Pea Pod Knit-Along

Boheme

2008-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

This pattern is now available for free download on my blog.

Allegra
www.fiddlestix.typepad.com

Happy New Year!

2008-01-03T10:51:00.001-08:00

I have been remiss. I failed to post earlier the fun and success I had with the Presto Chango pattern designed by our very own Valerie, Pea Pod KAL hostess extraordinaire.

I enjoyed this pattern so much, I made three of them!

The top left one was knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Organic Cotton in Nut. The middle right one was knit in Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton in Stone. The bottom left one was knit in Suss Bomull in Raisin.

I made an alternate front panel for both the Stone colored one and the Raisin one. However, I only seem to have a picture of the Raisin one, where I used a fish scale lace pattern.

All three of these were made in the smallest size. The only modification I made was on the Raisin one. When it came time to cast on stitches for the sleeves, I used a provisional cast on. Later, instead of binding off the sleeve stitches, I put them on waste yarn. This meant I was able to graft the stitches together for a seamless tube of a sleeve. I really liked the way it came out and will use that modification again in the future.

This is a wonderful pattern. It's a very fun, satisfying knit. And it really impressed the other guests at the baby showers. In addition to the always-fun-to-hear "you made that?!?", people were blown away by the cleverness and practicality of the design. Interchangeable front panels -- a genius way to deal with baby spit up down the front of a sweater. Well done, Valerie. Thank you for the spectacular pattern.

(cross-posted, in somewhat longer format, on my blog.)

Hrumph

2007-11-19T00:37:00.000-08:00

Hello!

I recently finished a Mochimochi Land toy for friend of mine who gave birth to a beautiful little girl, I hope she'll like it!

Pattern: Hrumph (Anna Hrachovec)

Yarn: Sunaturelle (La Droguerie)

Someone New to Knit For

2007-11-15T14:43:00.001-08:00

I have long enjoyed knitting for babies and now I have my own one on the way!

Baby is due in April. We don't yet know if it's a boy or girl, but we do want to find out. I've not yet started any projects for this little one. I'm feeling like doing some selfish, "me" knitting first. But I'm sure someday soon, the urge to knit for the kid will take hold.

PeaPod for Clover

2007-10-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to say that I FINALLY finished the Pea Pod Cardigan. I love the color, love how soft it is and I love the lace panel and border edgings. The details truly make this sweater very special.

I knit this adorable sweater for my friend, Julie's granddaughter to be, Clover. Since I have no little babies of my own to knit for, this was the perfect excuse to be able to knit this. (I used the second smallest size.)

I was slightly disappointed in the border chart which, I believe, has a few mistakes in it and took me FOREVER to figure out. (I'm surprised that they haven't corrected the changes yet...or maybe they have and I just couldn't find them.)

If I were to make this sweater over again, I'd try to knit the sleeves in the round and then sew into the armholes OR I would pick up stitches around the armhole for the arm. There was a bit more sewing up than I'm used to. (I really like knitting in the round.) Though, I was very happy with button band and the whole design overall.

This is one of my favorite baby sweaters to knit and I would definitely use this yarn again. (The only drawback is that it's not washable.)

Have a great day! (would love to know what you think!)

I AM knitting!

2007-09-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd share with you all what baby goodies are on my needles! First, is this Sweet Baby Cap. I am really close to finishing it. It may even happen tonight! :D

Next up are some longies for my darling daughter. I've tried several times to do longies, but always get messed up at the legs. Not this time though, I refuse! I'm using some Peace Fleece (don't know the colorway, it was a gift from my sil) for the waistband and cuffs, and Malabrigo Noviembre for the main part of the pants. I love this yarn!!!

And finally....I was traded some yarn today for garden veggies from our very own Val! This is some beautiful organic cotton...time for me to make a Presto for my wee one!

Tulip...almost PeaPod

2007-09-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

Oh, my goodness...I've had the yarn for the Pea Pod for months now and keep having the urge to knit some other baby thing first, don't know why. A couple months ago, I knit this for a baby girl of a friend of my sister's.

The wonderful Tulip Cardigan from Dream in Color. I used Knit Picks yarn and needles for all-thinking that although the Dream in Color yarns are luscious and beautiful, I liked the larger variety of color from Knit Picks, whose Swish Superwash is also incredibly soft and superwash merino.

Anyway, I didn't follow the colorways described on the pattern but used my own. I liked the ones I picked and I thought the black really offset the softer colors-having a very slight "stained glass" effect...maybe. What do you think?

Now, although I have millions of projcts I'm currently working on, I think it's about time I started (and finished) my PeaPod set. Don't you think? LOL!

P.S. You can check out some of my other projects and patterns on my blog here: Sleepy Eyes Knitting.

Not one, but two sweaters!

2007-08-31T14:44:00.000-07:00

OK, I confess, the sweater and hat set wasn't made by me. They were made by a friend of my mother in law. These arrived in the mail a few days ago and have the distinction of being Baby's First Gift! I love that the first gift is a handknit!

This is the Daisy sweater I recently finished. It's the 12 month size and I used every last bit of two skeins of Bernat Cotton Tots. I'm trying to work on various sizes of sweaters so my baby can have at least one knitted sweater that fits at all times!

