Sunday, August 05, 2007

Newborn Sweater Set

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Pattern: Fred Textured Sweater
Book: Natural Knits for Babies and Moms by Louisa Harding
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby D.K., 50% Acrylic Microfiber, 50% Nylon
Color: Cream - 101
Needles: US 5 and 6 straight
Size: Newborn

This sweater was a joy to knit. The front, back and sleeves are knit separately and then seamed together. The chevron stitch pattern is simple to work and adds an interesting texture to what would otherwise be a plain sweater. Garter stitch is used for the bands on the bottom of the sweater, the neck and the sleeves. Three little buttons on the shoulder add design detail and will make dressing baby a little easier.

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Though Dreambaby is not a natural fiber, it worked well for this pattern. The result is a nice soft sweater for baby and easy care wash and dry for mom.

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The pattern for the booties is also in Natural Knits. The only change I made was to knit them on needles one size smaller: US 5 straights.

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The hat was inspired by the sweater. It was knit in the round on size US 5 circular and DPNs with Dreambaby D.K. yarn.

Cast on a multiple of 8 stitches (I used 72 stitches for a newborn size).
Work 2x2 ribbing for approximately 1 inch.
Work rows 1-18 of chevron chart from Natural Knits.
Work rows 9-18 once more.
*K7, k2tog, rep. from * to end (64 sts).
*K6, k2tog, rep. from * to end (56 sts).
Cont. to decrease every round, working one fewer st between decs until 4 sts remain.
Cut yarn and thread through remaining sts. Pull tight and weave in all ends.
Sew on pom-pom.

If you like to knit for babies and still do not have Natural Knits in your library, I highly recommend that you add it soon. I've made 8 of the 21 patterns in the book and see myself knitting almost all of them before I'm through.

18 comments:

  1. Anonymous5:38 AM

    I've added the book to my wishlist - I *love* that sweater!

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  2. That is another nice baby sweater.

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  3. What a cute sweater! I love natural fibers, but sometimes washable wins out for baby clothes! My kids have some of each. And I just love Dreambaby, it is so soft and easy to work with.

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  4. What an adorable set. I know someone one will be happy with a new outfit, but better yet, Mom will be thrilled it is machine washable! I know I would be and mine a grown and gone.

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  5. I adore this book. Just can't stop! And your sweater came out great.

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  6. Anonymous9:33 AM

    Thanks for posting the hat pattern! I'm going to try that one. It's nice to have something new to try. I guess I'd better see about getting the book, too. You've done so many good things from that book!

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  7. That is an absolutely beautiful set!
    I will have to check out that book.

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  8. OOOhhh! SO NICE!!! I love that you've added the matching hat pattern. I may have to put this book on my wish list too! Everything you've made looks fabulous:~D

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  9. That sweater is beautiful. Great job. I've been eyeing that book too.

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  10. Anonymous9:40 PM

    That is beautiful! Is that the one that Andrea requested? :0) I really enjoyed all of the gorgeous pics on your blog.

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  11. Beautiful sweater! Natural fibers and babies don't always work for busy moms who don't have time to handwash, so the Dreambaby sounds and looks perfect.

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  12. The set turned out gorgeous as usual!! I agree with you that the book is a "must have". I borrowed it from the library and have added it to my "wish list".

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  13. You do such beautiful work and are such a great person to have involved in TPP. :)

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  14. Anonymous12:34 PM

    That's a sweet little sweater (and hat, and booties)! The chevrons almost look like side-by-side hearts.

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  15. Anonymous8:05 PM

    Beautiful baby sweater! You are such a great knitter.

    Caroline, the SockPixie

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  16. Wow, what a beautiful sweater. I'm currently looking for more baby knitting...so many friends having babies....and I can't stop thinking about that sweater... :-)

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  17. Anonymous8:46 PM

    I already made the sweater and bootie s and was actually looking for a hat to match the sweater....I finally found it. Thanks for sharing. My little one is going to look amazing in his first photos.

    Kim B.

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  18. Kim B.,

    Now those are pictures I wish I could see! Good luck with the hat. If you have any trouble understanding my instructions, just send me an email and I'll see if I can help you figure it out.

    Tracy
    woolwinder(at)gmail(dot)com

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Thank you for commenting!
~Tracy

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