Giant Baby Sweater
Inspired by Nicole's baby sweater, I decided that what I wanted was a gigantic one for myself. After some recalculating, I came up with this.
I cast on 64 stitches and did the increases according to EZ. I put in about 10 rows worth of short rows to raise the back (5 extra ridges) after the first round of increases. After switching to gull stitch, per pattern, I divided for the sleeves. I should have held 31 stitches for each front, 37 stitches for the sleeves and the rest for the back, but I messed up and only held 25 stitches for the fronts. oops. So my back is particularly poofy (see pic below). I did the sleeves in the round to avoid seaming and cast on an extra 19 stitches for the sleeves. Then when I joined the body, I cast on an extra 16 stitches at each underarm. then I followed the pattern, decreased 10%, did the garter stitch border for 6 ridges and cast off. Next time, I will hold 31 stitches for the fronts, maybe divide for the arms an inch earlier. These pictures are pre-blocking. Now I just need buttons...
I used a cone of School Products merino/cashmere blend. The yarn is bulky weight, and it's very pink. It started with 2426 yards, and I'm not sure how much I used. The cone is still huge, and I think I have enough yarn left for several more baby sweaters.
A dirty little secret- I did not do a gauge swatch before I started. I took the written gauge (3-3.5), assumed I would knit a bit tighter than specified on size 10 needles- a needle size smaller than recommended (10.5-11). After a few rows, I took my gauge in garter stitch, which ended up being about 3 STI. Because it's not a tight fitting sweater, more kimono-bedjacket-like, I think I got away with it. I like the style of it- not just for babies!
That came out really great!! You did a terrific job "sizing up" the pattern. I don't think the back looks too poof - but with your calculations I think the next one will be even more perfect. :)
Posted by: Karen | May 27, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Yay, Jenny! This wins the super modification award. Giant Baby Sweater is beautiful, with a vintage feel. It must be so soft, too.
Posted by: Karma | May 27, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Cynthia | May 27, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Very cute (and so much progress in one week)! Congrats on a one-of-a-kind FO.
Posted by: Jocelyn | May 27, 2007 at 08:00 PM
Holy smokes! Gold star and many tasty treats for such a glorious creation! nice work with the alterations! yay! =D
Posted by: Sasha | May 27, 2007 at 09:39 PM
such a cool project and some stash gone!
Every yard counts, doesn't it :)
Posted by: tini | May 28, 2007 at 10:32 AM
It's totally cute!!
Posted by: Scoutj | May 28, 2007 at 11:16 AM
That's fabulous! I've always wanted one for myself, now I'll know how to do it.
Posted by: Emily | May 28, 2007 at 11:53 AM
Cuteness! Houston, we have cuteness!
Posted by: Erica | May 28, 2007 at 12:16 PM
That is too cool! I haven't even tried the baby version yet but I'm dying to make one for myself now. :)
Posted by: Beth | May 28, 2007 at 02:17 PM
That is just completely cute. It looks great on you!
Posted by: earthchick | May 28, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Obviously you already know (look at all the comments!), but I had to say how cute the sweater looks on you. I came here from Zimmermania to see your details. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Jen | May 28, 2007 at 05:50 PM
WOW! You should be proud of yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Leslie | May 28, 2007 at 05:55 PM
Beautiful sweater! Wow!
Sheri in GA (came over from Zimmermania)
Posted by: Sheri | May 28, 2007 at 06:16 PM
wonderful. I want one for myself and my baby - you did a very fine job! :-)
Posted by: mette | May 29, 2007 at 01:08 AM
I am soooo impressed!
You go Jenny!
Posted by: Marce | May 29, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Thanks for sharing Jenny. It really looks cute. The back semi-puffiness possibly is due to just coming off the needles. I'm makin' one, oh ya....
Posted by: carolyn | May 30, 2007 at 03:12 AM
It looks great! Congrats!
Posted by: lomester | May 31, 2007 at 01:05 PM
I really like it.
Posted by: Lady S | May 31, 2007 at 02:17 PM
hi it looks great ! - did you have problems with the number of stitches on the increases? - i am doing the baby one and have just spent a lunch hour trying to get them right to get 102 stitches -else the rest wont work out! any hints?
Posted by: lucy sparrow | June 01, 2007 at 06:42 AM
Very pretty sweater, and great job in figuring out how to make it fit you!
Posted by: Connie | June 02, 2007 at 05:41 PM
I love that you made a giant baby sweater for yourself. It looks great!
Posted by: alison | June 03, 2007 at 07:21 PM
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! It makes me think of something a ballerina might throw on after practice...graceful and flowy...I love it!!!
- Jenn
www.rhymeswithsocks.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jenn | June 04, 2007 at 10:05 PM
I admit, I was skeptical when I heard about this on your podcast - a giant baby sweater?? But it came out darling! I am picturing some sparkly vintage buttons...
Posted by: Jen M | June 05, 2007 at 11:19 AM
any ideas on how many to cast on if i want to increase the feb baby sweater for a 4-5 yr old girl? i'm making one in the baby sweater size for a newborn, but wanted to make her older sister something too and i'm totally in love with the pattern! i might even make one for myself using your numbers - totally cute
Posted by: rachel | June 08, 2007 at 06:56 PM