A baby surprise

2007-08-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I've been lurking on this KAL for a while now, admiring everyone's beautiful knits. But as I've entered the third trimester along with the KAL (I'm due in early November), some of my baby knitting projects have finally been completed.

This is a baby surprise jacket and a pair of booties (from Knit Simple spring 2007) in Artyarns supermerino. I estimate the jacket is about a 3-6 months size, the booties can probably be used right away. In fact, I think the booties are so cute they really deserve a close-up:

I've also knit a baby kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting for a cousin's son:

I'm working on a log cabin blanket, and I have plans for some utilitarian longies and onesies using various leftovers. I'd love to knit the Pea Pod or some other more advanced cardigan as well.

I look forward to seeing all of your inspiring knits!

Cee (Expat knits)

Pea Pod Finally Finished!

2007-08-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

For such a quick knit, this took me a long time to finish. I guess I'm easily distracted by other things, but had to pull this together in time for the baby shower at the end of July. My niece should be born any minute now, and hopefully this will fit her by the winter (as cold as it gets here in So Cal). I made it in the 3-6 month size. I used Knit Picks Shine Sport for this, and really loved the yarn. I would highly recommend it if you are looking for a cotton with a lot of stitch definition.

Thanks for letting me knit along with all of you. Any comments are welcome!

Just joining you

2007-07-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I’m a new member and am going to be knitting a lot for my little pea due on Christmas Eve. I’ve been knitting for close to three years now. During that time I’ve made many, many baby hats for friends and coworkers who were expecting. Now I’ve got a mile-long list of things I’m going to knit for my own baby! This is my very first baby sweater:

Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono from Mason Dixon Knitting
Lion brand Cotton Ease, a little over one skein
This was a fun little knit, but seaming up the garter stitch sleeves took me several attempts before I could get them to look reasonably nice.

Currently I’m working on Daisy in the 12 month size. After that I’m ready for the Pea Pod Sweater.

I look forward to knitting along with all of you!

Jenny

I'm a BAD Pea-Podder.

2007-07-27T20:33:00.001-07:00

So bad, that I haven't even thought about making a Pea Pod! However, I have been knitting for the Girl, so that is good. Here is a look at what I've been knitting...

Diaper cover for Miss A. It is the soaker pattern from Little Turtle Knits. I love it! I'm using Manos Del Uruguay and it is just delightful!

Next up, some newborn hats. One of my good friends is having twins in November, so I am making her boys some hats.

And finally, Anouk. I will finish this, I will! I am thinking now that it will be a great fall dress for A!

Oh and I really want to make the Wonderful Wallaby sweater for my 3 year old, S. I just have to get the pattern and the peace fleece to make it with! It will probably be my big yarn purchase for the year. Yes, I said year. I don't get to buy that often...these silly things called budgets!

Newbie!

2007-07-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

My name is Anny (aka, annypurls) and I am the proud mama of a delightful 2 year old and a sweet as pie 4 month old. Both boys. Julian and Logan (aka, Jujube and Lolo ;0)

I'm always knitting for baby (and toddler ;0) and have been lurking around this blog for ideas for a while. I've been so inspired by everyone's trellis' and presto change-o's that I just had to join in on the knit-along fun! I just started my trellis and love it!

It's such a fabulous little quick knit that I really don't know why I didn't knit it before. I've got half a front and sleeves left to go before I can consider this one an FO. I just hope it fits Lolo when it's done...

I knit the 6 month size but it looks a little small. I am using the recommended Rowan All Season's Cotton that I purchased for a song from Cucumber Patch (even considering shipping from the UK, there are always great bargains to be had there...I got a 10-ball bag of this stuff for $20!)

I'm knitting up the button band side now and am thinking of reducing the number of buttons... Just need to figure out where to put them. I'm thinking of using just 3 and placing them on every big cable cross (row 9). Hmmm.

Happy knitting!
A.

PS - If you are looking for the perfect little easy knit for a toddler or pre-schooler, I just self- published a pattern for the cutest little buddy bags. See details on my blog.

Hello pea podders!

2007-07-01T01:56:00.000-07:00

Hello, I'm very excited to join the pea podders. It's winter here in Sydney (Australia) and I've been enjoying making nice warm things for some new bubs we know.

I've just mailed off a Presto Chango to some friends in South Australia who've had a baby boy a fortnight ago... I love this pattern! I made it in wool rather than cotton, to take the edge off the winter chill - Bendigo Woollen Mills Aran in Dusty Blue.

And I've just finished a baby bolero from Rebecca Baby+Kids No. 8, which is destined for friends here in Sydney who've had a baby girl. The same wool in Woodrose.

Finally, a picture of one of my little peas enjoying the puddles in her new gum boots! (We've had a lot of rain here lately). Also an opportunity to show off her Accordion cardigan, a Knitty pattern available here.

Looking forward to checking out all the new wee knits,

Danielle

Angel for an Angel

2007-06-22T18:41:00.001-07:00

I've been so impressed with how beautiful all of the baby sweaters are coming out so far for this knitalong. I just joined and I'm amazed with the ingenuity and talent of everyone! Bravo!

I recently finished the Angel Sweater by Oat Couture for a little girl of a friend of mine. It was so wonderful to knit and I enjoyed each minute of it.

