Tunic or Not Tunic, that is the Question

With the Knit Knackers on Ravelry I’m doing a loosely structured KAL. We all couldn’t decide on one single pattern to work on, so we picked from a list of patterns to work on simultaneously. I choose the Coffee Tunic.

This has turned into a perfect project for late night pumping because it has simple to follow directions which don’t have to be referenced often and it’s easy enough to work on in low light (ie, a night light). I’m not too fond of the decreases right now, but I’m going to go ahead and work them as the pattern is written. I fell in love with the increases and decreases on the Twist & Shout sweater and think that something like that would be much more streamline. Here's how the decreases look as written:

Many other Ravelers noted that they originally cast on 224 stitches instead of 220 then increasing 4 stitches after the initial ribbing. I did not, a fact that I discovered later would have made my life easier. I really struggled with figuring out to increase the stitches without messing up the established ribbing. As many suggested (and I ignored) there really is no reason NOT to start with 224 stitches. So future knitters of this pattern, take heed and cast on the larger number!

Despite these two parts, I'm really enjoying this project and it is inspiring in me the want to design and make more tunics like it. I know, hold my horses, I’m not even half way finished with it, but the basic framework for a tunic worked in the round is awesomely simple in construction and has the potential for a lot of variety. I can play around with colors and cables, as well as the decreases and neckline, and I don’t even need to worry about sleeves. It doesn’t get much better than that, my friends!

Little Did I Know...

It’s been a while since I’ve updated Knitosphere because of a major change in my life, the addition of my daughter Skylar Sheree. Whoa nelly has the world changed since she entered our lives on December third! Yup, that concept of “everything is going to change” is a cliché for a reason.

The biggest change that I did not expect was how little knitting time I would actually have. In all sincerity I actually thought that I would have more time for knitting while on maternity leave. Oh my blissfully naivety! Images of me happily knitting while my cherub suckled at my breast were replaced with the frustrating reality that it takes two hands and a lot of false starts to get a hungry screaming baby latched on, then continual monitoring because she is a “bad eater.” (La Leche Leaguers relax, no need to give me advice, I have been working with a lactation specialist). This wasn’t the only knitting bubble that was burst – I also imagined that I would be able to knit while Skylar napped. Ha! Turns out that nap time isn’t just for baby!

Now, nearly 8 weeks later I am finally finding my knitter groove, one little row at a time. Sure, it’s not as much knitting as I had anticipated, but I am pleasantly surprised with the progress that I am able to make in small bursts while I pump breast milk or hold a sleeping baby in my arms - that one took a little bit of figuring out on my part, Proof that it works:

Kntting sizes

I recently found found this great knitting resource so I thought I'd share: Size Charts

This really cuts down how much I need to chase people down with my measuring tape in hand!

And because posts are better with pictures, some gratuitous Brisco Fancypants footage:

Cadence Baby Hat

I decided I needed to design a coming home hat for my soon to be born baby girl. This one ended up being perfectly sized for a 6 month old instead of a newborn, which worked out nicely since I know one of those! When I started charting out this hat I was going for a triangular motif. Imagine my surprise when I swatched this and discovered that in the repeats it became cute little hearts! Perfect for a sweet baby girl.

Pattern: Cadence Baby Hat

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A Piece of Crafting History

I received the most touching gift yesterday from a senior citizen client (and friend) from work yesterday. She stopped into my office just days before I take off for maternity leave to give me this sweater that was crocheted by her grandmother:



I couldn't be happier to receive such a special gift for my daughter! When I let her know that I would be sure to take care of it and return it to her in good condition when our baby outgrows it, she made the gift even more special by telling me to keep it and pass it down in my family. I'm reeling from the honor! I figured out that this will be the 4th generation of this sweater, and I intend to keep it going.

The thing that I found interesting was that she had chosen me and my daughter to receive such a special piece of her family history. Guy surmised that she recognized that a knitter like me would understand and cherish this gift more than another non-crafter might. And I suppose he's right about that.

Picture Time

As promised, shots of my most recent FOs.

Twist & Shout - which is perfect for showing off the baby bump



Baby Girl's first mom-made sweater, Sherbet, with the addition of arrow cables down the front panels. Lovingly modeled by Pooh bear





Bella's Mitten's - A fun and fast knit!





A quick self made baby hat - too big for a newborn as I had intended when I started out, but just perfect for a friend's 6 month old. Eventually I'm going to rework this pattern for newborn size as well, then will post on this blog.



And my best work of this year, the gorgeous In The Pink. I truly am thrilled with how this one turned out - so much that I'm thinking I can't be selfish keeping it for myself. I have a certain person in mind who I'm hoping might make good use of this.

Halloween!

It's not knitting at all, but I am very proud of my handiwork on my Alien Halloween costume this year:



I pieced this bad boy together Thursday night after a brilliant suggestion by a co-worker. This one's going in the baby book for sure! It'll just be another piece of fuel for whenever my daughter grows up and needs therapy...