Friday, February 9, 2007

Gingerbread Baby Sweater DONE!

Last night, in a flurry of knitting, I finished the Gingerbread Baby Sweater. I originally got the idea for this sweater from Jan Brett's wonderfully illustrated book, The Gingerbread Baby. I emailed her through her website, and I got a nice email back giving me permission to title my sweater after her book. She even asked for a copy of the pattern!

If you have little children, I'd highly recommend this book. It's a wonderful story and the illustrations are simply beautiful. I just love the accurate details of Jan Brett's drawings . . . . but enough of that.

Here is a close-up picture of Matti (a character in the book). Isn't he wearing an adorable sweater?

So, without further ado . . . . (trumpets and drum roll, please) . . . .

I introduce to you, The Gingerbread Baby Sweater! It is an original design, and I hope to have the pattern up on my sidebar soon. I am so pleased how well this turned out! (That's saying a lot, since I usually have something to complain about with all of my knitting.) My only regret is that I cannot seem to get a good picture.

You might notice that the sweater looks a bit snug on my daughter. The sweater size is 6-12 mos. I actually knitted the sweater for my newest nephew, Jacob, who is still an infant, but I had to get someone to model the thing, so my tiny Breanna had to do. She's 14 mos. old, but this 6 mo. sweater almost fits her!

The pattern was a bit tricky for me to figure out, because the one of the cabled braids is on the side of the sweater and travels up the underarm. Since I've never knitted a sweater in the round before, this was a new learning experience. I'm still not entirely sure I did it "according to the book", but I think it turned out alright in the end.

Basically, this sweater is knit on circular needles to the arms, and has set-in sleeves.

Now I can't wait to knit another one that will actually fit my little Breanna!

10 comments:

Ali said...

That looks REALLY cute. I'm looking forward to the pattern!

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

Oh my goodness, you did an awesome job with the sweater!! That is great that the author gave her permission for you to name the sweater after her book, and that she wanted a copy of the pattern too!

You asked about knitting two socks at once on my blog. I don't know how to do this yet (I do have a DVD from Knit Picks that shows how, but I haven't gotten a chance to watch it yet). I'm sure there are articles out there that explain how to do it though...maybe Knitty might have one? I know some people have ordered books from Knit Picks (and elsewhere) on this topic...

WELCOME TO TuttleTime! said...

Do you sleep, RAch? How in the WORLD do you finish an adorable, beautiful sweater and all the socks and other projects...my goodness! I love the sweet pics of my sweet Baby Bannnna :) I love and miss you guys. I wish you could come down here for Mom's bday next month. :( I know she'd love to see you. At least she'll be up there next week! :) She's nuts to go up there in the dead cold of winter...bbrrrr. She and Dad must REALLY love you guys, HA!!! :) Knit away, girl...knit away. :)

Danielle said...

Rachel, I can't believe you've finished the gingerbread sweater already! It seems just like yesterday that you posted about starting it. Wow, it's gorgeous and it is an exact replica of the one in the illustration you posted. I am extremely impressed! Although I shouldn't be, you are an awesome sweater knitter and you cable like a genious! Your little baby girl has to have one of her own, she is sooooo adorable in the wee bit small one she's modeling for us all! Happy knitting!

Cindy said...

How adorable is that?!? Very, very cute & totally true to the illustration. I love it!

What a clever job for your first time knitting in the round, too! I'm very impressed.

Anonymous said...

Hi Rachel,

I ordered the knitting magazine. Let me know when it comes. The other package has not come in yet. I love the sweater that you knit for Jacob, that Brianna modeled. Sorry it is so cold up there but it sure looks like Andy and the kids are having fun. I bet you are looking forward to visiting with the clan in a week. Take care. Love Erna

Ruth said...

The sweater is absolutely adorable ... as is the model. I look forward to seeing the pattern.

Well done!

Ellen said...

Oh, this is definitely one of my favorites that you've ever made! It is gorgeous! And too bad it's not for Breanna, as she looks quite smashing in that red! :) I am in awe of your knitting ability! (makes me jealous,... wishing I could knit!)

Anonymous said...

I love your projects and would like to know where you found the pattern for the cabled ear flap hat. thanks!

Brenda said...

The sweater looks great! You did a superb job of designing it. Breanna seems to like it, so you better knit her one soon.