Just in time for spring

…Well, spring may be an overstatement but since the snowy photos from our weekend the weather has been decidedly kinder to us. The wind is cold but the sun is warm and the snow is melting. I’m ignoring the weather forecast which is predicting snow over the weekend.

Thank you for all the warm wishes. I think they worked – just look at that melt!

I was very pleased to be able to take my fisherman outside in his sweater to get some pictures without donning hats and coats. He was so excited when I announced it was his for wearing yesterday (although unblocked) and proudly modelled it for his big sisters – who have wasted no time in putting in their sweater requests.

I’m really happy with how it turned out. The colour is great and he loves that it matches his bow tie (pattern found here). “Can I wear it with my bow tie?” was one of his first questions. It is warm and cozy and hopefully has enough length to fit him through next winter.

The pattern was difficult for me. It was only my second time tackling short rows and my first attempt at raglan shaping. I did the yoke four times before I worked it out (due to my inexperience with short rows), then had some problems with the garter stitch panel at the front. The front panel kept wanting to grow, not sure if I was missing a stitch marker or what but I caught on (a couple rows too late) and adjusted to correct it. I love the design and I certainly admire the designer‘s other patterns but I don’t know if the pattern was unclear or if I just couldn’t make sense of it. I know I’m not the only one to have trouble with it but now that I’ve done it once I will definitely try it again someday.

The wool is used is Quince and Co‘s Puffin. It was a dream to work with – so soft and I loved it’s chunky texture as well as the feel of the single ply. I am fearing it was the wrong wool to use for an active boy’s new favourite sweater, though. It is an incredibly warm sweater (perfect for a boy who in the past has needed convincing to wear shorts on hot summer days) but the single-ply is pilling already! Already! That’s after only a few hours of wear! Live and learn, I guess.

This boy never runs out of crazy faces.

Because of the pilling and the boy I’ve given it to, I’ve decided to let this be an everyday sweater. There is really no reason to keep it for special occasions although I’ll admit to a little shudder when he came in from playing with mud caked up to the elbow.

Liam requested this pose, “Look, it’s like I’m saying peek-a-boo.” Followed quickly by, “Now you should shoot a video.” Oh brother.

I got the warm fuzzies watching him run around in it yesterday, proudly displaying it to anyone around and in his usually sweet way complementing me on different aspects. I am continually amazed at how genuinely thrilled these kids are to have something made just for them. That simple fact is enough to keep me making and creating for them – the added fact that I thoroughly enjoy the process is just a bonus, right?

Thanks for coming by – especially to you non-knitters who may just think I’m crazy to get so excited about a sweater.