My life seems to be orbiting an ever-growing cluster of babies and their needs at present. This is basically always true, given the two I’ve got at home (especially when they’re sick, as they are this evening, poor mites), but two very special new ones have joined our solar system in the last couple of weeks. One is a nephew by blood and the other is a nephew by knitting sisterhood. Each sweet fellow’s little project came off the needles the day he went home from the hospital; photographic evidence is shoddy. But this will keep Mateo warm this autumn:
The oft-knit Pebble vest by Nikol Lohr was a favorite for my own babies and I hope it will serve this new family as well as it did mine. I even got the buttons on the correct shoulder this time! This edition is knit from the delectable Swans Island Merino Alpaca, which has to be among the most luscious yarns I’ve ever handled. It’s like homemade bread still warm from the oven. I can’t tell you how it wears yet so I’m not ready to take the expensive plunge for a sweater for myself, but I’ve plenty left over to knit a swatch and beat it up. The color is Oatmeal and it looks good with absolutely everything.
Stephen, when he grows quite a bit larger, will be sporting this:
This one is my own design and I’m planning to grade it for larger sizes and send it around to testers later this summer. It’s a scholarly little raglan cardi (you’re looking at the back here) knit — uncharacteristically for me, but with good reason — in pieces and I’ll have more details to share soon, I hope.
Dear Stephen and Mateo, grow well. Nurse like champions, sleep like logs, charm the socks off your families. I love you, little scrumptious boys.
Those are both sweet little tops. I am definitely knitting up a storm right now. Tops and blankets and booties. Too much adorableness out there not to knit at least some of it up.
I have a little new niece born just this weekend, 9lbs! She is already well loved, surrounded by family. If you’re looking for test knitters, please think of me! I have a young one and that sweater would suit him perfectly!
Baby fever is highly contagious! I hope your little ones get over their ailments quickly.
Such sweet little projects. I’ve knit the Pebble vest before, too, and it really is versatile and useful. Your new design looks lovely! I am becoming a fan of knitting things in pieces — the fit usually seems better, and the seams provide structure, though these benefits are more important for adult garments, I suppose.
My goodness knista. You brought tears to my eyes. Mateo is blessed to have an auntie like you and I’m lucky to have you as my friend. Can’t wait to see what the years will bring as our kids grow.
Beautiful items! I too adore Swan’s Island. I’ve only knit with the fingering weight (I made their Shot of Spring scarf–so lovely) and over several months it developed a soft halo that I love. So I wouldn’t say that it wears like iron, though I do think it’s a strong yarn, and the halo (so far) is pretty light.