Monday, March 02, 2009

FO: For Ryan

It's baby knits central over here! Another FO, another baby shower gift. I have absolutely no problem with this, mind you. Baby knits = happy place knitting. Here's a set I just gifted to a dear friend and her new baby boy.

Ryan Tee
Pattern: Baby Baseball Tee by Tracey Ullman and Mel Clark (Ravlink)
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport (60% pima cotton, 40% modal) in Leapfrog (1 skein) and Willow (just over 1 skein).
Needles: US5 and US3

I wanted to knit a little sweater, but nothing to bulky, as this is for a SoCal baby. I also wanted to give an easy to care for knit for my non-knitter friend, hence the machine washable yarn. Check and double check. This knit up pretty fast, as I knit the front and back pieces at the same time, and then both sleeves at the same time. You know me, knitting anything twice is like pulling teeth, so anytime I can double up, I'm there! The part that took the longest- seaming. Ugh! Now, I've come a long way with seaming. I almost enjoy it, some of the time. But for some reason this one kind of killed me. But whatever, it's done now, so why complain? I love how it turned out.

Modification: I decided to lose the pocket in front. No biggie, I think it looks just fine and dandy without. :)

Ryan Mocs
Pattern: Baby Moc-a-Soc by Bekah Knits (Ravlink)
Yarn: Knit Picks Shine Sport (60% pima cotton, 40% modal) in Willow and Knit Picks Risata (42% Cotton, 39% superwash merino, 13% nylon, 6% elastic) in Buttermilk - less than 1 skein each
Needles: US2

I've had this pattern on the brain since I first laid eyes on it. I just had to wait for the perfect occasion to knit a pair, and I'm so happy to have found one. The pattern was wonderfully well-written and fun to knit up. And come on with the cuteness. I mean, really. If you've had this in your queue for a while, too, go ahead and knit up a pair- you'll love 'em!

Side note: I guess these were a hit at the shower, since I was approached by both my friend's mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law for these patterns. Well, this after I was solicited to knit a couple extra pairs of the booties. I don't know how you guys feel about knitting for hire, but personally speaking I am not down. First of all, I really don't think people are aware of how much time and effort (aka blood, sweat, and tears) goes into knitting, and I certainly don't think most people have any idea of how much hand-knitted items would cost them (I know I wouldn't have any idea what I would charge, but it wouldn't be cheap). Also, I have a hard enough time knitting something more than once to begin with. Also, deadline knitting? Not a big fan. Also, and this is a biggie- I really think it would be a sure fire knitting mojo killer. I knit for myself, and for my close friends and family, which brings me joy. I fear that knitting for hire would take away at least some of that enjoyment. And given all the other things I've got going on (even when I'm not 6 months pregnant!), my knitting time is precious as it is. I'm not ready to give that up, not even for some extra cash. And anyway, I haven't even knit a stitch for Bean yet- sheesh! I'm so excited to start little Bean projects, I can't even tell you! So yeah, no knitting for hire just yet, but I was flattered, and glad these knits were such a hit. :)

16 comments:

mames said...

you have such awesome taste in pattern choice. i love both pieces and am pretty sure i will be making these up....most of my other preg friends are having boys, so these work wonderfully.

knitting on demand, even for money? absolutely not. they can pick up and book and learn themselves...right?

kat coyle said...

I was going to comment about knitting for hire, but then decided that you pretty much said it all.
These items you made are so beautiful!!! Of course, people want you to knit for them!
Now is the time to start Bean knitting. oh JOY!

knitzalot said...

I agree with you about knitting for hire. I guess you should just be flattered and say with the baby coming and all, you don't have the time.

Ruinwen Dagorielle said...

Everything is so precious! I just love those little booties! Just keep knitting for you love and enjoyment and consider it a nice complement to your talent. :)

jillian said...

Ador-uble!

I do knit for others, on request, but only when it would be fun for me and there's no deadline!

mle said...

Those are so adorable!
And I feel the same way about knitting for hire. I just couldn't do it. I like knitting whatever I like knitting and sometimes I am very fickle so to HAVE to knit sometime just wouldn't work for me.

Kim said...

Love that leapfrog color!

margaux said...

cute cute knits!!! i love them... and for knitting for hire, so far all i've done is sample knitting and your right it does take a toll. makes me really appreciate all the fun stuff i knit for myself though! and you know all the $$ just goes to more yarn hahaa!

K8 said...

Both so cute! I've been thinking about knitting those booties, but have so many other WIPs to finish!

I agree on the knitting for hire. My mom is the only person I will take requests from - I think it just takes the fun out of it otherwise. Besides, I don't knit often enough for it to be practical :)

Anonymous said...

That is so adorable!

Disentangled said...

More super cute baby knits! And I'm glad you didn't succumb to the peer pressure...knit what you love - that's what I say!!

Nasus said...

sooo adorable!

LizKnits said...

Way cute mocs! Glad you got to shine in the glory of a job well done.

Tami said...

Soo cute, and machine washable, good thinking.

Madge said...

You rock the baby knits! So cute.

Anonymous said...

I made a noise! Those little booties are so cute that I sat here at my desk at work and made an actual squee noise! I checked that book out of the library but there were no babes on the horizon so I didn't even see the cuteness! Now I have to get the pattern - great job and I love your colors!