... And One To Grow On.

So, as promised, I immediately went to work on a 6-month size of "Blu" because I simply could not believe that an actual human being could fit into the newborn size. This is most likely due to my own lack of experience with newborns. There were other reasons too: (a) I'm compulsive; (b) I had so much fun the first time around I wanted to have another go at it; (c) I am a perfectionist wannabe and thought I could do better the second time around; and (d) did I mention I'm compulsive?

I did make a few modifications that I would recommend. I cast off the top edges instead of keeping the stitches live because it was much less of a hassle during the pre-shrinking phase (and I don't think it made the elastic casing too inflexible). I also followed beppesgirl's lead and cast off three stitches at each edge of the elastic casing to enable the placement of a button on the inside for use with a special type of elastic with buttonholes every inch. This way the elastic can be lengthened or shortened depending upon the baby's girth.

So, that's it. I'm closing the chapter on the Baby Blues ... until the next time I hear that someone's expecting that is.

On to other knitting news. I found this nifty expanding file folder thingy today at an office supply chain store for $10.99. I have been keeping my circular needles in a bag which is a very inefficient way to manage them.

Now, I have a separate pocket for each size and can easily put my hands on the needles I need. I know there is no such thing as a knitting emergency, but should one ever arise I will be prepared to rapidly equip myself with the proper knitting tool.

Did I mention that I am somewhat compulsive?

I Got the Baby Blues!

These may be the smallest jeans ever! I knit the newborn size and I'm thinking these will fit Baby S. for about 5 minutes. The pincushion was placed in the photo to indicate the size of the FO. Are newborn babies really this tiny?

The button is wooden and is painted with an orange slice design. The embroidery was done with Rowan handknit cotton in "canteloupe." The jeans themselves were knit with Rowan demin and pre-shrunk in the washer in hot (!) water and thrown in the dryer before sewing up. (I know!)

The label was made with faux leather in butterscotch purchased online from Leisure Arts. (I can't take credit for thinking this up, I took my inspiration from "beppesgirl" on Ravelry.)

The entire project was completed within a weekend -- a first for me! And I also had time to do 5 loads of laundry, play a game of tennis, read a book and watch two movies. So I'd say all in all this is about an 8-hour project.

Specs:

Design: BLU by Cristina Bernard Shiffman and Kay Gardiner

Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines

Yarn: Rowan Denim in Nashville and Tennessee
Rowan Handknit Cotton in shade 337

Size: 0-3 months

Mods: None to speak of -- substituted faux leather tag for felt tag

Problems: The crotch is a little wonky due to an irregular cast off on my part.

While I have some momentum with this I plan to start the 6-12 month old size right away so the little guy can wear them for a little while.

More Perlemor ...

I was having so much fun with this pattern, I just kept on knitting and came up with a romper and a matching bonnet to complete the set.

The bonnet has a pinwheel design at the back of the head that is both elegant and whimsical at the same time. I didn't have a baby on which to model it so it's hard to see in the photo, but trust me - it's very cute. (Please excuse the water stain on the top of my bureau.)

The romper fastens with pewter heart buttons to match the sweater.

Et voila, the whole layette is ready to be shipped to the expectant parents. (Oops, except for the booties which haven't yet been made.)