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I've had a lots of request from people wanting details about my tree skirt, it's my Flowers in the Snow afghan wrapped around the base of the tree!
This is, more or less, my stash of handspun. I'm extremely in love with just about every skein. So much care and effort goes into every single skein that it becomes very difficult for me to pick a project worthy of my handspun yarns. Baby projects come to mind as a really good use. Typically the yardage I get out of one skein is enough for a baby sweater. Since babies aren't very hard on their clothes there is little risk that the finished knit will get abused or damaged. Baby projects are perfect heirloom knitting for special skeins. I've knit a few baby projects using my handspun already: here, here and here.
These five skeins jump out at me as being particularly baby appropriate. Any recommendations for the perfect baby sweater pattern that would highlight the beauty of handspun? I'm open to a pattern with stripes or colourwork, so I could combine a skein with some of my hand dyed yarn and then have some handspun left over for a hat or something. All ideas are welcome!
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/khel-baby-contiguous-cardigan How about something like this?
ReplyDeleteSo I went a little nuts with this.. I'm too young to be planning for kids anytime soon, so thanks for letting me live vicariously through your blog! Baby knits are the greatest.
ReplyDeleteSimple but gorgeous:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/soft-n-seamless-baby-sweater
This one would be good for using up just a tiny bit of handspun:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cerise-baby-sweater
I just adore the edging on this one:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cascade
Stunning cables:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/korrigan
More garter stitch goodness:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/garter-stitch-baby-kimono
This one you could do just the front panel in handspun:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/presto-chango
the sunbeam sweater features low yardage and vertical garter that would really showcase handspun. the ribbed baby jacket is excellent and basic. maxiliana's is my favorite, and it showcases how well it looks in yarn with a lot of character, as well as it's flexibility for baby growth! here's another favorite, which is a nice simple canvas to showcase handspun. i also think tiny tea leaves would be really beautiful in handspun!
ReplyDeletehope that helps!
I have knit the http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/puerperium-cardigan three times for three different expecting mothers. it is quick, easy and adorable. There are multiple sizes available by the designer. I usually make the newborn size with larger needles and get a 3-6 month old size or a little larger. I only use about 230 yards per sweater. Picking out the buttons is the fun part also. =)
ReplyDelete<3
Liz
I thought the tree skirt looked like something you had made before but I didn't recall you actually crocheting a tree skirt :)
ReplyDeleteThis could be the perfect pattern if you want to use all of the colours. I have knit this one and love it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/tulips-a-colorful-cardigan-for-baby
Linda "Oneday" Designs
Hi Tanis! your handspun is gorgeous :O)
ReplyDeleteI have knit HEAPS of the easy baby cardigan pattern from the book last minute knitted gifts, it is knit all in one piece and is perfect for stripey handspun goodness.
you've inspired me now, I'm off to get my wheel out!
Those are beautiful!! Maybe a Playful Stripes Cardigan (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/playful-stripes-cardigan)? And instead of striping multiple colors, just alternate handspun with a hand dyed color? Whatever you do with it, I can't wait to see!
ReplyDeletethe best baby cardi pattern I know for featuring handspun is Budgie Striped Baby Sweater by Grumparina. She designed it to make the most of single skeins of hand spun and it works really well for its purpose. It is on Ravelry, and it is lovely.
ReplyDeletethanks for share.
ReplyDelete