Front

I used Knit Picks' Elegance DK yarn in Wild Rose. Wow, this yarn is fantastic! So soft...only wish it was machine washable.

Back

Now that I'm done with this, I can start the Pea Pod Sweater for a new baby due in late fall...not mine, though! LOL! (My boys are 4 and 14) I think I'll be using Knit Picks' Merino Style in Cornflower. Anyone have any good links for buttons that go well with this sweater?

Can't wait to see more sweaters and all the cuteness that goes along with them!

Happy Knitting!

Gina (SleepyEyes)

Presto Chango

2007-06-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that I actually finished a baby sweater! My FIRST ONE!!!

Here are some pictures...details are on my blog if you want to check it out!

Finished

2007-06-12T21:03:00.001-07:00

I just finished my Trellis sweater! I am so excited that I can send this off to my friends! Too bad summer is just starting, but I made a little larger size so that the baby can grow into it.

I like making baby sweaters, so much faster than sweaters for adults. I found this pattern to be a little fussy, but it looks great. I think this will be welcome surprise for my friends.

Presto Starto

2007-06-11T21:30:00.001-07:00

I'm making Presto Changos. Designed by our very own, wonderful Valerie.

More details and pictures on my blog.

1st Trimester Prize! Finally!

2007-06-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

Hello All! I've missed you! It's so fun to come back and see the beautiful work! I've had my hands full (literally) with my new little baby boy, but he is so worth it! Here he is in the award-winning sweater that Valerie made for him!

So, I am two months late doing the drawing for the 1st trimester prize of a piddleloop travel case. I put all of your names in a nice plastic container that I was returning to Val. (She brought me curry! Yum!) My 3-year-old drew out a name and....drumroll please...Jean won! Yeah Jean!!! Now I just need you to go visit the Piddleloop Store and pick out your pattern. Congratulations!!!

Two small steps back

2007-06-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

I had wanted to finally post about the baby sweater I've been working on for my friends Sarah and Shawn, whose baby Max was born just about 2 weeks ago.

I didn't want it to be this:

This might seem fine, but it's for a baby. Babies aren't quite the same as adults. Their bodies are still developing, and they don't quite know what to do with their hands. Sleeves are better if they stay out of the way a little, and rolling them up is not the look I was going for. The post-its for scale, if that helps.

The thing is, the body has been done for awhile now. I have had trouble with the sleeves because after the first one, I thought they wouldn't be wide enough. But this is worse, in a way, because there's no quick fix.

Well, I did think about just *cutting* the sleeves and picking up the stitches for the cuff, but I want this to be a nice sweater, not a sloppy hack job.

The sleeves are now converted to this:

I have some more knitting to do. Fortunately, it's fewer rows. Ah, there's a bright side if you look hard enough.

Hat, booties and bib

2007-05-27T09:57:00.001-07:00

Hi! Here are my last knitted accessories for babies. The first one is for my cousin's daughter, and the others are for me (I don't like pastel colours for babies).
Pattern: Petal Bib (One Skein, Leigh Radford)
Yarn: Catania coloway 0158 (Schachenmayr)
Pattern (free): Feather and Fan Baby Bonnet (Larissa Brown de Stitch Marker)
Yarn: Wool Cotton colorway 964 Still (Rowan) - 1 ball

Pattern: Angora Baby Booties (Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Joelle Hoverson)
Yarn: Impérial Infeutrable colorway Pompei (Bouton d'Or)

little surprise, fun quiz

2007-05-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I've been rather quiet on this KAL and it's time for me to do better. Do you all remember when I asked if anyone would like a little gifty for a Random Event back in March? (I think it was March...) Anyway, I actually got the little gifties made and I want to send them out to you. If you've sent me your address already, you don't need to do it again--I still have them (except for Kim who moved). But if any of you other lovely ladies would like to send me your address, I'll be mailing things out on Thursday. Lillian had this fun quiz on her blog--I've grabbed it and I present for your pleasure: What Kind of Yarn Are You? Me? I'm merino wool, but I already knew that by looking in my stash closet. :)

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Merino Wool.You are very easygoing and sweet. People like to keep you close because you are so softhearted. You love to be comfortable and warm from your head to your toes.
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

I haven't actually done any knitting on my Pea Pod yet. I got side tracked with what I'll call the "String Bean" baby sweater that I was making and the Presto Chango pattern that I sent to Jimmy Beans Wool for their pattern contest. If any of you haven't yet seen it, here it is. You can get the pattern on the Jimmy Beans website, if you'd like.

I tried it on my PeeWee just for fun, but I made it for Kristen's new sweet baby boy. I'm currently working on another one in size 24 months that should fit me girl a little better.

Finished Pea Pod for my Sweet Pea!

2007-05-11T17:41:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to the finishing! It fits great and feels wonderful on her this cool Minnesota May evening.

Now I just need to make some booties to match, I'm not sure about the hat... I'm just happy to have another finished object! Yay!

Next I should finish her next striped hoodie...

