Monday, January 02, 2012

A Hoot for Christmas

This is the result of another project that has been in my head for a long time. Every little boy needs a burnt orange sweater don't they?

I made an Owlet sweater in December 2009; which ended up too small for its intended recipient who was nearly 2 and ended up being gifted for a 1st Birthday. I loved the finished item, but didn't really want to knit one in anything thicker than aran weight, and the pattern calls for chunky yarn in the larger sizes. So, I hatched a plan. I found some perfect Easyknits Deeply Wicked DK in the colourway "Tangelo" at Fibre Flurry in October. I bought 3 skeins and used two.

I measured Thomas' current favourite jumpers, swatched and did some maths and came up with a plan.
A Christmas Hoot
I cast on 120 stitches to give me an approx 24" chest. I lengthened the yoke by adding a few rows before and after the owls.
I also made the sleeve cuffs long, in the hope that this may still fit next winter. (Fingers crossed!)
A Christmas Hoot
18 Owls in total. Buttons for eyes on the front only (as that is all I had - but I think it works.)
A Christmas Hoot
I could perhaps do with a few more neck decreases - but I wanted to make sure it would fit easily over Thomas' head.
A Christmas Hoot
Perfect with a pair of brown cords on Christmas morning for that 70's retro look :o)

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ooh I love that 70s vibe. Suits him.
Kerry

Kate said...

Thomas has grown so much! The sweater looks great, too. This is not good for my pattern diet. :-P

Roobeedoo said...

Ah... the 70's! He looks all grown up! Crikey Roo that's a little boy you've got there!

dogquilter said...

Too cute! Love the sweater :)

Flossie in Stitches said...

Oh he's gorgeous and so grown up! I love your sweater, well done for doing the maths. I really like the Owlet pattern and am thinking of knitting one soon for my nephew's 1st birthday present...next November. I starting the Christmas/birthday knitting early this year. :)