Isaac's Tri-colored Pullover

This a simple pullover with a crew neck. The colors really compliment his skin tone. The sleeves were very simple with no arm hole shaping needed. The back was basically a square and the front had neck shaping. The sleeves had a simple gradual increase up to the seams. The gauge was 4 stitches to the inch and I used US 9 sized needles. It made for quick knitting and a fast sweater. I made the entire thing in a week. I felt this was the simplest article of clothing I have made so far. The next one will be more challenging.

Big City Knits

Wenlan Chia, is a real inspiration to me. I bought her book
" Twinkle's Big City Knits" because I felt her designs were truly original. She has shown her line at Fashion Week in New York City and the items she hand knit herself got the most positive attention. She uses a real understanding the stitches and how they lie on the body. Her use of dramatic ribbing around the waist makes very chic and elegant garments. They are all very form fitting and look like a real womans choice. There are many sweaters I would make and wear out. She only uses super bulky weight yarn, hence the title, and the sheer size of the materials make for quick knitting. I chose this book because I felt it would give me quick results for making my first adult sized sweater. The needle sizes range from 13-35 US, and may are circular so you may need to go out and but these sizes especially for these projects. I am currently looking for yarn to buy in the super bulky weight as to get the correct gauge. Keep reading for updates on "Big City Knit" sweaters for mama!

Expanding My Knitting Library

*Vogue Knitting is the best source I have found for step by step instructions on technique and how to. The advice is very easy to follow and covers every basic area I have needed to research.
*Best of Vogue Knitting 25 Years is a gathering of all the best articles from 25 years of the publication. The articles range from raising your own flock, to designing your own sweaters.
*Interweave Knits has only been around for about 10 years, but they offer wonderful patterns in a classy taste. They have various pattern choices for multiple projects.
*Knitspeak is a dictionary of knitting abbreviations and definitions for unfamiliar terms. Its small size serves as a asset for portability. Every knitting bag should have a copy for quick reminders or a short lesson.
*Twelve Months of Knitting has increasing levels of difficulty with each project. It is designed to improve you skill as you go along in the book. With the sections divided by the months of the year it offers seasonal projects so one does not get bored.

Here is a look at the books I feel are essential for a good knitting library. I have others that show different styles and different materials of knitting I will also post. I feel these are good basic books to have. The Vogue Knitting book is especially important because I feel you should have a good reference book for looking up questions or techniques. You can never learn too much.

Grace's Rainbow Cardigan

Well, ladies and gents, I have done it. I have made my first official sweater. I made one for my daughter she is 15 months old now, and in the size 12-18 months toddler clothes. I made the sweater size toddler 2 for extra growing room. She looks a little baggy in it now, but the design is still very tailored. The sleeves have a raglan setting which suites her nicely. I hate the idea of making boxy items for toddlers...kids have waists too!! I used a gray acrylic for easy washing. The ribbing is done in a rainbow variegated color yarn ranging from purple to blue, green, pink, yellow, you get the idea. It is a fuzzy boucle yarn of mystery source. I woman gave it to me at my kitting group for yarn swap night. I came home with lots of yarn that day! I am really proud of this one. I have made a real cardigan! In a small size granted, but the technique it all the same just faster to make the garment. I feel I have crossed over into a whole new realm of knitting. I am really excited about all of the possibilities I have. I went on e-bay and bought yarn. Yes, yes I know I dissed e-bay for yarn previously, but I found a trusted brand that I have worked with, it was acrylic Red Heart Supersaver, and I chose many girl, boy, and neutral colors for the kids. I feel this yarn is perfect because it is cheap, and washer dryer safe. I love my kids but there is no way I will "hand wash cold, lay flat to dry" all of those tiny little creations. I had to make it mommy smart. Stay tuned readers, it will only get better. I also have been expanding my library, and magazine collection. More on that later. For now, enjoy my creation of the day!

Isaac Cabled Red V Neck Vest

I am sooooo excited!!! I have finished my first clothing article!! I made a sweater vest with a cabled pattern running down the center. He looks so adorable in it. The making of it was really simple. It was my practice run. I feel confident in my ability to make more, better things!! I am really excited, this is a real step in my craft, and I can make real clothes now!! I am on cloud nine right now. Next, I will make something for my daughter. Keep checking on my wonderful knits!!