Happy knitting,

ali

More baby gifts

2007-05-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine got twins! A boy and a girl, so here are the gifts I made for them:

Pattern: Baby Kimono (Kristin Spurkland for Interweave Knits Winter 2005)
Yarn: Tourbillons colorway 97 (Phildar) - 3 balls

Pattern: Children's Cotton Hat (Last Minute Knitted Gifts, Joelle Hoverson)
Yarn: Cotonature colorway Lichen (Bergère de France) - 1 ball

I need to find more ideas, I have so much gifts to knit :-)

laptitelili

The Trellis Grows

2007-04-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I have completed the back and left front of the Trellis sweater. I'm mostly done with the right front as well. I am excited to give this to my friend, who is due May 19. It's so fun to knit baby sweaters!

New Member!

2007-04-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hi!
I am laptitelili, I'm French, and I've just joined the kal :-)
I am not pregnant, but lots of my friends/ family members are, so I'm knitting a lot of baby items. And, well, it's perhaps a little weird, but some patterns are so cute that I intend to knit them now for my future babies... in 10 years?

Some pictures of baby items I have already knitted:

Pattern: Bunny (baby) (Kate Gilbert)
Yarn: Teddy colorway Malabar (Bergère de France) - 1 ball

Pattern: Cable and Seed Stitch Baby Hat (Purly Whites)
Yarn: Linie 38 Kashmerino (OnLine) - 1 ball

Pattern: Bunny Hat (Jennifer Small for Stitch'n Bitch Nation, Debbie Stoller)
Yarn: Oxygène colorway Blanc (Phildar) - 1 ball/ Doussine colorway Shéhérazade (Bergère de France) - 1 ball
Pattern: From French book Des bébés toute l'année à la Droguerie
Fils: Idéal colorway Loden (Bergère de France) - 1 ball (2 strands held together)/ Shoelace Mohican noisette and pompons 15mm Marron Glacé (La Droguerie)

Voilà!

Finishing First Trimester Knit-a-long, Third-trimester-me!

2007-04-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Everyone is showing off such beautiful things! I realized that I was never going to finish my sweater in time, so I didn't even start yet. I knit a quick hat and socks for my baby, because I wanted to have something hand-knit from me in the hospital.

The first sock I made turned out HUGE for a newborn, so I revised the pattern a little bit. I think I'm telling you all this to put off my nervousness about tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning at 7:30 am, I am scheduled to have a c-section. It turns out that I have placenta previa and cannot deliver vaginally. After three vaginal births, this was a bit of a shock and sadness to me. I've also discovered that I'm scared. But I'm really excited to hold my baby tomorrow!! I took a picture of my pregnant belly to show y'all.

Last but not least, I haven't forgotten that we are to have a drawing on April 15th (the end of the Blog's first trimester) for a Piddleloop bag! I'll still be in the hospital, so Valerie might have to draw for me! Or you can wait. It'll be fun! Keep up the good knitting! I'm taking my sweater yarn to the hospital to cast on!!

What have you been working on?

2007-04-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I was one of the reason's that Valerie started this KAL and I still haven't even started a sweater. So, what have I been working on you ask?

I have been working on the appearance of my blog, bribbing Val to make me some really cool buttons (which she totally did!), recording episodes for my podcast (which is "New and Notable" in the hobbies section of iTunes), and these...

I started them last Thursday night at the Yarn Harlot Book signing and I can't put them down. I will write all about it on my blog so I won't waste space here. But I wanted all of you to know that I am still here, I am still totally planning on making the sweater, and I totally am impressed by all the wonderful things that have already been completed!

So, (call me the cheerleader) keep up the good work! I hope to be posting somthing more Pea-Pod ish soon ;-)

Marly
knitthing.blogspot.com
knitthing.mypodcast.com

More Progress

2007-04-09T16:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who left comments on my sweater, especially regarding the color issue. It turned out I was worried for nothing, because when my brother and future sister-in-law went to the doctor to find out the gender of the baby, the doctor told them it was a girl after all. I've really made some progress on my sweater though. I've gotten through the right side. Check it out below:

and a deail shot of the leaf lace and the seed stitch button band:

I'm really excited about the way it is turing out, and can't wait to finish. I think I found some booties that would go great with the ensemble too, and it looks like I will have more than enough yarn left over to make them.

TTFN!

Misison Accomplished- 1st Sleeve Done!

2007-03-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I managed to get that 1st sleeve done, a few minutes here and a few minutes there, in a little over 24 hours. It was a delightful little distraction on my busy Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon. I'm loving the color combo- my flash didn't ruin it too terribly much, but it is just a bit more delightful in person!
I'm a notoriously tight knitter so I was a little nervous about gauge, thinking I might end up needing to go up a needle size (or 2...) but I ended up almost exactly on if I just concentrated on relaxing and loosening up. Who was it that said she had to go down to size 2's? She must be quite a loose knitter... must be nice to be that relaxed, LOL! I don't think I could make gauge for this sweater on size 2's no matter how hard I tried...
Anyway, the sleeve was fun, I'm anxious to get to the rest of it, but as I mentioned on my blog, work before play... and I'm not getting paid for this one! So I'd better get some work done, eh? Then I can get back to the second sleeve, hopefully this afternoon...
Happy knitting,
ali

Progress!!!

2007-03-28T20:13:00.000-07:00

I finished Eve's sweater!!! YIPPEE!!!!! It will be a long time before I attempt another sweater on size 3 needles! LOL Here are some pics. I re did the collar 3 times, before I figured It wasn't going to get better. I do love the way it looks on.

