Thank you all for your comments and support on the Etsy shop opening. Things have been crazy and I didn't have a chance to answer each comment, but I do appreciate them. And of course, thank you so much to those of you who were kind enough to buy some yarn! I hope you all like it. I got a new shipment of yarn in the other day, and I'm just waiting for a chance to dye some of it up. Does anyone have any color suggestions? I usually dye colors I prefer, but I know not everyone has the same taste as I do. Any input would be appreciated!
I've been knitting whenever I get a chance, but I have so many projects going on at once that I don't feel like I'm making any progress. Actually, the number of knits on the needles is starting to freak me out a little bit. They are all demanding my attention, but I'm having a hard time choosing which one to work on. Of course, even though there are already so many projects in the works, I'm still trying to resist casting on for something new. Every time I turn around there is a new project begging to be knit (and yarn begging to be ordered, but we won't go there). Must. Stay. Focused. The bright side is that I actually did finish up one of my many projects, albeit a small one.
Pattern: Hooded Guernsey from Family Knits by Debbie Bliss
Yarn: Knitpicks Swish DK in Dusk
Needles: 3.75mm and 4.0mm Addi circulars
Modifications: Where do I begin? I made so many modifications to this pattern it's hard to decide where to start. First of all, I knit this sweater in the round rather than flat, as directed in the pattern, to make things easier for me (seaming=ugh). In doing this, I forgot to make the kangaroo pocket, so I just skipped it. The pocket wasn't that important a detail to me, anyway. So the stockinette portion was knit completely in the round, and when I bound off for the armholes, I started knitting the front and back separately. I kept the shoulder stitches live, and did a three-needle cast off.
I knit the sleeves by picking up stitches at the armscye and knit from the top down, in the round. Since it's a modified drop-shoulder design, I had to knit the first 14 rows flat, and then joined the sleeve in the round. This way, the sleeve could be joined to the body properly. I actually just knitted a sleeve stitch together with a body stitch as I started a row, this way there was less seaming for me to do at the end. Not only is there less seaming, but by knitting top-down, I could tailor the length of the sleeve precisely. Very clever. Once I finished knitting the sweater itself, I decided I liked the way it looked and chose to skip out on the hood altogether. I don't think a hood would be particularly useful to a two-year-old, therefore it seemed like a waste of yarn and time.
Unfortunately, when I tried to put the sweater on said two-year-old this morning, he wanted nothing of it. It was really cold this morning, so I wanted to be sure he was warm enough for the trip to bring his sister to school. I put his t-shirt on, then proceeded to put the sweater on. He immediately started pulling it over his head and yelling, "Get it off"! That started out my day making me feel appreciated. Now I don't think I'll feel so guilty about being such a selfish knitter. At least I know I'll appreciate my handknits. And if I don't, it's my own damn fault!
Remember to never take personally any reactions from children and animals! :D Your yarns are gorgeous. I first linked to your site from Faith D. whose MIL went to high school with me in Germany way too many years ago. You are both such beautiful and talented young women, and I'm amazed at the marvelous creations you both make. You've both inspired me to spin, and hubby and I recently took a class and bought a wheel. Baynes castle style for me, but I covet a Majacraft Millie. It certainly cuts into knitting time though!
Posted by: Dani | 09/20/2007 at 06:52 AM
Your little blue sweater is so beautiful. I'd love to see a modelled picture.
Posted by: jan | 09/20/2007 at 07:18 AM
So nice! Two-year-olds! They're so cute and frustrating at the same time.
Posted by: tiennie | 09/20/2007 at 07:35 AM
love the sweater, love it hanging next to the habs sweater :)
Posted by: jess | 09/20/2007 at 08:10 AM
What do two year olds know?!! It's gorgeous and one day, they'll be asking you why you don't knit for them.
Posted by: Marina | 09/20/2007 at 08:11 AM
He'll love it in a little while. Especially if you make his sister one. It looks great!
Posted by: Carrie | 09/20/2007 at 08:14 AM
I just knit a DB guernsey (mixed with another guernsey patttern) the same way. Why seam when you don't have to? I'm sure the little guy will appreciate it eventually!
Posted by: Janet | 09/20/2007 at 11:16 AM
Even though the sweater is gorgeous, there is something to be said for being a selfish knitter, isn't there?
If you put it away for his child someday, he will most definitely appreciate it :-)
Posted by: Kim | 09/20/2007 at 12:21 PM
This is too bad. I really like the sweater, but to be honest, I don't have any handknit items in my kids closet either, just for that reason.
