I bought several skeins of variegated pastel baby yarn at the dollar store several months back, and used 2 1/2 skeins to create this blanket and baby sweater:
I know this looks white, but trust me, it is pastel variegated.The blanket is a garter stitch border with a 10 stitch/10 row basket weave pattern. That took about a full skein and 2/3 of the second one. I started it as a mindless project for those times when I’m stuck waiting somewhere (Dr’s office etc) and toted it around in the car, occasionally dragging it inside to work on while watching TV. I don’t even have a recipient in mind-it was just a make busy project.
Once I finished the blanket last week I went looking for an easy baby sweater for some quick gratification. Lo and Behold! I found the 5 hour baby sweater! I really did complete it in two evenings of TV watching-it was very satisfying and easy to complete. I’ve started a second one to use up the other half of the skein. You can even make a more “boy” version without the little bobbles.
Close up of the bobbles. I think they are cute.I think I have a new standard quick and easy gift for any babies that wander into my life!
Want to see some more? I did a flickr.com search and found all of these lovely versions that folks have knitted up.
Oooh! I wish I knew how to do this because it would become my staple baby gift as well! Way to go!
Many Blessings,
M.
first time comment. i’ve been reading since last summer, though.
since i can remember, my mom always had three to four pairs of crocheted baby booties on hand for baby gifts. even after she passed away, we had two pairs left. you can’t go wrong with a handmade gift.
You are so talented!
Wow I can’t do that either!!!
Beautiful work! I just finished 2 of the basket weave afghans this past year. One for my grandson and one for a baby shower. I found the pattern in THE SHOP ON BLOSSOM STREET novel. The border had a 9 stitch mini basket weave all around. The sweater that you made to match is wonderful. What a good idea to make ahead for gifts. I am more of a last minute knitter but I love to knit (and read knitting novels about knitting groups – wish that there was one near me). You continue to insprire me. Rita
Beautiful!
I really need to get back into knitting and crocheting. I haven’t made a sweater since my middle child’s while pregnant.
I think I need the relaxation time.
So adorable. You have so many hidden talents. Thanks for sharing with us.
Mindy P.
Those look great. We keep a stash of baby gifts in the house, which leads to some insurance that we won’t be caught empty-handed, but something hand-made (that you can bang out over the course of a couple of movies, no less!) trumps anything store-bought.
Jerry
http://www.leads4insurance.com
In case anyone else was looking for patterns, I found a few online:
Blanket
Preemie size blanket
And a version of the baby sweater, pictured in several sizes with yarn weights/needle sizes/gauge, and some helpful pictures to get you started on the yoke.
I’ve made the baby sweater twice now, and I’m a slow knitter so it has taken well over 5 hours myself. But if I made one in advance, rather than scrambling to finish before the baby is born… What a novel idea 😉
Jenn, you did a lovely job on both the sweater and the blanket, I’m sure it will be treasured.
Melissa-You should learn to knit! It can be fun and relaxing.
Peggy-Thanks for reading, and for taking the time to comment-I just love it when folks comment! Baby booties are cute, but honestly I never used them much for my kiddos-they were both totally wigglers and they wouldn’t stay on. I guess that’s why I really haven’t knit any. I may have to try my hand though.
Mrs W, Mindy P & Anon-Thanks! They were fun to make.
Rita-Making ahead does take some of the stress out of it. I take too long to make blankets (I tend to make them too big!) but the sweater is so fun and quick. I read the first novel, but haven’t read the second one. thanks for reminding me about it!
Dedicated-You should start an easy project (scarf, blanket or dishcloth-something you don’t have to worry about losing your place on) and keep it in a bag in the car. Then whenever you have to wait you can work on it and get yourself back into the groove
Amy K-Thanks for posting the additional resources. I looked at that lady’s blog an liked the puffy basket weave blanket. That might be a nice variation for me.
wow, that takes awesome talent! it may be just 2.50 for the yarn… but that gift is priceless! amazing!
jennP