I was also able to get some more work done on Anouk. I am just about to start the neck shaping on what will be the back of the pinafore dress. I am working on the Anouk I am making for Eve right now, but I also am going to make one in pastel colors for my niece in progress Gabriella. She is due in June. There is a family baby shower for my sister in law this weekend and since her Anouk isn't even cast on I think I am going to make some booties and sew a little kitty doll. I'll post some pictures when I finish them. The other perk for going to the shower is that the 5 hour drive to get there (and back) will be great knitting time!! Thank goodness for non drowsy Dramamine!

Got Yarn, Getting Ready to Knit!

2007-03-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, I got me some yarn, now I need to find me some time! There won't be much for the next 48 hours but I'll see what I can squeeze in...

I'll start with casting on a sleeve and work that up as my gauge swatch. You'll notice 2 yarn colors- I was googling and checking out the many blogged finished Pea Pod sweaters and came across an adorable one done with a contrasting edging. I loved it, but neglected to bookmark it... and my search today ended before I came across it again... anyway, I'm going for it!

My colors are called Grape and Avocado, and the yarn is Blue Sky's Sport Weight 100% alpaca. Did you know that alpaca fibers are 2 times warmer than wool and 7 times stronger?! I came across that tidbit of info when reading about raising a little livestock on a little hobby farm... so there ya go.

I have way too much to do before heading out in a couple of hours, but I'm hoping to just cast on my sleeve... then I'll feel like I've really started...

Happy knitting,

ali

2007-03-23T08:18:00.000-07:00

I have been making such a slow start on my baby sweater. It's great to watch all of your progress, however. I finally got my KnitPicks Shine Sport in sand, and the color wasn't what I expected. I showed it to my husband, and he said, "That's a girl color." How can a brown shade be a girl color? It wasn't what I wanted either, though: too coppery. Anyway, I swatched some, and got guage with size 2 needles, so I ordered more (or Valerie ordered for me, thank you!) in the color willow. Now it's just more waiting. Of course, all of my other knitting is waiting too! I hope to at least have a cast on edge to show soon! Am I crazy to knit a sweater on size 2s? I think I need to start with something bigger gauge...and for summer!

The Baby Hoodie

2007-03-20T19:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you that are interested (especially Nicole...), if your local yarn shop doesn't carry this pattern, or doesn't carry Blue Sky Alpacas period, you should first direct them to contact Sylvia and open an account... then you could order the pattern and/or the super soft cotton yarn from kpixie online.
It's a super simple and fast knit- no real shaping, toddlers and babies don't need set-in sleeves...
It's not a freebie, but they only run $4, so it won't break the bank. And just think, you'd have a picture of my very own toddler... she loved playing with those daisies! Oh, and the snacks, a good photo shoot has snacks- keeps us from getting cranky...
Anyway,
Happy knitting,
ali

Finally Started

2007-03-17T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone! I finally started by Pea Pod sweater this week. Check out the progress:

I really like this pattern, although it is a challenge to keep track of where I'm working on the chart, and at the same time track my rows for button holes. It's nice that the lace pattern is only over 15 stitches, so I only really need to concentrate for a few minutes on each row. I love the Knit Picks Shine Sport, and the way it knits up. The stitch definition is pretty nice, and the yarn is so soft. I am beginning to worry about the color though. Do you think it's too girly if the baby turns out to be a nephew instead of a niece? I'd love to get some input. My husband has not been helpful in trying to decide.

Striped Baby Hoodie

2007-03-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

I meant to link that- the pattern I used was the new Baby Hoodie, designed by Bobbi Intveld for Blue Sky Alpacas. If you check out the pattern- that's my toddler modeling!
I'm just starting work on another one now. I'm going for more brights with the stripes this time, should be a fun one!
ali

Hi Ladies!

2007-03-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm new here... just joined up and am getting pumped to start the Pea Pod set for my little sweet pea! I'm still trying ot decide on a color, but I thought I'd stop by and introduce myself-

I'm ali, and I'm a yarn addict. Admitting it is half the battle, right? Anyway, I've been knitting for a few years now and the obsession has only grown for me- I knit, I design, I tech edit, I knit some more... oh, and now I blog...

Well, I'll get to posting Pea Pod progress once there is progress to post- in the meantime, in between time, here's a recent finished object for my wee one-

till next time,

ali

All Done

2007-03-08T16:02:00.000-08:00

Finally, I am all finished with my Pea Pod Set.

I enjoyed this pattern even more the second time around, which is pretty rare for me. I think it's a real testament to how great this pattern is.

Here's a gratuitous close up on the lace and buttons.

And here it is all wrapped up and ready to be given.

I've had such a great time with this KAL. Thank you all so much. I don't have any immediate baby knitting plans, but I'll still be dropping by this here KAL to see everybody's progress and cheer you all on.

Happy Knitting!

Progress

2007-03-07T02:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, this will be picture heavy! I am plugging along on the sweater that needs to be done for my daughters birthday in 2 weeks. I made a rookie mistake and am making a sweater on a size 3 needle. I am bored out of my mind doing what seems like miles of stockinette. I was excited about this pattern, because it is knit in one piece, so I could avoid some seaming. I would give anything for seaming at this point!! Here is the sweater so far:

Here are a couple of baby gifts I did this week. Both were really quick and I love the result. I think this might be my new standard baby shower gift!

