More baby things! I was inspired by this sideways knit sweater, a free pattern by Opal yarns, using a yarn called Opal Brazil Sock Yarn. I had saved it a couple of years ago and now when I search the internet, I can't find the pattern anymore. The yarn isn't available either, as far as I can tell. To make it on my standard gauge machine, I crafted it up in DesignaKnit, with my own gauge.
This is what I came up with. When I put the images here, they get a little blurry, so if you want the actual numbers, click on the image and it will enlarge with more legible numbers :
AND
Knitting a sideways sweater is a little confusing, so you'll need to think it through a little and make a cheat sheet for yourself as to when to put stitches on waste yarn, when to pick up the whole thing again, when to bind off a section. Maybe it wouldn't be as tricky for you as it was for me to visualize. I think once it's on the machine, it makes more sense. Sorry, I didn't actually write out the steps or I'd provide that here.
So, this is what the sweater looks like. I used some sock yarn (lost the label)that gave a 7st x 10 row gauge at T 10 on the standard gauge machine.
After I got the piece off the machine, I noticed that the fronts matched---were mirror images of each other. I didn't try to get it that way! And, I'm sure if I had tried, I would have screwed it up. Funny!!!
To do the collar, I left live stitches on the front neck on waste yarn and picked up stitches on the back neck. I knit a few rows stockinette and a few rows ribbing so the collar wouldn't roll. Picked up the front plackets and cuffs to do 1 x 1 rib on these as well.
I can't decide whether I love this sweater or not. For some odd reason, it reminds me of a 1970's leisure suit! And the colors are pretty shocking/strong for a baby. Fortunately, this baby will probably, most likely, undoubtedly have lots of things to choose from in his wardrobe!!!
PS It's supposed to be about a size 12 months.
Mar, you are just sooo clever!!! You put me to shame. The Sweater & baby blanket are absolutely beautiful. The blanket looks exactly the way it should. & remember, babies & toddlers LOVE bright colors. The brighter the better. That blanket will be cherished. My son used his until he was 12 years & it finally fell aprart in the washer.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sheryl. Don't know how clever I am, but I'm having a good time making things. Keeps me out of trouble (mostly).
ReplyDeleteThis looks like Bernat Sox yarn. I love your work and this idea. I've made some hats with this same yarn & color.
ReplyDeleteHi, i am new to machine knitting. Could you please translate for a hand knitter:
ReplyDeleteLooking at the back picture (bbysdw12.shp):
0:(63) - does this mean Cast On 63 stitches?
52:(52) - does this mean at Row 52 Cast stitches?
62: +1s4x1 - does this mean at row 62 increase 1 stitch every 4 rows? [but then what would the 'x1' mean?)?
73:+2s2x2 - does this mean at row 73 increase 2 stitches every 2 rows [what about the 'x2']?
163:(45) - at row 163 there are 45 stitces left.Bind off?
Thanks in advance
Verotte
After I published the original picture of the sideways machine knit baby cardigan, a knitter by the name of An Luijken wrote to me and said she was the originator of this (free) hand knit pattern. We communicated back and forth a little and I explained that I had spent quite a bit of time searching for this original pattern, I wasn't publishing directions for profit, my pattern wasn't exactly like hers and had I known where the pattern came from I would have given due credit. I asked her if she wanted me to remove the pattern and she said no. As a pattern designer myself, I understood her feelings, but she agreed no harm done. We ended our communications amicably.
ReplyDeleteVerotte,
ReplyDeleteTo answer your shaping questions:
0:(63) - does this mean Cast On 63 stitches? YES
52:(52) - does this mean at Row 52 Cast stitches? YES, cast on 52 stitches
62: +1s4x1 - does this mean at row 62 increase 1 stitch every 4 rows? [but then what would the 'x1' mean?)? x1 means to do this once
73:+2s2x2 - does this mean at row 73 increase 2 stitches every 2 rows [what about the 'x2']? x2 means two times. so increase 2 stitches on rows 73 and 75
163:(45) - at row 163 there are 45 stitces left.Bind off? YES
Awesome sweater. How much yarn is required to make the sweater? Donna
ReplyDeleteHi Donna, I should have written how much yarn it takes. I am guessing I used 2 skeins---or about 8 ounces?
ReplyDelete