I wonder if Twain knitted... probably not. But he had a point. You have absolutely no idea how difficult this knitting for baby project has been! I initially had planned on doing a hat, a sweater and a blanket using the free patterns from the Lion Brand website. There was a set of patterns, all called "Glamour-Baby" and the yarn called for was Lion Cashmere Blend. I didn't want to use the yarn called for. It's not easy to find, it's expensive and the recommended care doesn't allow for machine drying and the last thing a new mother needs is infant wear and accessories that isn't easy to clean. I tried the hat, and I really did try to match the gauge but it was a disaster. I tried a second time and still no success. I gave up on the hat, and decided to work on the blanket. The pattern Glamour-Baby 's First Blankie is easy and very attractive. I'm still concerned about the completed size. I've gotten about half of it done and it doesn't seem very wide, though I think it will match the dimensions listed in the pattern which is 18" x 24". I like the pattern created by "blocks" of knit stitches alternating with "blocks" of purl stitches.
I'm using the Caron Simply Soft Baby shown in the picture with the half that's completed. The color "Soft Yellow" is very pretty and a nice alternative to the solid pink I'd started with and so far I've used 2 skeins. The yarn is truly soft and totally washable according to the care instructions. It's also working out well as a substitute to the yarn called for in the pattern. I'm using bamboo US 10.5 needles.
I will finish this soon and the question still remains, will I make a hat and sweater to go with it? I really love some of the cute kimono patterns out there for babies. The kimono would be a nice sweater (and very easy!) to put on a baby.
I have also started on some Christmas presents. So much to do and so little time!
