Baby Blanket Knitting Project

This isn't mine (it's from www.thecakeplate.blogspot.com).  

But let's hope mine eventually resembles this.

In case any of you are knitting for baby...

As our baby is arriving in, at most, 9.5 weeks, I decided to commit to a knitting project.

I like this cable blanket pattern: I have a penchant for cables and it's easy to memorize.  In other words, it's easy to knit while watching crappy tv.  This is a common theme, but due to my laziness, I used yarn that I already had at home (Blue Sky worsted weight organic cotton) and opted for larger needles (size 11).  This is giving my blanket a much looser gauge, but since he's basically a summer baby, this is okay with me.  Though, if I were to choose for aesthetic reasons, I'd probably opt to follow the pattern more closely.  I also don't love using cotton yarn for cables, but hopefully it comes out alright.

Anyhow, the pattern is very well written, and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a very simple yet satisfying project.

UPDATE: I ripped out that stretchy, cotton yarn and bought a merino from Malabrigo (606 Frost Gray). What's the point of dedicating hours to a project that's going to turn out sub-par? Also using size 9 needles now. Much happier so far.

Quick and Easy Knitting Patterns!

Even when you're not stuck in the hospital, IBD peeps are often stuck at home or hooked up to a Remicade IV, so I thought you all might have fun with some of these knitting patterns too...

Bear Cub Hat

We conceived in Yellowstone National Park (TMI?), so I think it's hilarious to dress our baby as a bear.

 

I used Spud and Chloe worsted weight yarn and size 5 dpn's.  

Hat: CO 72 stitches, knit in 2x2 rib for an inch and then stockinette for 3.5 inches.  Begin decreases to close off top of hat. (Here's a good basic hat pattern if you're looking for more detail.)

Each ear (do this twice): CO 12 stitches (doubling the yarn) and knit in garter stitch for 8 rows.  
9th row: Decrease (k2tog, k8, ssk). 10th row: (k2tog, k6, ssk) 

Bind off and sew your ears on!

Fair Isle Hat

I've already done this hat in a few colors (for other people), and it is SUCH an easy, fun knit.

Mods: I always use dpn's throughout when knitting hats.   I also like to add a pompon and earflaps with tassles to this one. 

Blue Sky Alpaca Organic Cotton worsted weight yarn works really well for this sweet hat.  

Chevron Blanket

I love Blue Sky yarn, and I'm excited to start this relatively easy-looking pattern.  I'll use only blues, creams, and beiges though.  (Yes, we're having a boy!)

First Trimester=Knitting

Making it to the gym has become an internal battle that I don't have the will power for lately.  Seems like everything is exhausting recently!  So I've spent more time than normal knitting.  I'm still in the first trimester, so I'm superstitious about knitting baby things, but as the weather cools, all those winter patterns become more and more appealing.

I'm currently working on leg warmers I found on Pinterest (click to see what they'll look like completed).  The lace pattern is surprisingly easy to memorize, so it's a satisfying project.  The link to the free Ravelry pattern is here.