Monday, December 31, 2007

And that's a wrap...

The year is coming to a close, and I do have one more FO to show for it. Looking back on the year, this was one of my least productive as far as knitting goes. I have no idea why--it's still fun and interesting to me, yet perhaps I'm just not driven to produce for the sake of production.

At any rate, the Tomten jacket--which was supposed to be a birthday gift for my niece--became a Christmas gift instead. Once the comfort shawl was off the needles, this project got my full attention.

Tomten jacket finished


I debated about how to finish the front, including the closure, and decided to go with a few rows of garter stitch rather than applied i-cord. I also decided a one-button closure would suffice. There's no way I was going to attempt a zipper, and a row of buttons just didn't seem practical to me. I think it was a good choice.

Tomten modeled


Although many versions of these little sweaters include a hood, I opted for the "sassy" stand-up collar, and I'm glad. For this little girl, I think the hood would not have been used much.

Tomten side view


I was very happy, too, with the sizing. It's just enough of a jacket for her to grow into, without being too large. This wee one is just two years old, and small for her size. The sleeves turn back a bit, so there's room for some growing. I wouldn't be surprised to see her still wearing it at this time next year.

For anyone interested in the specs, I used Cascade 220 Superwash yarn, very squishy and soft. Almost two skeins of gray were consumed, and just about half a skein each of pink and white. So much depends upon how you stripe and how many colors you want to use.

This was a fun project and a great way to wrap up the year. It will be interesting to see what makes it onto the needles in 2008. Happy New Year, all!

18 comments:

Elizabeth said...

The sweater turned out so cute. I love it.

Carole Knits said...

That is absolutely adorable on her! Great job.
Happy New Year!

Kyra said...

I love it!

PlazaJen said...

OMG! So cute. It looks great!

a friend to knit with said...

LOVE IT! it turned out so cute........and perfect with a collar instead of a hood.......i LOVE the colors.
Happy New Year to you!

a friend to knit with said...

oh, and your neice? she is just ADORABLE!

Elizabeth said...

Beautiful. Perfection!

goodkarma said...

What a sweet jacket! I love that color combination and I think you made wise choices re: both the collar and the one button closure. She's such a cutie!

Happy New Year!

La Cabeza Grande said...

Oh my word! That is too beautiful and she wears it so well! The jacket was absolutely worth the wait, Leslie.

Jess said...

Unarguably adorable! Great job!

Peacock Chic said...

very cute!! Love the colors and the purl side texture!!

Unknown said...

WOW - what a cute sweater! I love the colors and the stripes. Super adorable!

Also, thanks for your kind words about my Westie. I appreciate it.

Rani said...

It's lovely! Fun to see the sweater being worn, too - it's a great fit and I love the colors you chose.

Hats off to you!

Jennifer said...

Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Gorgeous. Looks like she loves it. What could be better?

Abbey said...

It's beatiful! I like the choices you made with the collar and the button. It looks so sweet on her too, and she looks thrilled with it!

Dr. B. said...

What a GREAT sweater! I love the colors, and your knitting is simply impeccable. It looks great on her!

Happy New Year! May this one be the best yet!

Anonymous said...

Your sweater is so awesome! I loooove the stand up collar!

Happy New Year to you!

Anonymous said...

Love this--I wondered what size needles and what your guage was. Is the Cascade 220 Superwash a worsted? I've wanted to do this for my grandson who is 3--but he's very small and still wears a 2.

His mom would definitely want a washable yarn, but I'd like to use wool is I can...

Thanks--Bluebird49 (Ravelry)