I made a Cricket


I've been finding knitting most relaxing lately.  Maybe it's because it's a bit slower than crochet, it forces me into taking a steadier pace.

I noticed it when I was knitting my 'Around the Block' Cowl.  That was the relaxing oasis in the midst of a frantic patch of life that was going on at the time and although things have returned to a more or less manageable pace around here I'm still finding that knitting is the best way to recreate that calming feeling.

The beneficiary of my relaxation therapy this time round is my little girl.  A cardigan that I first saw on Posie gets Cozie's site and thought to be wonderfully cute.  Naturally it's been sitting on my waiting list a while, but as I see Alicia's post is dated June of this year I'm practically making it straight away by my standards.

It helped too that I had some suitable yarn in my stash in Madam's favourite colour, purple (-ish).  It's Rowan Felted Tweed DK and has come up looking lovely.  It is one of those colours that are so hard to photograph right though, in some it looks almost chocolate but actually it's a soft heathery purple.  The ones where she's wearing it were taken outside today and are closest I'd say.

The pattern is called 'Cricket' and is by Melissa Schaschwary and it's been an utter joy to knit.  Quite apart from the soothing side of the knitting, the pattern itself has been a pleasure.  I don't knit a tremendous amount of actual clothing and so the wonderful guidelines and links to tutorials for correct techniques that Melissa has added in along the way are very reassuring for one like me who isn't always sure of the best cast on or off to use in a given situation.

I also loved the little pockets and although there is the option to leave them out, using this pattern I felt able to give them a go and found they worked beautifully.  I also followed all the advice given about finishing, from steam blocking to including a pretty button band to help retain the garment shape and it's really made a difference to the final result.

 I'm thrilled with how it's turned out.  It's most certainly the best garment I've made so far and my favourite too.  Better yet, Little Miss is delighted and was very happy to strike some model poses for me!










S x





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Comments

  1. It looks wonderful Sandra and beautifully finished! xx

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  2. Oh it's beautiful and I love the colour (purple is a personal favourite of mine too!)

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  3. Congratulations, Sandra. The cardigan is simply divine! I just posted about a baby cardigan I made, and I also commented how satisfying it is when a knit project works out well. Also, I love the idea of the fabric button band. Lovely cardi!

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  4. I found your blog from a Pinterest pin, and I think your designs are lovely. Knitting is much slower for me too (first project was a sweater for my husband...took me 4 years!). I hadn't planned on doing another sweater Ever, but this is adorable. My daughter may just need one. :-D I like how you did different colored buttons!


    ~Elizabeth
    creativewending.wordpress.com

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  5. It's so pretty & the color is lovely! You did a beautiful job!

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  6. Hi Sandra, It's such a beautiful soft color!!! Love it!!! And such a pretty little model too!!!
    Have a fab day!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  7. Wow, it's beautiful Sandra! I envy you, have never made any piece of clothing myself due to my fear of creating something that doesn't fit. You did an amazing job, the pockets are very nice indeed and so is the little fabric lining for the buttons. And your model is very cute too :) xx

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  8. Such a sweet pretty cardigan, and gorgeous yarn too! And the buttons ♥ I still have to knit my first piece of clothing. I think I've found a pattern I just might be up to: A Cropped Sweater for Winter by Andi Satterlund. Now just gather the right yarn and a lot of courage! :-) xxxx

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  9. Such a pretty cardigan, the colour is gorgeous. I knitted a couple of baby cardigans when my son and his wife were expecting their first baby and I didn't enjoy it at all and yet I used to knot loads when my kids were little. Crochet is now my favourite way of relaxing. Maybe knitting will come back to me at a later date.
    Sally xxx

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  10. That's just beautiful Sandra. The colour is gorgeous, I'd describe it as Heather (haha!) and the ditsy trim is a perfect finishing touch! Including the pockets was a good call too, very essential for those all important bits and pieces that little girls like to collect during the day! I do so envy your ability to knit and adore the way you talk about how soothing you find it. xx

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  11. It's an absolutely lovely cardigan, with old-fashioned grace and pretty dignity.

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  12. The sweater is just perfect. Perfect color, perfect knitting and perfect fit. I bet your daughter was thrilled. I know what you mean about knitting and crochet. I get a bit frantic crocheting, but knitting makes me have to take a deep breath and move at a different pace.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

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  13. Your sweater turned out beautifully. I have made sweaters with Rowan Felted Tweed and they wear very well. Love your blog. Carla

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  14. So pretty, and looks very, very well done. What a lovely cardigan for your daughter x

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  15. I don't knit. I want to learn but I'm to impatient. But the story you tell about this lovely Cricket cardigan soothes me and takes down my otherwise sprinting heart... I want to slow down. I want to enjoy, breath and be... I haven't blogged in a week and that is so not me. But right now I feel more like just being here in real life and actually give myself a chance to take those knitting needles and my Beginners Knitting book and get going with casting on and off... You are a great inspiration to me, not only with your creations and skills but also with your way of calming me with your words. Thank you my dear Sandra .
    Xxx
    Annette

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  16. It looks gorgeous! And the colour is so pretty. I'm not surprised she's happy with it.


    And yes, I agree, knitting can be very meditative :)

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  17. So beautiful! Could even entice me to try knitting again ;-)

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  18. It's really lovely. I like the pattern very much, and the way it hangs. I could never knit anything like this but luckily my mother in law is on hand to make sure my kids have about twenty five hand knitted jumpers each Christmas. Now, if only I could persuade her to knit them all in Rowan Felted Tweed DK, not acrylic... x

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  19. çok güzel olmuş.ellerinize sağlık.sitenizde çok güzel.dost site olmak isterim.eklerseniz sevinirim.

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  20. Every girl needs one of these. That heather colour is beautiful. Jo x

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  21. This is beautiful and sweet Sandra! I just stumbled across your blog through Pinterest and there is soooo much talent here, so much inspiration, I don't know where to begin. I will follow along if you don't mind!
    xo Shari @ thestitchpattern.blogspot.com

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  22. Beautifully made! And love the finishing ditsy touch and buttons...

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