Sunday, September 22, 2013

the final countdown

We're busy getting ready for baby these days. The countdown to our little guy's due date is under two weeks. I'm alternately torn between being ready for him to arrive RIGHT NOW and wanting a few more days to finish decorating the nursery and to square things away at the office.
My mother's friends and family appliqued and embroidered these sweet teddy bear quilt blocks at a baby shower for me way back in 1978. Each teddy bear is different and bears the initials of its maker. Grandma (who was very crafty!) did all the finishing work, truly a labor of love for her since she enjoyed making garments, slipcovers, and curtains, not quilts. I love that my mom kept this all these years, and I feel so lucky to incorporate it into our little guy's nursery. Sugar is quite fond of it, too, as you can tell.

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More cardigans to keep wee "Ragnar" warm are off the needles...
pattern: Baby Sophisticate, by Linden Down (the free version)
yarn: Knit Picks Simply Cotton Worsted, green tea heather, 2 skeins
needles: US 7 and 8
size: 6-12 months

notes:
This is the project where I finally mastered short rows! Huzzah! Cute little sweater -- I like the shawl collar shaping. I used US 7 needles for the body, but had to switch to US 8 DPNs for the sleeves to get gauge. I used US 8 for the bind-off, too.

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pattern: Little Coffee Bean Cardigan, by Elizabeth Smith (free!)
yarn: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease, 1 skein each of Lake and Almond
needles: US 6 and 7
size: 3 months (?)

notes:
Yipes, stripes! I love them! The color combination is one of my favorites. Used up the very last of my Cotton-Ease stash, acquired many years ago.  I accidentally knit the collar with size 7 needles instead of 6, but remembered to use size 6 for the cuffs, bottom hem, and button bands. I didn't think through my button placement very wisely.

The sizing seems... well, quite generous, which is better than the alternative. The sleeves also seem pretty large in comparison to the body, but I'll evaluate the fit once it's actually in use.

11 comments:

Rose said...

Wishing you all the best! Sweet sweaters too.

J said...

Cute sweaters and lovely blanket, it's so nice to be able to pass little treasures like that on.

Best wishes for baby's arrival and the days and weeks ahead!

J

Knitting Diva said...

Best a Wishes on this exciting time in your life! Love the quilt and those sweet sweaters!

Caffeine Girl said...

What a wonderful baby quilt! I love that it would work for either gender. Darling sweaters -- wrap that baby in love!

Enjoy your last few nights of sleep!

Tracy Altieri said...

Thinking of you and wishing you the very, very best!

Stephanie said...

I think your feelings of being ready for baby to arrive but thinking of things you could accomplish before delivery are quite normal, or at least I experienced that too. My little girl is going to be 15 m on Thu! Best of luck on your new adventure. (sjn821 on Rav)

Karen said...

Pre-emptive congratulations! Baby will be both warm AND loved. :)

Hilary said...

Oh my goodness, so soon?! I feel like you *just* announced your pregnancy. How exciting!

I absolutely love the quilt -- so adorable, and so filled with love! Awesome new baby knits, too. I'm sure Ragnar will love them! :)

Rue said...

Good luck! From here at least the nursery seems well-stocked. That is going to be one handsomely dressed baby!

Sharon said...

Oh my gosh - this is the first time in months that I've been able to read blogs and the catch- up has been amazing. Your news is the best of all! Holly cow!! Your baby will have the most amazing sweaters. No one knits cool baby sweaters like you. Congratulations!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

What sweet knits, and I love that you still have your baby blanket. It is so special to be able to wrap your wee one in the blanket lovingly made by your family so long ago.