Debbie Bliss’s 2 colour raglan sweater in Baby Cashmerino
Not having knitted for half a lifetime, it was with some caution that I picked up knitting needles recently but the lure of Debbie Bliss’s patterns for toddlers was so great that I decided to risk it and have a go. Being a novice I did a sample 10 cm/ 4″ square to test my tension. This turned out to be perfect except that my casting on was a bit loose. Fortunately I was staying in Islington at the time and dropped into Loop to ask for a bit of advice. I think the assistants (in an admittedly busy shop) were slightly horrified at so basic request but looked much relieved when I whipped out my sample patch and in two shakes of a lamb’s tail were able to show me how to make a much firmer casting on. Thank you Loop, there’s nothing worse than falling at the first hurdle.
Nanny with baby wearing Debbie Bliss’s design for a 2 colour raglan sweater
All went smoothly until the neck band when confidence left me and I had to ask knitting advice at home. A very kind parishioner came and sat with me and while she read out the instructions and cast an eagle eye over me I did the knitting until all the stitches left on needles and safety pins were securely on the one needle. I then paced the room while she check counted I had the correct number, which much to my surprise I had. Phew. The neck rib was a doddle (apart from the fact that in one place my k1 p1 became k2 p1 but I just made sure that I did the same for each subsequent row, deciding that a little visible mistake is a very good check on unnecessary striving for perfection.) I then ran into a similar problem as I had in the beginning (too loose casting on) when I realised my casting off was too loose – after a bit of internet research I came upon the simple solution which was that the as the rib was k1 p1, I should cast off in knit and then pearl alternately. Simples.
Majoring in sewing rather than knitting, I was surprised at how long it took me to sew the jumper up but although mattress stitch was very time consuming, it has produced nice flat seams which I’m rather pleased with. The jumper fits bouncing baby perfectly and goes over his head easily which should be helpful when an extra layer is needed – the mild autumn giving way to a colder spell and along with it those niggling viruses that make the cheeks red and raw. The Baby Cashmerino is very soft to handle and will be lovely and warm without any scratchiness that can really irritate tender skin.
The jumper I made shown above is in Citrus and Light Blue, while the one in the pattern book (see below) is in Citrus and Duck Egg Blue. (In spite of the similarity, the above baby is ours, while the one below is a model in the knitting book.)
Now, what shall I knit next?
Debbie Bliss: 2 colour raglan sweater from Baby Cahmerino 5 (2013)
9 Comments
Mary,
Welcome back to knitting which is my passion. It is a beautiful sweater!
Might I suggest you sign-up for Ravelry–free website that has more knitting ideas then I’ll ever have time or energy to knit. You are welcome to look me up ,”Bev”, and see what I have done. I am not a very good knitter but there are many, many ideas for babies.
I find it a bit off putting signing up to websites but after your encouragement I shall have a go. Thank you you for suggesting this.
I am the same way. I am not on facebook although most of my parishioners would love that. I enjoy Ravelry because, for me, it is all about the craft.
Beautiful baby and beautiful jumper too! X
Such a kind comment, thank you Penny.
Lovely choice of colors – it should give generations of service to babies of either gender! Great job.
That’s kind of you. Must start the next one soon.
A lovely jumper to keep a little someone warm and snug. Yes, a huge welcome home to the world of knitting Mary. I love to knit. In fact I believe I have been knitting for well over 50 years – I hope that now I may perhaps be as deft with my needles as you are with your embroidery threads. I visited Loop when I was in London in 2013 – so exciting to actually be in a knitting shop – these are like the rarest of hen’s teeth in Perth! The staff are lovely – Rob was happy sitting upstairs browsing through Kate Davies’ Colours of Shetland so I could browse for rather a long time. If you join Ravelry please do look me up – I am called Swamphens2! Why, you may ask? Well, there were at the time two beautiful shiny swamp hens nesting near the creek. Every year they brought their young for me to admire. I am sure you would enjoy all that Ravelry has to offer.
When I get round to joining Ravelry I shall certainly look you up. You make me realise how fortunate I am to be able to visit Islington regularly – not only is there Loop in Camden Passage but also Ray Stitch just up the road. Swamp hens sound lovely.
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[…] our 19 month old doesn’t look especially swamped in it. This is the same pattern as I made here and I have already started another one, this time also for a 3-4 year old but with a band of Fair […]
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