Stripey knits for boys :: Knitting ::

Today my baby is one, and instead of having a family celebration, Mr MiH and I have to leave Baby MiH with his grandparents for the weekend, because today we cannot pretend that everything is normal. I knitted a jumper for Little Baby MiH - and yes it is too small for him (I checked against his other jumpers, definitely too small). But I had to finish this jumper. I started it when we left for the hospital, not because I wanted to keep him with me, but just because I never thought he would leave us. And of course he has not left us as I explained to Baby MiH, he would always be there, but not with us. So we say goodnight to him every night. 

I am not going to talk too much about the jumper. It was inspired by this jumper construction. I wanted stripes (and finish some ethical yarn I had) and some texture. This jumper has both. I love the results, I hate the way I knitted it. Thankfully it is not an adult size jumper, otherwise I would not have finished it.   

I do hope one day this will turn into a pattern, it would be nice to think that something concrete was inspired by Little Baby MiH. For the time being, I am going to leave this jumper for a bit, and come back to it once I learn a bit more about raglan shaping and probably also about writing proper patterns.. 

I am not sure how much to share about our story, but through knitting and sewing stories I am able to share a bit and celebrate that he was with us and inspired me. 

FLIGHT O2C8R 01 {Le Challenge #2}

*Find out more about the Truly Myrtle knitting pattern giveaway here*

So it is the day to reveal my entry for le challenge! The theme this month was 'wings'... And a little someone thought it was a great theme because he got himself a fancy new jumper - in fact this my first ever hand-knitted cardigan. Hence starting by a baby size. 

**For those coming from Ginny and Tamis' blogs, welcome! It is not a WIP as it is Le Challenge deadline, but we would love to have more people to participate, so I hope this post will encourage you to participate.The next theme has now been revealed and is MARITIME - deadline June 15!** 

After having a serious blocking session, it fits him (but probably only for this week). I knitted 3-6 months size (he is 5 months today), added 2 cm to the length of the body (because I have a super tall baby), but I should have knitted the 6-12 months size (although I am not sure how a jumper is supposed to fit him a whole 6 months). 

If I am honest I will not knit this cardigan again until he is walking - I think it looks nicer on him when he is standing rather than sitting, it 'hangs' better. So let's say this is a first go at it so I know what to expect next time. And honestly I have a few things to learn before next time: I hate my garter stitch edging - I need to find a solution for it to look neater, grafting - can be improved, sewing the sleeves - again can be improved.  

 Pattern: Oscar by Lili Comme Tout (Ravelry)

Yarn: Rowan Baby Merino Silk DK in Zinc - it is a great yarn for baby garment (I used two and a bit balls in the end). 

Needle size: 3.5 mm and 4mm (as indicated on pattern)
Size: 3-6 months, but lengthen the body
Result: It is a great pattern that does not look too baby-ish, in fact it is quite interesting to look at. I will definitely knit another one maybe for next winter. It is quite quick - and the sand stitch makes it interesting (although I was confused for a while to what was the right side and the wrong side). It fits him - just. 

Let's talk about wings - I actually found the novelty buttons at my local John Lewis first and then the yarn to go with it - the pattern came later. So it is all starting with wings.  

All the Le Challenge other entries can be found here. Next theme will be announced on May 15 at 3pm!