Toddler Hoodie for the Midgauge Machine

More mystery yarn from the stash put to good use. It's a worsted weight yarn. I did make a nice swatch, washed and dried it, so I knew pretty much how it would behave. Although it looks more like cotton, I think it's acrylic because it didn't shrink at all. There is no shine to it, which makes it look more like a natural fiber, I think. Was not fun to knit with---was un-stretchy and un-forgiving, like cotton. I think it was treated with something because it had a treated smell and was rough feeling. When I washed and dried it, it became a totally different animal. Nice and soft with no funny smell.

I think it's important that a young mother doesn't have to worry about how to launder a garment. This yarn passed the test in that respect. The color is not captured accurately here, though. Is more of a light foresty green. I've made this midgauge pattern three times now and just varied the hems. Always turns out nice. It's a cutie, if I do say so myself. There were two babies born in the family last month, both boys, so I think this will suffice for one of them.

My knitting guild had a demo on embroidering on knits last month, so I decided to add this little airplane. I used a wash-away stabilizer on the bottom and placed two small layers of wash-away stabilizer on the top---just held them in place by hand--- so that the stitches wouldn't sink into the knit. It all washed away, as advertized, and is not too stiff. It's a freebie design on the Brother site, if you are interested. I like that it is in proportion to the size of the garment.

I used Mary Anne Oger's hem (from the spring 09 issue of Knitwords) that she used in the Crosswise sweater. Fortunately the sweater didn't shrink when washed, so the hems lie nice and flat.

You know, it's fun trying new things on baby sweaters because there isn't such an investment of time or effort. I think I'll use that hem again on another garment. it adds a little special touch. And if the sleeves have to be rolled up for a while, the underside is finished with no raw edges.

Now, what to make for the other baby....


You may purchase this six page pattern for the midgauge knitting machine with Pay Pal or personal check (email me)for $6.00. There are 4 hems described with complete directions for size 12 and 18 months.