Claire's Sweater

Some of the most important ideas that we can pass onto our children are tradition, and from my lineage of women- knitting.  I simply adore the notion that Claire also wants to be a knitter.  She is always very intrigued with what I am working on.  She has also started her very own mini-stash.  And I am NOT to touch any of her yarn.  She is very patiently saving it for the day that she learns how to knit so she can make something with HER yarn.  That day will be coming soon.  I understand many kids start around 4.  So, along with her asking what I am working on she will occasionally ask if what I am making is for her.  Usually the answer is no.  Unless I involve her in the ENTIRE process she is generally not interested in the cute stuff I try and make for her.  So this time she had a special request.  "Mommy, can you make me a sweater?"  But, of course.  So I found one that met her approval and showed her the yarn I had been saving for a project just like this.  And here I present- Claire's Sweater.

The yarn is from the Lavender Sheep Co. in Hood River.  I thought it would be a nice and playful colorway.  She approved, despite it not having her favorite color- yellow.  The yarn was wonderful to work with.  It was a Merino/Silk mix.  Some might say that is a little fancy for a toddler, but not mine.  This garment she has worn more than any other that I have made her.  It is perfect for the mildly cold days of spring. You might notice in the picture that it self-banded the color towards the top and then towards the waist I forced the color to band which made for a few more ends to weave in. 

The pattern is Audrey's First Day.  We have already scouted the yarn and the pattern for her next sweater.  But, she is a little down on the queue at the moment.  The pattern, like most toddler sized garments knit up pretty quickly.  The only problem that I had was with myself and not the pattern.  I didn't examine the pattern enough prior to starting.  The pattern requires that you knit the body and then pick up the stitches around the color and down the front for a nice ribbed edge.  Picking up that many stitches is a weak spot for me.  But, in the end, it made a lovely garment that Claire adores and wears!

Next up: Quince & Co. yarn review.

Be well. Create. Inspire.