I decided to knit something really simple, and since Ernest refuses to wear jumpers these days I thought I might have more success with a cardigan.
I began following a random pattern online, which I can't find now, but once I'd got past the shoulder shaping I just winged it. The sleeves could probably have done with some shaping, but I think I might get away with it.
The buttons were 50p from Oxfam, and the label is an old one from stash.
I'm pretty happy with the results, you know considering I'm a really average knitter.
Ernest though says it's "rubbish" and refuses point blank to even try it on!
I like to always have some knitting in progress that I call my therapy knitting. I prefer it to be on two needles, and super simple so I can work it in the dark or on a long car journey when I still need to watch the road to avoid travel sickness.
I've tried therapy knitting with cheap yarn, but it works best for me in nice yarn.
This is my latest piece of therapy knitting. I used four balls of Rowan, Creative Focus Worsted. Three in teal and one in this lovely chartreuse.
I cast on 60 stitches and knitted in stocking stitch until I ran out of yarn, then simply joined each end to make a loop.
I know I've broken lots of knitting rules, knitting a scarf in stocking stitch, but I like the rolling in quality and the right/wrong sides showing, so I don't much care about breaking rules.
I even quite like that my hair clashes with the scarf....not so keen on showing my wrinkles in these photos, but I tell myself to embrace them, they are a luxury denied to those that die young. (still don't like them though!)
After yesterday's outburst, I'm feeling a little sheepish this morning, but very very thankful for all your kind and thoughtful comments. (always!)
It's half term here, and I'm hoping a rest, or rather a change of routine will shed a different light on things, but when the children are back to school in a weeks time, I'm going to screw up all my courage and seek help, if I don't you each have permission to boot me hard in the direction of my gp surgery!
I've not been idle this week, I've several projects on the go,but I've finished another little vest for Ernest, using the same Pickles pattern as before, and some beautiful yarn I was gifted just after Ernest was born.
Oh yes, and check out my other blog there's a Flossie's Garden give away.
Finished this little vest last night, a lovely fast knit,and practical too.
I used this lovely pattern.
A hat!
OK, so it's not going to fit for long, but honestly I'm done with this one. My first attempt was waaaay too small, my second I messed up on the decreases, and finally this is complete (with mistakes), but I'm sooo ready to start something else that I'm going to live with the imperfections, even though I know they will drive me bonkers!
Made using this pattern.
I also finished some dribble bibs. I've always scoffed at this style of bib,but I've never had such a drooly baby before, and apparently this style works well.
I have the next two sizes up ready to go, and hopefully a home for this little bonnet, must knit quicker!
This little cardy has been very almost finished for a while, last night I finally stitched on the collar and buttons.
Pattern from Baby Bloom, by Erika Knight, yarn Rowan Cashsoft 4ply.
Trying to get a good photo was tricky!
I've enough yarn left for a matching hat, just haven't found the right pattern yet.
The little cardigan I started knitting when I was in labour is now finished, but only just fits.
Ernest is 9lbs 12oz now, and growing out of things before he has a chance to wear them!
This vest will get a few more wears at least.
I do love a baby kitted out in yummy woolliness. It's bittersweet pulling out things I knitted when pregnant with Florence and then dressing Ernest in them, but oooh he's just so snuggable in these soft wool longies and cardigan.
Making use of the bedside crib for a change too.
For anyone interested both patterns are Elizabeth Zimmermann, the yarn Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino.
I cast on this matinee coat yesterday, I'm knitting it in size 3-6 mths, thinking of cooler weather come September, all very practical for a normal pregnant Mama, but a minefield of emotions for this one.
Knitting has never really been my forte.I usually enjoy it,but get frustrated with my lack of skill. This pregnancy however, keeping my fingers busy in the repetitive click clack of the needles has been calming. I don't understand it,but it works.
I had thought perhaps I'd knitted enough for baby boy, but having nothiing on the needles was disconcerting. A new knitting book and an expensive trip to the yarn store, and I'm feeling..well not better, but calmer.
I still cried as I cast this on yesterday.
I said in my last post how I'd only really started to just think of myself as pregnant, and I think the realisation that sometime fairly soon I'm going to deliver a baby, and he's either going to live or he's going to die is hitting me full force.
I'm distracted, and I'm exhausted and I'm scared.
I really just want to be normal again, to rub my belly in public and glow with anticipation. I used to love pregnancy, I was confident in my pregnant body.
I want to say to Eden that the dinosaur she's making for baby boy is lovely without pondering silently that it's actually too big to fit in a coffin.
I want to not wonder how or where I'll store all of the baby things if we don't need them.
I want to pull the bedside crib out of storage without thinking it might only have to go back again.
I want to not be afraid of going to the baby store to order a pram.
I want to not have to sit on my hands whenever I see a comment on a forum from a normal happy preggo, about normal happy preggo stuff.
I want to not look up and catch women in the playground glancing in my direction in pity, then looking away.
I want to believe everything will be ok, but I don't want people who barely know me to tell me it will all be ok this time. They don't know, they didn't hold their child in their arms as she took her last breath, as her heart stopped beating....
I just want baby boy here, safe and sound x
I've been bootie knitting.
First Picot Trim Booties, from a pattern in Quick Baby Knits by Debbie Bliss. I used some sock yarn I happened to have in my stash. Love these, and have put them in my hospital bag.
Next Saartje Booties, knitted in Jacobs sheep yarn. I posted a pic of these the other day,but a couple of people asked for the link to the pattern,so here it is.
And lastly, some simple garter stitch booties, pattern from Quick Baby Knits again, and using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino.
The yarn was given to me by my neighbour and friend, Emma. I simply cast on 100 stitches on circular needles and kept going until it was the right size.
Half way through, my cheapy circular needles broke, and I had to send Woody in to Purl City to buy me some new ones, he did good too,and bought me Knit Pros, which I am now in love with. (He does pass the shop on his way to work every day, I'm not that lazy!)
India, stole the resulting cowl, and it keeps her cosy while she waits at the bus stop for college.