When knitted gifts are worn: Ryan

There is no satisfaction quite like seeing your knitted gifts being worn and enjoyed by its recipients. Dis recently posted a pic of her Elliott in the BSJ I made for him and he couldn't be more adorable! And another good friend just sent me a photo of her little guy in the baseball tee sweater I knit for him. Check out this cutie!

And my heart melts just a little more...

And before you think the baby knits are done, fear not! I've only just begun! I started knitting a February Baby Sweater, and I've got a couple other small projects in the queue. Fun times!

Well, knitting in between cleaning and eating non-sugary foods and and picking out baby things and trying to sleep and trying to not stress out. Yup, the reality is sinking in. Thank goodness for knitting!

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. :)