It's not a true birthday around here without some new, mama-made clothing for the birthday boy. Forrest asked for a cardigan just like his little brother's from back in July. Of course, I was pretty happy to oblige...the last time I made a sweater for this boy was when he was in the womb. I didn't give myself very much time to knit his birthday sweater ~ I was blocking it the day before and stayed up until midnight selecting buttons. But finish it, I did, and he (and I) couldn't be more pleased!
As you can see, my wooden button stash is low and his sweater is missing the top and bottom buttons until we go to town next. I used the same cardigan pattern that my dear friend, Melanie, had introduced me to and it is a fairly easy, satisfying knit. I used some lovely Berroco Ultra Alpaca tonal, which I really love.
You can check out my ravelry notes under a little crafty nest, but I did have to alter the pattern, and darn it, it still came out in a slim fit. I even cast on for a 10-12 year old, adjusting the length of arms ~ however, it is a slim fit.
No matter, Forrest tells me that he loves his sweater as it's like "wearing a kiss from mama". What more of a rating could I get than that?
I also made Forrest some comfy pants from an old pajama pattern I've used several times (I can't even remember where it originally came from). I bought some denim but preferred the washed out look of the wrong side of the fabric.
Forrest helped me choose some patch pocket material...vintage snowy sport fabric! I love this print!!! It is just perfect for my boisterous, active boy who loves anything snow-oriented.
And a funny little tidbit...my boy doesn't like to wear anything under his sweater ~ the wool is that soft! I suppose there's nothing coming between him and his mama-mades!
Oh, sweet sweet boy! I so love that blue of his sweater! Cedar is the same way too, loving to wear the things I make because they are infused with "mama love."
That berrocco ultra alpaca is wonderously soft. SUnbaby's cardi is made of that too.
Posted by: Melanie | November 14, 2011 at 05:08 AM
You and your children are just so amazing. "Wearing a kiss from mama" is just the sweetest thing I've heard in a long time.
Posted by: eidolons | November 14, 2011 at 05:45 AM
So sweet! What a lucky boy!
Posted by: angie | November 14, 2011 at 05:51 AM
oh oh oh so cute, you knitted it so beautifully and I love the trousers :-)
Posted by: Laura | November 14, 2011 at 01:07 PM
Oh it is lovely! It looks great on him, and will be a great underlayer under winter gear- especially if he likes to wear it right against his skin! Beautiful work! I love the pants too. And that boy of your is just so super sweet- wish I could invite you all over for a tea and playdate- we've got some good snow to play in!
Posted by: Taisa | November 14, 2011 at 06:39 PM
What a sweet boy, "a kiss from mama"? This is so adorable!
You are such a great mother, I can see in your boy´s eyes!
Posted by: Mina | November 15, 2011 at 04:17 AM
Oh and Jules, I have also found this pattern to be slim. When I made it for Cedar, I made it the size bigger and just shorter (he is my sturdy fella)- Shea and Winter are both willowy so it works for them. I like the slim fit, but they do grow out of it too fast. :(
We should find "the next" kid sweater pattern to do. . .
Posted by: Melanie | November 15, 2011 at 08:43 AM
Oh, it looks so so nice on him! He is such a sweetheart! Chloe's fits her so slim too, and I am worried she will outgrow it too fast. But really Chessa's is too big and I wish it fit better. I have to tell you, I am feeling kind of crazy, I am thinking valentines sweaters! Pink tea leaves! Maybe too ambitious though!
Yes, we should definitely chat soon, I will write.. XOXO
Posted by: renee ~ heirloom seasons | November 15, 2011 at 08:34 PM