Last but not least Anouk. I am grounded from working on it right now (I HAVE to finish that sweater) but I think it will be a quick knit. This is from when I cast on.

Update

2007-02-27T16:46:00.000-08:00

I finally bit the bullet and went to Toys R Us to look for a nerf ball to use as a round, hat-blocking surface. I felt a bit like Goldilocks. This ball is too big, this one is too small... Unlike Goldilocks, I didn't find one that was just right. But the too small one is working nonetheless and I didn't get chased by bears, so all is well.

I've got the ball resting in a large, green, plastic, drinking cup because the bottom of the hat comes down over the ball. This way it can hang down straight. (I don't know why, but that picture makes me think of ice cream cones.)

The matching sweater is all seamed up. Here's a sneak peak:

There aren't any shoulder seams because I grafted them. I'm so pleased with how that came out, I may never seam a shoulder again.

When everything is dry, I'll take pictures of the whole set.

PS - If you go over to my blog you can see the dragon scarf I made for my 3 year old nephew.

random event #1

2007-02-26T22:59:00.000-08:00

Does anyone remember me mentioning the possibility of some "random events" to "keep things interesting"? I think we need one! So if y'all Podders would like to send me your snail mail addresses, I'm going to send you a little surprise. (Broad hint: I likey the yarn store and the bead store.)

Knit on!

this is it, really

2007-02-26T22:18:00.000-08:00

Look, ladies. Just look at this yarn. This is why I knit. Ahhhh. I think you all know what I mean. Yes, I have finally found my yarn for this KAL. I'm sorry that I haven't posted anything since the beginning, but I've been struggling with yarn. This is the answer to all my problems. It's Sublime Extrafine Merino Wool DK--so soft with perfect colors and machine washable. Yahooooo! I've also finally worked out the kinks in the design that I've been working on. I'm calling it Sweet Pea, since that's what I call my little sweetie Paige. The sweet pea is also the flower of my birth month and it just seems to fit nicely with the whole Pea Pod thing.

I printed out a bunch of knitting graph paper, taped it together, and charted out the whole sweater. It made decreases and stitch counts so much easier to figure out. I highly recommend charting out written patterns if any of you are like me and need to have a picture in your head of what you're trying to knit. I googled "knitting graph paper" and my favorite of the sites that I found is this one with actual size graph paper.

Trellis Sweater

2007-02-22T20:35:00.000-08:00

I originally wanted to knit the Peapod set for my friend who is expecting this May. I kept going back and forth and I finally cast on for the Trellis sweater from Knitty. I'm using Cleckheaton Country 8 ply, a machine washable 100% wool in a sage green. Cute, with lots of cables and seed stitch. I think it will be good for either a girl or a boy, and wool makes sense since my friend lives in Seattle.

I really enjoy knitting baby sweaters. I look forward to seeing everyone's cute projects!

Child Hood Sweater!

2007-02-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

So, my goal was to get it done by my birthday party yesterday, and I finished it!!! SO CUTE!

Ok, and I am not going to go into it here...but if you want to read about the best husband ever, go over to my knitting blog.

Now, I am making a sweater like this for Seth and I am casting on Anouk...ready Nicole???

Almost Done

2007-02-16T18:04:00.000-08:00

I'll be at the finish line when I finish the finishing.

The body and sleeves have been blocked. They're dry now, I just haven't un-pinned them yet. I left the shoulder stitches live so I can graft the shoulders instead of seaming them.

The hat came off the needles just hours ago. I still need to block it. I would love to have a round blocking surface. Maybe I should get a nerf ball or something else round I could stick pins in. Has anyone ever done that for a hat?

2007-02-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

Hi All! It's so nice to have so many new additions! It's really fun to start getting to know you all. I finally got someone to snap the shutter on my big belly. Only two months to go! For those who don't know me, I have three children already, and I'm expecting a boy.

In honor of it being a boy, I let my husband help pick yarn colors for the "Cardigan for Merry". He chose tan. I thought this was really boring at first, but I've decided that tan with brown toggles will be really great. Valerie and I combined orders, and I'm am waiting expectantly for many skeins of KnitPicks Shine Sport in "Sand".

Speaking of the Cardigan for Merry, I just got my order of Interweave Knits with the Cardigan for Arwen in it. Kate Gilbert is amazing. I'm in the fan club too. That is reversible cable. Neat! I've got to make that cardigan for me, don't you think? Then I can match the baby...

My sister has been visiting on her way to New York showing off her new baby. Gorgeous of course! But she requested one of my Ear Flap "Cowabunga" hats for her daughter to keep her warm in New York. Who can turn down a request like that? I started making these hats a little over three years ago when 5 people in my family were all expecting babies at the same time (including me). I've got to get the pattern written down better than scrbbles and lines all over a wrinkled piece of engineering paper, but this is what got me knitting again after several years away. I ran out of yarn and had to add in white. I think I ripped and re-knit 2-3 hats by the time I was done this time, but I still like it. I've run out of yarn so much lately that my husband made me order an extra extra skein of that Shine Sport. All the more for my stash (maybe).

