Dixie's newborn gown is complete!
Yarn: Chinese fingering-weight merino (I forget the brand) and Koigu Multi.
Needles: Size 1 US, 2.5 mm
Pattern: Elizabeth Zimmermann's February Baby Sweater from Knitter's Almanac, for the yoke and sleeves. My only adaptation was to join after the first few inches to complete the yoke in the round, and to use stockinette for the body instead of the lace pattern EZ recommends. I also added a few garter stitch stripes of the Koigu multi to the yoke as a coming attraction for the color change about to occur.
Then I switched to the Koigu and knit around and around...
...until I couldn't stand it anymore. I decreased about 12 stitches, then knit some more, and decreased again shortly after jabbing my right index finger with the point of that size #1 needle for the umpteenth time.
A few inches from the bottom I split the skirt by knitting back and forth instead of in the round, and began and ended each row with two stitches of garter stitch to prevent curling. As you can see, the split defies me and curls anyways.
Finally, I decreased 16 stitches, give or take, and ended with a band of red garter stitch.
Then the little dress was aggressively washed in a shampoo for color-treated hair to remove all cooties, blocked, and finished off with a white velvet ribbon.
Here it is all ready to travel.
Speaking of traveling, a month or so ago I loaned Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea to my pal Leslie. I threw in some of my stash yarn as packing material. The yarn no doubt included a bit of spaniel fur, as does all my yarn.
Is there anything better than surprise yarn in the mail, especially when it's a yarn you've never knit with but have wanted to?
I'm carrying the Rowan around with me from room to room. Here it is keeping me company while I blog:
You kill me with your talent! That is a gorgeous gown!
Posted by: Heather P. | February 04, 2009 at 03:23 PM
what a lucky baby!It's lovely.
If I could carry my new computer screen from room to room I would.I love it.
Posted by: Irma | February 04, 2009 at 05:32 PM
It's beautiful! Whether it fits this current growing baby or all the future babies, it will be worn with many thanks for me and the proud wearers. Pictures will follow! Thank you! Thank you!
Posted by: Dixie | February 04, 2009 at 07:12 PM
Hmmm-- Seems like the Person Who Originally Bought the Chelsea Handler book that has so breezily been put into circulation should get something to add to her stash, Missy. And I don't necessarily mean yarn.
Posted by: Lo | February 04, 2009 at 08:10 PM
What a lovely baby gown! I love knitting with Koigu - just gorgeous. You are very welcome for the yarn. I think it is missing only the addition of spaniel hair to make it truly beautiful.
Sorry if I started something between you and your sister :)
Posted by: Leslie | February 05, 2009 at 08:09 AM