FO: Chunky Baby Cardigan

The baby cardi is complete...


Pattern: Chunky Zip-up Cardigan from Knitting For Two
Yarn: Araucania Nature Cotton

This was a fun little sweater to knit, and the end result is so cute! Originally, I chose stripes as a kind of last resort--I was having a really difficult time finding yarn. This cotton was one of the last yarns I looked at, and it just seemed right. I've used it before and liked it a lot. It's very soft and has a great thick and thin texture. Hopefully, the new parents don't hate me for choosing a yarn that needs to be hand washed though!


I made quite a number of modifications to the pattern, starting with the stripes. The biggest change was using buttons instead of a zipper. I had originally planned to use a zipper, but I couldn't find a suitable one.


My first thought was to do button loops, but in the end I decided to knit a button band. I'm very happy with how this turned out. The front pieces are all stockinette, so this eliminates any rolling edges, as well. The leather buttons are from my button box. I think another button or two would have looked better, but that was all I had!

I actually picked out different buttons at the store...


...but my husband thought ladybugs were too girly! I was on the fence myself, so that's why I started searching the button box. I'm still not sure about those ladybugs--what do you think, are ladybugs for girls only? In any case, it's too late now. I'm sure I'll find another use for them, because they are so cute!

Now I just hope it fits... eventually. I knit the 9-12 month size. It's for a Florida baby, and having lived there myself, I know there is not much more cool weather to be had at this point. I figured the baby would get more use out of a sweater come November.

I have also been working on my pair of socks for the Sock of the Month knitalong, and it's not looking promising at this point.


I only have one sock started, and I had something of a disaster last night on the toe. To start with, I wasn't sure if I liked how the decreases were looking. Not a neat as my normal toes, but I kept following the instructions. But that is not the bad part. The pattern instructs you to decrease down to 8 stitches, and then draw the yarn through the remaining stitches to close the hole.

Well, I got down to my 8 stitches and drew the yarn through. Somehow I dropped a bunch of stitches, which promptly unraveled. In order to fix it, I had to pull out the yarn I pulled through the other stitches, which only increased the unraveling.

I was so close to finishing this sock! Well, I'm not giving up, but I think I need to start the toe over at this point, and maybe do a normal toe. I'm actually looking forward to kitchener stitch after this!