Technical Difficulties

2007-02-13T20:45:00.000-08:00

Can anyone here teach me how to put the cute little buttons on my blog? I want the baby in the pea pod, I really do! I just..don't know how . Thanks.

Hi Everybody!!

2007-02-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone! I'm Angela. I have nothing to show for my Pea Pod set yet, but hopefully will soon. I knitted several baby items in 2006, but I am really excited to start this because it is for a member of my family. My new neice or nephew!!

I am waiting on my yarn, which is Knit Picks Shine in Aquamarine. I liked that this yarn was machine washable, and in Southern California, who needs anything heavier than cotton! I can't wait to get started.

By the way, Jean, I love your tip about the buttons, and will definitely use it once I start.

Greetings

2007-02-11T16:56:00.000-08:00

Hi all! I think this just has to be the cutest KAL ever. I'm Jean. I don't have any children of my own (yet), but I do have nephews and friends with babies. I love knitting baby sweaters. They are such adorable and satisfying projects. It's really nice to meet all of you. Let's get to the fun.

I made the Pea Pod Baby Set in green last month for a friend's baby daughter.

I loved this pattern so much I'm making it again. This time in blue for a newborn boy who lives on my street. His parents are pretty great, too.

Before I could start, I had to decide which yarn to use.

But now I'm off and running with Paton's Supersoft.

I've got these adorable little red car buttons. I saw a tip on Knitty Gritty on how to attach the buttons while you're knitting so you don't have to sew them on later. Well, anything to get out of sewing buttons sounds good to me. It's working out really well. If you want to see what I'm doing, I've gone into more detail on my blog.

Until next time, happy knitting!

Can I join too???

2007-02-10T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hello!! My name is Nicole. Mom to two sweet little girls (4 and almost 2) and aunt to a never ending supply of nieces and nephews! I learned to knit in September after being inspired by the amazing woman who posted before me. Kim is my best friend and I will never be able to thank her enough for bringing knitting into my life. Plus she is just plain fun to be with!! :)

Now for the knitting!! I have recently made 2 hat and bootie sets for friends having babies. One uses the hat from the pea pod baby set and I modified a bootie pattern to use the same rib as the hat. I have at least one more to do. I also am expecting a new niece in June and am making her the anouk that Kim showed you. I will also be making an anouk for my almost 2 year old daughter, Eve. And last but not least (come to think of it is should be first) I am working on a cardigan for Eve's birthday next month. It is a pattern out of the Filatura Di Crosa Baby book and I am using Rowan Classic Cashsoft Baby DK. I don't have any pics of the sweater yet. I'll post some later.

Thank you all for letting me join! Baby things are my favorite, possible because of the relatively quick gratification!! It will be fun to be inspired by all of you as well.

Hi everyone!

2007-02-10T07:29:00.000-08:00

Hello there!! I am Kim, mom to 3 little cherubs. Emma passed away when she was 8 months old, S (boy) is 2.5 and A (girl) is 7 mo. It's because of Emma that I learned to knit. Kept me busy after she died. It makes me sad that I never got to knit anything for her. Hopefully there will be yarn and needles in heaven! ;)

I am really excited about this knit along! Right now I am working on a sweater for A. It is the ChildHood pattern from Knitty. I'm using Paton's Merino for the body and Cascade 220 for the sleeves and edging. I have one more sleeve to do, then I can block it and put it together!!! I am so excited! This is the first sweater I've ever done and it really is fun. Probably because it's so small huh? S has asked me to make one for him when I'm done with hers. He wants it black. I think I'll do it charcoal gray and a blue heather (knit from my stash!!!). But, here are pictures of A's sweater.

Yesterday, I got my yarn for Anouk. I have never used the exact yarn that a pattern calls for, but I decided to with this one. When I was pregnant with A, I started to make this dress. I was making it in off white, with pale pink flowers and sage green stems. It was so pretty. I finished the front and started on the back, only to find that my gauge had changed drastically! I was so mad, and my big, angry, pregnant self, declared that dress "dead to me". Well, fast forward to when A was 3 months old and I went to work on it again...she was too big for it to even be a shirt for her. So, I frogged it. Now I am making it for her birthday (June) and am SO excited! However, I can't cast on until I get a few other things done, like her sweater, and a caplet I am making for my Mom. So, hopefully by the end of the month...but it's killing me not to!!!!

Pod People

2007-02-09T23:11:00.000-08:00

Kristen, Marly, I'd like to introduce you to the lovely people who emailed me in the past week, asking to join the Pod! As you will see, they are a diverse and talented group. Wahoo! We have company! I know you already introduced yourselves, but I have a few things to add...

Everyone, this is Kristen. I first met her about 17 years ago on a seniors' (that would be high school seniors) trip to a nearby university. She probably doesn't remember it, but I remember thinking that she was a very graceful person. Kristen's husband is a major Fantasy/Sci-Fi fan (so's Kristen) and I think it's entirely appropriate that I've been thinking of her expected little one as a Pod Baby. So perhaps then you, Kristen, are a Podder. And if you haven't shaved lately, then you are a Hairy Podder. I know. I should definitely not write things at this time of night.

