It's all baby stuff at All Tangled Up recently. I'm really looking forward to getting to work on something a but more substantial. Of course, the little urchins must be properly dressed.
It's so much easier to knit for girls. You can choose just about any colour yarn and girl patterns are much more fun. (Well, I think ruffles, frills, lace and heart shaped buttons are fun, anyway.) It's much more difficult to find interesting patters to knit for baby boys, especially when they start tottering around.
Fortunately, I found George. George is from the New Jaegar children's handknits book.
Now, several people have told me that the patterns are a bit too '4 ply ish' or fussy. I have also heard that Martin Storey isn't all that good with children's stuff. (and these comments are from people that I know fairly well and I definitely trust their judgement) . Nonetheless, I bought the book. There are several things that I would make, but mostly because there are several things that would be do-able for boys... and I've got a nephew that I want to knit for.
I really like George.
and I wanted to knit it NOW. Unfortunately, it was Saturday night and all the shops were closed. So if I wanted to make it, there would have to be a few compromises. So I dug into my stash to find something suitable. In the end, I went with the Rowan Handknit DK in Reef. The cardigan goes fast. The blue is just like the Caribbean.
In one week's time, I was ready to finish off. Then, tragedy struck. My iron was dropped. I had no choice but to join up some of the seams without blocking, so that I can do the button bands and collar.
There are an awful lot of ends to weave in (Drat! I knew I should had tried and convert this to neck down).
Fortunately, I have a new iron now, a Polti. It's the Rolls Royce of irons. So, I'm going to steam and sew tonight. OK, I know I'm sad, because not many people would be overjoyed by the purchase of an iron, but it is a polti and it makes ironing a really pleasant experience.
Posted by atu at September 4, 2004 07:56 PMOh Polly, what a lovely makeover ! George is beautiful too - Reef is one of my favourite shades.
I'm with Emma and Sue re-hating ironing but that makes it even more important to have a good iron that works properly and doesn't stick to things and get that horrible black gunky stuff on the bottom ... or is that just me ? Maybe I iron things too hot ?(says the woman who melted a pair of school trousers a few months ago !)
Posted by: Heather at September 6, 2004 09:41 AMLovely new blog style Polly, especially with such a perfectly co-ordinated sweater!
Posted by: Sarah W. at September 6, 2004 08:24 AMGeorge is simply adorable.
Thanks for sharing. I am new ot knitting and to you blog. Love the 'wallpaper'
mona
Hi there,
I love the new background - it sort of reminds me of the wallpaper in Libertys. I really like that book and have plans for the cardigan on the cover for a friend, I hope that the pattern is not too bad.
I have tried emailing you about the US but I am not sure that my emails are working - give me a shout when you get a second.
Posted by: Amelia at September 6, 2004 05:45 AMI love the new background, but I preferred the larger text you were using before. I just found it easier to read.
Posted by: Cynthia at September 5, 2004 08:19 PMLovely new look for your blog, Polly : the background is very well chosen. I also like so much the little cardi, but tell me, how do you do so many things?
Posted by: Stéphanie at September 5, 2004 06:43 PMOh, I love the new look of the blog! The background is so pretty. Very nice!
That is a great little sweater, is George. :)
Hi Polly, I love the new look of your blog !
Posted by: Eva Shiu at September 5, 2004 03:15 PMThe new look is great and I love that book but haven't got round to buying it yet. I too hate ironing but now chat online with my friend while doing it and it makes it a better experience!
Posted by: yvette at September 5, 2004 02:40 PMLove the new blog look!
George is v. handsome, in both colour and design.
Posted by: Lis at September 5, 2004 02:22 PMNice new layout, like Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. I like it.
Posted by: Thomas at September 5, 2004 05:46 AMi've wanted the jaeger book ever since i saw the cover pattern! how cute is that little baby? the jacket looks fab - and very funny all spread out like that. and the colour matches your new look! did you plan this?!
Posted by: kris at September 5, 2004 03:23 AMlove the new look and george looks great!
Posted by: froggy at September 5, 2004 01:43 AMhi polly, your website looks good! So does the cardigan! You've not mentioned just how *large* the bag was with your new iron in either!
What's happened to the 4ply jumper for hubby and the denim-a-long? ;)
Dawn
Posted by: dawn at September 5, 2004 12:43 AMI love the new look. :0)
I'm with Sue on the ironing !
George is lovely.
p.s. please don't tell me my e-mails aren't getting through ! I seem to be having a prob with some of them disappearing into the ether.
Posted by: Emma at September 5, 2004 12:28 AMGeorge is lovely, and with two little boys in the family I think that is excuse enough for me to buy that book. I rather like the iron too, but feel the same as Sue about ironing, never a pleasure but a super-duper new iron might make it less of a chore.
Posted by: Louise at September 4, 2004 11:16 PMLike the "new look" blog Polly. For a moment though I thought I had got the wrong web site. George is mighty fine also but unfortunately for me my boys wouldn't wear anything that their Mum had knitted. Although after saying that my eldest is after a woolie jumper, may get him looking through my books to see if there is anything trendy enough for him!
Posted by: Stephanie at September 4, 2004 09:54 PM'George' is looking mighty fine and so is the new look blog. No iron could ever make ironong a pleasant experience for me though!
Posted by: Sue Morgan at September 4, 2004 09:15 PM