Posted by: Angelika | 09/20/2007 at 01:41 PM
I like the sweater without the hood. You did a great job on it! Maybe your little one will like the sweater better tomorrow.
As far as yarn color suggestions, green is always a great color! :) And a denim color would be great, too, for people who like to match their socks to their pants. (That was totally me until I started knitting these wonderful colorful socks!)
Posted by: Beth | 09/20/2007 at 02:30 PM
It's a gorgeous sweater and kids will always be kids :) I knitted a couple of cotton vests for my baby nephew two years back but they weren't appreciated too. Don't worry about being a selfish knitter, I am one myself!
Posted by: lyn | 09/20/2007 at 02:57 PM
kids! they're so cute, yet so fickle. I'm with Kim, save it for a grand baby someday :-]
in the meantime, I'd apply liberal doses of chocolate to your life (often, frequent and in many forms!)
Posted by: Teyani | 09/20/2007 at 03:13 PM
I love the guernsey, I've seen it many times in the book but never knit up. The colour and yarn are just right for it!
And my 8 year old still does that too - only she will placate me by modelling but then never wearing it again, sigh...
Posted by: Cybele | 09/20/2007 at 05:39 PM
Alexis never really loves the sweaters I make for her either. I keep saying I won't make anymore, but I haven't stuck to that yet.
The guernsey came out great. Very cute! Hopefully he'll grow to love it.
Posted by: Karen | 09/21/2007 at 02:42 AM
It's gorgeous! I love that blue. Hang in there. He'll come around.
Posted by: Leah | 09/21/2007 at 03:08 AM
Oh, yeah. Nothing like rejection of a beautiful handknit by a toddler to get the morning off to a good start. Neither of my sons will wear anything I knit them, although they both love that I do. Odd. But I think the sweater is beautiful and perfect, and you should carefully put it away when it no longer fits so that you can pull it out when he grows up and show him. Maybe he'll appreciate it then.
Posted by: Suzanne V. (Yarnhog) | 09/21/2007 at 08:53 AM
Hehe, kids sure are strong willed aren't they?? The sweater turned out really cute, now you have a good excuse to do all your knitting for yourself! =)
Posted by: keri | 09/21/2007 at 12:09 PM
Just found your site! Very nice! Checked out your Etsy shop too. Also very nice! I'm somewhat new to knitting and have just picked up needle felting. Can the hand dyed roving wool at your Etsy shop be used for needle felting? Thanks!
Posted by: HobbyMommy | 09/22/2007 at 06:40 AM
LOL! Get it off! Sounds like AJ. She is so frustratingly opinionated sometimes. And you might think she likes a particular outfit because she was excited the first time you showed it to her, but then the next time, forget it. She'll pitch a fit and there's nothing I can do about it.
I love the guernsey. I think it's perfect the way you modified it. Did you like the Swish?
Posted by: Katie | 09/23/2007 at 07:56 AM
Selfish? Nah... Why knit them something they won't wear, grow out of in three months, ruin the first time wearing, or lose on the sidewalk? :)
Seriously though, I'm only doing hats and mittens in the near future. I won't cry over the crappy PX "knitwear" that they ruin.
On a brighter side it turned out fabulous! Very cute!
Posted by: Erica | 09/24/2007 at 06:09 AM
How Strange!! I made the same sweater for my 4 yr. old. I did it in the round, made the kangaroo pocket (a little on the small side), divide front and back for sleeves, 3 needle bind off, etc. When I put it on the little man for a fitting, he said, "No! Take it off! I don't like it!" What is it about this sweater? My husband said it looked too girly (mine is done in a light blue), but now that I hear your story, I'm beginning to wonder. I haven't done the sleeves or hood because of the ungrateful recipient, but I don't want to frog it.
I like your version w/o the hood. Maybe I will try that, too:)
Posted by: Lisa | 09/25/2007 at 02:43 AM
That little guernsey is just too cute! And I took a look at the etsy shop too, lots of lovely things, what a good start!
Posted by: Cheryl | 09/26/2007 at 04:31 AM
Hi - I made it over to your blog by way of Socktoberfest 2007. Love this sweater. Yea, kids and handknits. I know the feeling. My 4-year-old has worn her Wallaby about once!
Posted by: Beth | 10/10/2007 at 11:30 PM
It is so cute! I don't much enjoy knitting sweaters for my kids - always feel like they're going to grow out of them quickly!
Posted by: tiennie | 10/22/2007 at 08:47 AM