Fall Knitting
Nothing goes with fall foliage better than some handknits, don't you think? I cast on for this sweater less than a month ago, and finished it just this weekend. Clearly, the fall knitting mojo has hit. It was done just in time for my babe to wear it on what felt like the first real fall weekend.
The pattern is the Children's Neckdown Cardigan from Knitting Pure & Simple. I wanted the most classic of cardigans, and this pattern fit the bill. It's a pattern I could make over and over - smooth, easy, and rather a quick knit. I used Cascade Pastaza, so it's warm and soft (50% llama, 50% wool) and affordable. A bonus. The buttons I purchased just for this sweater on Etsy. And let me tell you - if you haven't discovered it yourself - that searching for such vintage bits and bobs on Etsy is a dangerous endeavor. (But oh-so-fun.)
My original - and rather ambitious - plan was to start with Adelaide and then make one for each of the boys to give as Solstice gifts. But since I'm absolutely terrible at keeping surprise gifts for longer than a day, she got it this weekend. No worries - now she'll be able to wear it all fall while I start the others. (More info on the hat here - knit just over a year ago, but fitting perfectly right about now).
I think she likes it. Or at least she totally knows how to work me when she looks up at me with her sparkly baby blue eyes and asks, "Make it, Mama?", knowing very well what the answer is. It's comparable to the boys' proud declaration of "Mama made this!" to anyone who might happen to ask (or not). They're a bunch of heart-melters, you know. And they sooo have my number.
Wonderful cardigan! I can't help wishing I had one just like it to snuggle up in. =)
Posted by: michelle | October 16, 2007 at 06:53 AM
Wow, great job on the cardigan! I love the color on Adelaide. I'm still just trying to get the hang of knitting. Guess I'm a late bloomer!
Posted by: Jessica Keith | October 16, 2007 at 07:20 AM
Love it. I wish I knew how to knit! The furthest I've ever gotten was to knit some squares.
Posted by: Mary Beth | October 16, 2007 at 07:24 AM
sweet family, my how she is growing. beautiful sweater and hat, how perfect.
and i do know what you mean about those vintage goods on etsy, it's enough to drain a girls paypal account!
Posted by: heather | October 16, 2007 at 07:31 AM
it came out great! sweet and cozy.
xoxo
Posted by: meg | October 16, 2007 at 07:37 AM
ooo, I love it. that color is just perfect.
Posted by: jean | October 16, 2007 at 07:47 AM
Oh Amanda it's lovely! And the buttons just perfect it! Good work mamma!
Posted by: grace | October 16, 2007 at 08:00 AM
Beautiful knitting, Amanda! And what a precious babe to model your handiwork!! I can see why Lady A (and brothers' E and C as well) have your nuumber for sure!
Posted by: Ashley | October 16, 2007 at 08:03 AM
great classic sweater... such a nice pattern... and such a cute babe in her little fuzzy hat.
Posted by: melody | October 16, 2007 at 08:09 AM
how absolutely beautiful! (the sweater and Adelaide, of course).
Posted by: julia | October 16, 2007 at 08:25 AM
beautiful sweater!! It's a wonderful feeling when children appreciate that WE make things for them.
Posted by: LauraJ | October 16, 2007 at 08:34 AM
That sweater is making me want to knit nonstop until I have a room full of sweaters just like that one in every color, all in my size. And then I could wear one a day for the rest of my life since by the time I finished knitting all those sweaters I would probably be 753 years old.
Posted by: Julie | October 16, 2007 at 08:34 AM
I have been looking for an easy cardigan to knit--thanks that one is just adorable! Adelaide looks so cute in it:-) Those buttons are just lovely too--your right shopping on Etsy is dangerous...LOL!
Posted by: Suzanne | October 16, 2007 at 08:38 AM
I'm feeling a true kinship with the Soule Mama today. I recently finished a hat just like that (bigger size though) & in the same color. I also have the same vintage buttons in my collection.
Posted by: julie | October 16, 2007 at 08:54 AM
Right behind you sister. Nearly got my first autumn sweater done. Yes vintage Etsy is a really dangerous hobby ;-)
Oh and when they tell people you made stuff - with me - pride mixed with sheer embarrassment LOL (I'm not that good)
xx
Posted by: Qalballah | October 16, 2007 at 09:01 AM
It's wonderful. And she looks like a little girl suddenly!
Posted by: Alicia A. | October 16, 2007 at 09:08 AM
Such a cute sweater! I love those patterns -- so easy and perfect for comfort knitting.
Posted by: Danielle | October 16, 2007 at 09:25 AM
The sweater and hat are just beautiful! I love the little pink buttons, too. I can't knit to save my life, but man I would love to make a hat like that!
Posted by: Carrie | October 16, 2007 at 09:26 AM
oh she is darling. the sweater is beautiful - i love the buttons!
Posted by: Jill | October 16, 2007 at 09:48 AM
Very pretty! And I love the buttons.
Posted by: amanda | October 16, 2007 at 09:48 AM
she's getting so so big!! great sweater, amanda. i'm totally inspired now to finish up a little on that i've been working on for my wee one.
Posted by: cloth.paper.string | October 16, 2007 at 09:52 AM
Adelaide looks so lovely in her new sweater, and that hat is the topper!
Posted by: Kim | October 16, 2007 at 09:53 AM
Beautiful shots ... and beautiful sweater. And yes ... it does finally feel like fall.
