Thursday, May 24, 2007

Molly's Matinee Coat

On Wednesday, April 18th, I became an aunt .... for the eighth time. (gasp) It's so strange for me to realize that my 4 siblings have all had children and I'm the eldest with none. Obviously this gift is a bit delayed, but it won't fit Molly until she's 3 months old, so maybe I'm early?

Molly's Matinee Coat


Pattern: Matinee Coat
Pattern Source: Debbie Bliss Simply Baby
Yarn: Sidar Snuggly DK; white
Needles: Knit Picks Options and Circulars size 6, 5, 3 and 2 US
Modifications: I added a picot edge around the neckline.

Notes about the pattern: Although I really do like the finished object, you couldn't pay me to knit another item in this book. I never understood why people didn't like knitting patterns that don't have a schematic ... until now. None of the patterns in this book or the Debbie Bliss Special Knits book for that matter, have schematics. This made blocking the 5 pieces of this sweater a pain in the arse. I finished knitting all the pieces on April 11th and attempted to start blocking that same day. However, when I discovered there were no schematics, and I'd spent an hour of frustration trying to figure out what measurements to block everything, I gave up. A week later, when my sister called to announce that her daughter had been born, I resolved to tackle the sweater once and for all. I struggled through two hours of calculating, measuring and pinning and crossed my fingers that when I started assembly, it would all come together perfectly. It did all match up fairly well although I discovered that I really dislike seaming. I see top-down sweater patterns in the future.

Notes about the yarn: I originally purchased 5 skeins of this yarn, and today returned the 3 unused skeins to my LYS. Even *I* was surprised that I'd returned the yarn, but to be honest with you, knitting with white yarn was boring and I'm also not a big fan of the nylon/acrylic blend. Although, I'm sure my sister will appreciate that it is washable and I appreciated that it was economical.

Final thoughts: If you are the type of person that can block many pieces of a project successfully without schematics, then I'd highly recommend this book, but if you are like me and don't have enough experience under your belt to block with schematics, stay away. I've also discovered that instead of asking the mother (or picky sister) what they would like me to knit for their baby, I'll just pick a pattern and yarn I'll enjoy working with and hope they like it in the end. After all, if I like what I knit, I'll finish it quickly and be more inclined to not mutter profanities under my breath.

20 comments:

Laura said...

It may not have been your most enjoyable knit, but it certainly did turn out cute. Love the little dotted ribbon!

Carole Knits said...

The sweater is beautiful.

Angelika said...

Hey, don't feel bad about being an aunt. You get to spoil them and then give them back. Saves you a lot of grey hair that I'm starting to get and I'm your age. I had an aunt that mainly crochet for me as a nurse during night shift. My barbies loved the clothes and I remember a certain crochet turtle pillow very well.

abby said...

The sweater turned out really well, in spite of the limitations imposed by Ms. Bliss! I need all the help I can get when blocking (and just trying to get gauge), so here's to diagrams!

Brena said...

It's beautiful! Definitly a keepsake. Wow... 8 times an aunt!

jillian said...

Done with the boring white yarn! But it did turn out so cute!

I think that's the right track to pick a pattern and yarn yourself. Save you lots of misery!

Cathy said...

Even though you didn't enjoy the project, it came out beautiful! As the mother of three girls, I know that I would have cherished a gift as lovely as this! Great job! and congratulations on your new niece!

Anonymous said...

It's just beautiful!

Lara said...

Despite all the blocking issues, that is simple gorgeous! That is the prettiest baby sweater I have seen. You did a great job!

I don't understand why Debbie Bliss would not put schematics on her patterns. That doesn't make any sense to me. I think it is laziness!

Karen said...

Yikes, sorry to hear the sweater gave you such a hard time. But if it's any consolation, it's breathtaking!! I honestly think it's the prettiest baby sweater I've ever seen. I know your sister with cherish it and the baby will look like an angel in it.

Lain said...

Just gorgeous!
xoxox
Lain

Micki said...

Hooray, you finished it! The sweater is just lovely, and I'm sure your sister will be thrilled. Congratulations for overcoming the deficiencies of a Debbie Bliss pattern too. That's a major accomplishment in itself.

slyn said...

It is just so beautiful!! I LOVE it and am so sad it doesn't have the schematics. I also really like the picot edge you added, it just makes it look "finished."

Anonymous said...

What a gorgeous sweater! I hope you get a picture of your niece in it and share it with us.

Anonymous said...

I love it! I would totally want to knit that if I had a baby to knit for. Gorgeous!

Tasha said...

Oh my that sweater is so adorable. I found you through Ravelry & just friended you :D

Anonymous said...

My gosh, this must be the cutest little sweater that I've seen for a long time - congrats on such a great accomplishment!

Marlene said...

The baby sweater is gorgeous! Just a warning though, if it is a "3 month size" better get it to her quick! My granddaughter (and all 3 of my children) were out of "3 month size" by the time they were 2 months old. My 2 1/2 month old granddaughter is even too large for some of her 6 month size things.

Anonymous said...

I would be to afraid the recipient would choose something that is too difficult or way to expensive. When I knit for gifts I too pick something that I think they will like and is made is a yarn I will enjoy working with.

Kimberly said...

Oh what an adorable sweater!!! Great job!