FO - Top-Down Seamless Raglan Baby Sweater!

I finally, finally, finally finished Gabriel's baby sweater!!!



For as long as I've been putting off the buttons, they really make it come alive.



So stinking cute.



Pattern: Top-Down Seamless Raglan Sweater by Carole Barenys for Knitting on the Net
Size: about 18-24 months; dimensions: 11" wide across body, 12.5" long, sleeves are 7.5" from underarm
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft 100% acrylic in color #9905 Bone, less than 1 skein
Notions: 5 natural wood buttons, 5/8" size, by JHB (they are either #1774 or 50951 - the packaging is unclear); Coats & Clark sewing thread
Needles: Knit Picks Options size 6 circular, size 5 straight (for ribbing)

Modifications: I used a heavier yarn weight than recommended, resulting in a larger sweater. I tried to approximate the same proportions based on the amount of button holes and the ratio of sleeve length to body, rather than going by the measurements as written in the pattern.

Started: March 2007, as a different pattern
Finished: finished knitting in August 2007 (with many delays), sewed buttons on December 2007



Those who have been reading this blog from the beginning may remember that this sweater started as an ill-fated, or maybe cursed garter stitch cabled sweater. It went through several fatal errors until I finally found the right pattern. I decided against giving the accompanying hat I made, since I can't imagine the huge bulky seam would be comfortable to wear.



I delayed this project for months over nonsensical fears, such as picking up the stitches to knit the arms on DPNs and most notably, sewing on buttons.



I'm so glad I finally finished it because it's just plain adorable. I love this pattern, and I highly recommend it. The yarn is beautifully suited, with a gorgeous drape and the added benefits of being stain resistant and machine washable. I'm pleased with the color and the style of the buttons; I think it gives it a classic, sophisticated look. (Can you tell I'm just a little happy with it?)



It's all ready to be gifted, and only - what? - 9 months late. I'm thankful I had the premonition to knit it in a much larger size so that just in case I behaved true to form, the baby would still get ample wear out of it.

Let's hope they like it!!!

Previous Entries on this Project:
- Notes from the Pile
- The Beauty of Monogamy
- Oh right, this is a knitting blog
- Progress
- This sweater is cursed
- So Much Better
- Finishing, ugh
- Cabled Baby Set