Favorite Knitting Patterns

Why is it that with all of the free and for purchase patterns for knitting and crocheting, I keep going back to a favorite? I love experimenting with new yarns, stitches, techniques, and projects. However, these new endeavors frequently involve a significant amount of concentration, counting, and unfortunately ripping out mistakes. So when I want to be certain of the outcome, or I am in need of a relaxing knitting or crocheting session, I resort to my tired and true pattern. I can knit for several stitches without looking. This comes in handy when watching a favorite tv show or when embarking on a prolonged road trip.

One of my favorite infant baby sweater patterns was a Chatterbox pattern published by Sidar. Unfortunately, the pattern is now out of print. Therefore, I have resorted to taping all of the worn and folded parts, and now it resides in a big binder, protected by a plastic sleeve, This 4 sided pattern includes a raglan and round necked cardigan, a matching hat, and a baby blanket. The raglan sleeve is especially comfortable for small babies who may be stiff when they have to extend their arms. My new granddaughter is very tiny, and she wore the newborn size up to 3 months.The pattern calls for DK yarns. I knitted with 100% acrylic yarn by Sidar that I purchased from my favorite specialty yarn boutique in Woodbridge, Connecticut. It is soft, but works up with a nice hand. As you will see from the photos below, the sweaters look lovely whether you work with solids, self patterning , or speckled yarn. I had a lot of fun figuring out the color placement for the multicolored pink, blue, and yellow garment. For girls' sweaters, the open work just above the ribbed bands adds a sweet detail. You could also vary the pattern with striping on the sleeves.

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A second favorite is a basic round neck cardigan and hat that comes from Creature Comforts by Amy Bahrt (Sixth&Spring Books, 2005).The author presents directions for foundation cardigans, pull-over sweaters, hats, and baby blankets.  Then in subsequent chapters she shows the reader how to work in animal motifs and other designs right into the knitted piece. The worsted yarn works up quickly.   The sizes range from 6 to 18 months.  Both sweater and cardigan feature a dropped sleeve which is easy to seam and comfortable to wear.  Contrasting ribbing or striping can make unique garments for boys or girls.  In the photo decorative cupcake buttons provide the  "pop" for pink cardigan. Red buttons add the "zip" to the self-striping cardigan in shades of gray.

Do you have a favorite pattern?  In what says do you vary the design?  Please leave your comments.  You can find me on Pinterest under the name [email protected].