Baby Blossom Knitted Cardigan

-The pattern calls out to you and says your name.In addition, there is a suggested yarn, that the independent yarn store has in stock.(The Yarn Barn, Woodbridge, Connecticut)  Nirvana!  I can see myself knitting the piece and can even imagine how it will look the baby or child who will wear my work.  I am an avid knitter and crocheter, who enjoys searching Pinterest and Ravelry for free patterns, but when I see a purchased pattern that I can take home with me right away, I am taken.  The pattern in question had been tested.  There was a diagram showing how the knitted pieces would look.  Best yet, there was a full range of sizes so that I could make the pattern for a new granddaughter to be born in December as well as a 21 month old who wears anything that I can make. 

The pattern was designed to go with Baby Blossom DK by Hayfield (#4841).  The yarn featured bands of color in varying shades of one color.   Inaddition, one of the bands featured snips of pink and green that worked out to look like like  blossoms when knitted.    I bought a peachy apricot for the younger baby and grey tones for the toddler. I used a 3 1/4mm for the ribbing and a 4mm for the body and sleeves. Although I usually knit with worsted (#4), this DK (#3) yarn worked up easily and quickly.  The pattern could be knitted with a round neck or a V-neck.  I chose the round neck for the new infant and the V-neck for the toddler.

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I made the infant style first.  As I began knitting I surprised to see that I would knit the body and sleeves first and add bottom, front, and neck trim when the pieces were sewn together.  The only exception was the sleeves.  I began with the rib here and knitted the rest of the sleeve.  While most, baby sweaters seem to have a i knit-1purl rib, this sweater called for a 2 knit-2purl rib.  I liked the way this rib gave slightly ruffled look to the piece.  I will be attending the baby shower in November, and I will be proud to include this sweater and hat with the rest of my presents. I added a roll knit cap to go with the sweater.  It is seamless and is worked on doubled pointed needles.

My granddaughter was pleased to wear her gray tone sweater. The grays will go well with any outfit.  Besides the DK weight is just right for wearing indoors on a chilly day.  She can also wear it under a jacket or in the car without the bulk of a heavy jacket. 

My next projects are worsted weight hooded cardigans for this sweet girl and for my new step-granddaughter.  My needles and hooks are always clicking.  It is a pleasure to have such wonderful children to make sweaters for.