The Force is strong with this one

Magnus in the Baby Yoda Sweater

Magnus in the Baby Yoda Sweater

It’s time for a FO! Actually I finished this project quite quickly, back in October, but I didn’t want to post it because it was a Christmas prezzie for my not-so-wee nephew, Magnus (almost four months old). I searched around for a pattern for a baby sweater that would have some room to grow with him, since it’s kind of one of my golden rules to avoid knitting anything too rigid in the way of clothes for kids, because it just doesn’t last. The Baby Yoda Sweater by Cari Luna seemed like the perfect match. Not only is it designed to “grow” with the child, it looks just like Yoda’s robe. How cool is that?

What he really thinks of his new sweater

What he really thinks of it

Now I give kudos to all knitwear designers, because I have trouble writing out instructions for even the simplest of designs, even if I get it straight in my head what I’m doing. It has to do with the whole translation of what I see in 3D in my mind’s eye to written instructions on paper – I get myself all turned around, every time. But I think this design could use some improvements. Firstly, the back and the two front panels are all worked separately and need to be sewn together. And then the sleeves are worked flat and seamed. Overall, I think all the sewing really causes the garment to lose some real estate, and in the end, this sweater, which is supposed to fit up to 6 months, is already too small. Especially in the very narrow sleeves, which I widened at the wrist (but forgot to write down how much).

Baby Yoda Sweater

Baby Yoda Sweater FO

Baby Yoda Sweater details

The Baby Yoda Sweater FO

Anyhoo, it was still a hit and even if it is too tight on Magnus, it will work for another bambino down the road. I do have to say that this was the first time I used the superwash Dream in Color “Classy” which is a delight to knit with, and I just adore this colourway, called “Cocoa Kiss”.

We’re off to Portland and Seattle for the week, so blog posts will be minimal, but I’m sure I’ll have lots of yummy photos when I get back!

It’s raining babies

We had very a family-filled weekend with house guests and two baby events on Sunday. Chris’s niece, Sydney, was baptized and on Sunday afternoon my brother and sister-in-law arrived in town for a few hours to catch a show, and I got to spend some quality time with my seven (wee!) week old nephew, Magnus. He was a pretty happy little guy and it was such a privilege to get to babysit! We live about two hours apart so I don’t get to see him as often as the rest of my family.

Sydney's christening

Sydney, in her gown

Dude!

Who are you looking at?

You aren't my mama!

You ain't my mama!

Magnus & Auntie Sarah

Magnus and auntie

More pics…here.

I have a nephew!

Word came last night at about 11:30 that my new (and first!) nephew has arrived! Magnus Daniel Mulholland was born at 10:18 pm on September 3, 2008, weighing 8 lbs 4 oz. This has been a difficult pregnancy for my sister-in-law due to blood pressure problems so the delivery was induced after some stress tests this week. Magnus, which is a very old name meaning “great” in Latin, had some breathing problems so he’s been in the ICU. I hear he’s breathing on his own this morning, and doing very well, as is the whole, tired family. I hope to go visit him this weekend! Pictures to come!

Bear to be Loved

Lovable Bear

Lovable Bear, from "Last Minute Knitted Gifts" by Joelle Hoverson

I have a nephew in the oven. Oh sure, I’ve had lots of seudo-nieces and nephews arrive over the last few years but this one is my first blood-relative real live nephew! He’s due to arrive late in September, which is just perfect because I too am a Virgo and Virgos are pretty terrific. I’ve knitted up a few little things to welcome him into the world, including this bear made from the Lovable Toys pattern found in Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson. Shortly after the bear was gifted it was pointed out that it looks oftly a lot like Mr. Bean’s teddy bear…

I’ve also knitted up a blanket, which has been well received. I had a ton of Bernat Handicrafter Cotton in all sorts of colours on hand so I figured it would be a good opportunity to bust away some stash, but in the end I bought more of the yarn to help vary up the colours. I didn’t know if the baby was a boy or a girl when I got started, which explains the amount of pink in the scheme.

Baby Blanket

Blanket for my nephew-to-be