So I had this gorgeous fluffy handspun BFL that was just asking to be something special for my little squirt coming in May. This is probably the softest wool I have ever felt so it will be perfect next to newborn skin.
I spun it fairly thin and then did a Navajo 3 ply which, by the way, is super fun and easy to do. This is a great video (not by me) with slow motion to really show how to do it. I like how the Navajo 3 ply makes it more of self stripping yarn than a normal 2 ply. It's exactly what I wanted for this bunting.
Using Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Jacket (BSJ) design, I simply added a bottom section to make it into a bunting.
The instructions for the BSJ can be found in her book "The Opinionated Knitter" or from Schoolhouse Press here.
Follow the instructions up to the final bind off row. Instead of binding it all off, bind off just the edges along the left and right side, leaving the bottom stitches live. On the side you choose to put the button holes on, also bind off the bottom edge of the button hole section.
Cast on 12 sts, turn and knit across newly cast on stitches, across the bottom section and then cast on 12 stitch on the other side. Mark the 12th stitch on both sides. This will mark where you will do the decreases for the mitered squares.
Knit to 1 stitch before the marked st, slip 1, k2tog, psso. Repeat with the second marked stitch. Turn.
Knit 1 row.
Repeat the last 2 rows until you can't decrease any more.
You should have 12 ridges of garter, a section of live stitches and 12 ridges of garter. Pick up 12 stitches along the 12 ridges, knit across the live stitches and pick up 12 stitches along the next 12 ridges. Work in garter stitch until desired length is reached. I did a 3 needle bind off to finish the bottom, but you can easily just sew it together. Sew up the mitered corners to the button holes.
*Optional: You could just skipped the mitered squares at the bottom and just join the piece in the round and work in garter stitch until desired length.
Really cute! Of course I don't have the BSJ pattern but I'm betting I can accomplish something similar with a top-down raglan cardigan. Thanks for the inspiration!
BTW, how do you ever find time to SPIN! I gave up spinning when #3 was born. Guess I just loved knitting more! Your 3-ply is absolutely gorgeous and making me dream of spinning again!
Posted by: Patti | February 05, 2010 at 10:35 PM