sure. I’m going stockinette, again, no brainer…in the round, just knit away, making an occasional stripe. Yeah, I got this.

An inch of ribbing, go up a needle size, start the raglan increases. It’s perfect. Who says patterns and gauge swatches and measurements are important? Not me! At least, not yet! Happy Friday :)