Posted by: Diane | October 16, 2007 at 10:23 AM
It looks so soft and warm! All this cool weather coming and knitting on alot of blogs makes me want to learn how to knit even more. These are gifts she will always cherish and probably pass on to her kids, along with the memories. Now that is a true gift.
Posted by: Gina | October 16, 2007 at 10:36 AM
GASP. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Alicia P. | October 16, 2007 at 10:51 AM
What a beautiful sweater on such a beautiful little girl!
Posted by: julie | October 16, 2007 at 11:00 AM
It's gorgeous - and I love baby girls in earthy colors! It looks great now but also plenty of room to grow! Perfect!
Posted by: rani | October 16, 2007 at 11:06 AM
How beautiful! Gorgeous colours. I envy your knitting speed. I've been working on the same project for months and I still have a long way to go!
Posted by: linsey | October 16, 2007 at 11:26 AM
You're kidding me! I JUST cast that pattern on to make for Elle. Only I'm tweaking it because I've been wanting to make her a sweater in garter stitch. I'm posting the sweater I just finished for baby J later today.
Posted by: Grace | October 16, 2007 at 11:28 AM
You know, I haven't felt confident enough to knit something with an actual shape, meaning I just knit scarves and the like. This post and pictures really inspires me to take action...Thank you. I have also read your page for quite a long time and have never left a comment. More inspiration coming from you! FYI, I have you on my blogroll...craft-crazy.blogspot.com. (You were originally on my first blog, but moved you over when I opened my craft-crazy site)I might as well also note that I already have your book pre-ordered on Amazon. Looks fun!
Posted by: Myshell | October 16, 2007 at 12:46 PM
beautiful! you have inspired me again!
Posted by: katie | October 16, 2007 at 01:23 PM
Ohhh I can't even tell you the insane number of hours I've logged at work crusing Etsy for fun and fabby vintage goods :)
Posted by: Lindz (Yankee Girl Designs) | October 16, 2007 at 01:48 PM
it's beautiful, amanda! :)
Posted by: joleen | October 16, 2007 at 01:58 PM
That sweater is incredible! Cute baby, talented mama.
Posted by: Jenna | October 16, 2007 at 02:04 PM
I just "found" your blog and have spent the last week reading it all :) You have inspired me in so many ways Here is a cute project from Susan Anderson (one of my fave knitting designers for my babe) that I thought your babes might enjoy. http://susanbanderson.blogspot.com/2007/10/betzs-acorns.html
Posted by: Tobi | October 16, 2007 at 02:34 PM
Beautiful little sweater, for a beautiful little lady - all of your lovely knitted sweaters are making me want to try my hand at knitting...any tips on good books/patterns for a beginner?
Dee
x
Posted by: bubbachic | October 16, 2007 at 02:36 PM
I love the sweater hat combo. I do know the dangers of button (or any kind of) shopping on Etsy =)
Posted by: Wanett | October 16, 2007 at 02:55 PM
My eldest son hates anything homemade! He is 6 and has always been the same. Makes me sad but what can I do? Anyway, thankfully his little brother Henry still lets me knit for him- I've just posted about his scarf...
Posted by: janet clare | October 16, 2007 at 03:02 PM
it's gorgeous, amanda! love that top photo - so cute!
Posted by: erin | October 16, 2007 at 03:22 PM
its lovely and she looks adorable in it.
Posted by: Steph | October 16, 2007 at 03:24 PM
Beautiful! I wish I could knit! "Make it, Mama?" OH MY would that ever melt my heart!
Posted by: Melissa | October 16, 2007 at 03:45 PM
This is one lovely cardigan! Just exactly what I am looking for. The local yarn store is now ordering for refill of this pattern. Can't wait. Thanks!
Posted by: Wendy | October 16, 2007 at 03:49 PM
ahhh the colors in that one photo where you can see adelaide's eyes, the green, the pink and then the dazzling blue eyes!!! very sparkly as you say, beautiful knits for a beautiful girl.
love the mama made this story....so cute
Posted by: vickie | October 16, 2007 at 03:59 PM
perfect combination: fall, knits and adelaide in a handmade sweater and hat.
Posted by: Veronica TM | October 16, 2007 at 04:47 PM
Posted by: Diane | October 16, 2007 at 08:29 PM
Oh my - what an autumnal, beautiful sweater... and can adelaide possibly be so *big*?! :) Makes me smile.
Posted by: Mary-Heather | October 16, 2007 at 11:21 PM
Absolutely beautiful work, Amanda!! (And the hat and sweater are, too;) ) Your little Lady A is starting to have a wee bit bigger girl look to her sweet face. And so intuitive...<3
Posted by: robin | October 17, 2007 at 02:51 AM
I made that sweater in Cloud 9--blissfully naive choice of yarn that turned out to be the softest ever. I put a running snowflake in another color into the bottom of the sweater, too, since the pattern is so much a blank slate around the waist and hips... the knitting pure and simple are the best for kids' stuff.
Posted by: Kelly | October 17, 2007 at 08:27 AM
your blog is a necessary daily stop for me. thanks for the beauty, wisdom and love you share with us! you make me want to be a better person... starting with being a better knitter :) Thanks.
Posted by: Lisel | October 17, 2007 at 12:23 PM
so sweet!!
Posted by: heather | October 17, 2007 at 02:05 PM