And this is Marly. I only met Marly a couple of months ago and I have not yet had the privilege of meeting her in real life, but I could tell right off the bat that she is lovely and lots o' fun. What's more, she can knit on a treadmill! Now that's talent.

And I'm Valerie. I like to dream up things to make. Whether or not I actually get them made, that's another matter that we won't address at this time. My intended recipient in this KAL is my 21-month-old whom I fondly refer to as PeeWee. She's a little firecracker and I'm having a hard time resisting the urge to post a picture of her. Can't fight it, so here she is.

I'm so proud of her. She's a cancer survivor and the sweetest, yet toughest little kid I've ever known. I was seriously thinking of doing the Cardigan for Merry first, but I'm having a hard time getting gauge, and I'm apparently not very persistent because I've decided to just forget it and come back to the Pea Pod. Onward!

There. We've made it through that part of the introductions. Your turn. I'd love to hear about who you're knitting for and whatever else you would care to share. I'm so glad you're here! We were starting to think that it would only be the three of us. (Not that I'd mind having a 1:3 chance at that Piddleloop bag. Kristen? Hooo Man.) Okay. I'm stopping now. Really. You know, I have this same problem with leaving embarrassingly long messages on answering machines. Usually in the background you can hear my 13-year-old saying "Mom! Just hang up!"

Prizes!

2007-02-09T16:12:00.000-08:00

Is anyone making any progress, or is it like the first trimester of pregnancy still--plenty of discomfort, not much to show for it? Well, I'd like to perk things up with the offer of a prize. April 15 is both the end of of KAL's first trimester and my due date. When we reach this date, I'd like to do a drawing from everyone involved. The prize offered is a Piddleloop Travel Case in your choice of fabric. Odds are pretty good for the three of us right now!

Now about my cardigan for Merry; I was thinking of something bright, but my husband really likes the idea of a tan sweater with the brown toggles. He's talked me into it. I also decided not to splurge on the Rowan wool cotton, and I'm going to buy KnitPicks Shine Sport. Now if I could just decide between Sand and Willow, I could order the yarn and get started! I'm also worried about gauge after talking to Valerie.

Marly, it is so great to see what you look like that I thought I'd post a picture of myself--pregnant of course. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find a picture. I'll have to get my husband to take a picture of this 7 month belly!

Here We Go

2007-01-29T15:10:00.000-08:00

To tell the truth...with the exception of Socktoberfest, this is my first KAL. I am a KAL virgin! Who am I? Well I am a stay at home mom of three, an avid knitter and crocheter and working really hard to get published! That is me so you can put a face with the name! ( I know that helps me)

When Val contacted me about doing this KAL I was totally supportive. Now look at it...she has put it all together along with a GREAT button and everything. I think we all need to take a minute and give a silent cheer for Val!

I can't wait to start on this wonderful sweater. If I don't start soon my little tyke is going to be too big to ever wear it. Lord knows I don't want that to happen. So, this was the picture from my New Years Resolution: Knitters Style. I am posting it here so you all can see the colors I chose to use. I strayed away from the green not because I don't like it but because I thought it would look better on JoJo:-)

So, in the famous words of Oscar the shark in SharkTale: Let's Get this Party Started! (one two many cartoony movies)

Yarn

2007-01-28T11:50:00.000-08:00

Hi all, including joiners that I hope we soon have! I'm so excited to knit for my little pea. He is due on tax day, which is coming up soon when you think of taxes, and is forever away when you're in the third trimester on a restricted diet! Nevertheless, I don't have much time to knit my little one his sweater.

My still-podded pea remains un-named. But as engineering projects, computers, and movies have working titles that aren't final, we are currently using the project name Orion. Valerie has given us some great pattern options already!

I recently finished knitting a sweater for my sister's baby. It took me a month just to pick a pattern and yarn. Then, after finishing the back, left front, and half of the right front, I decided it wasn't what I wanted to do. I started over again with yarn from my stash, and knit Maggie Righetti's Dumb Baby Sweater.

I also knit a bunny to match with the last scraps of yarn.

Now, I have to pick again! I love that pinwheel sweater, but somehow I don't think my husband would let our boy wear it. I'm going with the Cardigan for Merry.! It is beautiful! Now, about yarns. I would like something with good stich definition, and washable. Has anyone used Rowan's wool-cotton? I've been wanting to try it. Happy Knitting!

party starty

2007-01-25T15:41:00.000-08:00

Have a pea in the pod? Know someone who has a pea in the pod? Are you overcome by the irresistible urge to knit a sweater for a little sweetpea? I know I am. Marly, Kristen and I think we need our own little knitalong to help get this proposed sweater off the drawing board and onto the babe!

Marly and I had a ME-TOO-moment when we both realized we were intending to knit the ever-so-adorable Pea Pod Baby Set from Kate Gilbert (published online by Interweave Press). And Kristen, bless her, has a pea in the pod, due in April! So here we are, ready to whip up some loopy love for some special babies.

Anyone out there keen on joining in? You can sign up anytime during the KAL. We'll go for (what else?) 9 months--winding up November 15. We'll have some trimester contests and prizes, and maybe some random events to keep things interesting.

We have a few great baby sweater patterns over there on the sidebar (let us know if you have any suggestions for the list). Email us if you'd like to join, then grab a button (save to your computer, please), pick a sweater--and let's go!