baby it's cold outside

Ugh, I hate that song. Really sorry if I've now got it in anyone's head, but it's tough to come up with a 'baby' and 'winter' pun, you know? It was either that or Ice Ice Baby. I'll leave you to decide whether I made the right choice...

Anyhoo, the title of this post was my not-very-witty way of introducing one of my latest makes - a baby cardigan that was a gift for a friend who's expecting her first little 'un. I felt something a little special was called for :) 

The pattern was taken from Knitty Gritty by Aneeta Patel.

 

I love this book. It's what I used to teach myself to knit, and the language is so beginner-friendly. It also has a really good selection of projects, some of which I've made a few times each now (scarves and hot water bottle covers). That's not to say it doesn't feature a few duds (knitted tie, anyone?), but the good definitely outweigh the bad ;) This was my first attempt at the cardigan, and I'm really pleased with how it came out.

Most of the techniques involved were really simple - 1x1 rib for the waistband and neckband, garter stitch for the body and sleeves, and it was all knitted flat in one piece and then sewn up along the sleeves and sides at the end. I did learn one new technique, though - 'pick up and knit'. It's basically what it sounds like - you 'pick up' the stitches along a cast-off edge or along the end of a series of rows, and continue to knit them. The parts in navy yarn in my cardi were the pick up and knit parts. The technique allowed me to to add some rows of rib for button and buttonhole bands, and around the neckline. Certainly they're nowhere near perfect, and unfortunately the contrast colour actually highlights that a little, but I can live with that. And I do like the two-tone look.  

I found these perfect little buttons in my stash - just the number I needed, too!

I'm very much still a beginner knitter, but this is definitely the most involved thing I've ever knitted, so I'm pretty proud. My next project on my needles is a raglan-sleeved jumper for myself, taken from the follow up book to Knitty Gritty. It might be done in time for the end on next winter, if I'm lucky - I'll keep you posted!

Elena x