I think you'll know how much I love this sweater from the amount of pictures in this post.
Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Jacket, a perfect pattern. I can see why so many have made this.
I've actually made 3 so far, and each one was a thoroughly enjoyable knit, and I am one who doesn't really like to reknit a pattern.
The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in Chocolate and Juniper. This yarn is just right for baby things, I love how soft it is against Simon's skin.
I used a provisional cast on so I could add length to the arms. Also, I finished up with i-cord trim, I think the trim really makes a nice finish.
I think he likes the sweater, who can really tell with babies, his preference is nekkid.
I have a few more finished knits to show. I think my next few posts will be dedicated to getting them blogged. Things never feel truly finished until I've been blogged them.
I've been pretty busy lately, life sometimes turns into a whirlwind and keeps me caught up in it for longer than I would like. I keep hoping that things will slow down, but truthfully, I think that having 4 children and the homeschooling just means I will be whirling about for a while.
I'm trying to find routines that work for our family and keep everyone happy and things running smoothly, but it's definitely a learning process. As soon as I think I have found something that works, one of my kids grows out of a nap or starts to potty train, or starts growing a new tooth or for my older two they need more one on one and time with mom than they used to.
I feel stretched a bit thin, not really in a bad way, more of a this is the season of life that I am in kind of way. I love my kids and wouldn't change things for anything, but sometimes life feels like I'm just trying to get through it, and I want to make sure I am enjoying it because kids grow up way too fast!











The jacket is adorable!
Posted by: Heather | December 18, 2007 at 03:49 PM
That is probably the cutest Baby Surprise jacket I have seen. Thanks for showing a modeled pic! It's rare to actually see it on a baby and it looks fantastic! Definitely on my 'to knit' list. And yo, I think it is amazing that you home school. I feel stretched thin with one kiddo, I can't even imagine how you get any knitting done at all! You go, Mamma!
Posted by: Annie | December 18, 2007 at 03:58 PM
I love the color combo, and it looks great on him!
Posted by: Fiber Chic | December 18, 2007 at 04:00 PM
I don't know what's cuter. The jacket or the model! Ok, I do know. It's the model. But the jacket is cute too!
Posted by: turtlegirl76 | December 18, 2007 at 04:17 PM
He is such a beautiful little man! He's getting SO big, I have yet to knit a BSJ, I've done a Tomten, but I think the BSJ would be perfect for 1+ year olds, the shorter sleeves don't get in the way of playtime!
Posted by: Bea | December 18, 2007 at 07:52 PM
The baby jacket is adorable, no wonder you keep making them. I too feel tired out but it is just the end of school activities that is rushing about everywhere. I hope you find some nice time to relax over the xmas break.
Posted by: sue | December 18, 2007 at 08:47 PM
oh he's sp cute in his gorgeous little jacket! Just think of the calories you are burning at this hectic time...I remeberber it well!
Posted by: Marianne | December 18, 2007 at 10:25 PM
They're both adorable. The colors are great, I love that simple combo!
Posted by: Tora | December 18, 2007 at 11:22 PM
Hang in there - there will come a time when routine is, well, routine! Sounds like you are starting to get it under control. The jacket is so cute. One of my favorite color combos of all time!!!
Posted by: stacey | December 19, 2007 at 05:32 AM
Cute sweater! Looks like the sleeves are almost too short already...I've never seen a baby with such long arms and big hands. That's a Grandma comment I can get away with, but no one else is allowed. I love his look of resigned patience (perhaps because he can't get off the stool???). When do we get to see Fiona's? Arlis
Posted by: Arlis | December 19, 2007 at 01:41 PM
I know what you're saying about feeling stretched thin. And I only have the two kids! But, like I always try to remember when things seem too fast and you're always trying to catch up, just slow down a minute. Really, it sounds stupid. But I just like to take a couple minutes for cuddling (if I'm allowed) and kissing and tickling. Before we know it, they'll be all big. Mwah!
And that is a lovely surprise jacket. I will remember brown and blue for my next one, because it is supremely charming.
Posted by: Mandy | December 19, 2007 at 01:49 PM
Oh my goodness, he couldn't be cuter in his beautiful, manly sweater. I am knitting one right now for a friend for the first time, but I did notice that the arms seem short and squat. It is my first EZ sweater. I wish I knew how to alter it like that. I love the visible seaming, too. Nice job.
Posted by: Deborah | December 19, 2007 at 01:50 PM
The BSJ is adorable, and so is Simon wearing it. And look - he's sitting beautifully! :o)
I don't envy you right now. We all love our kids, but the age yours are in right now, I have no idea how you get anything done on the knitting front! :o)
All the best to you and your family!
Posted by: Monika | December 19, 2007 at 03:10 PM
Cute model!! Love that jacket too! Nice job! :)
Posted by: Zonda | December 19, 2007 at 09:29 PM
I think brown and blue is one of the best color combinations ever. Simon is so sweet! I think we're all going through that "spread too thin" thing right now; isn't it ironic that the time of the year that's supposed to be most festive and joyful and full of fun and love is often the most stressful for us? Especially with the four sweeties and homeschooling, you are one busy chica. I have to keep reminding myself that in a blink of an eye I'll be nostalgic for this time of my life... not easy in the moment... :)
Posted by: Karma | December 19, 2007 at 09:50 PM
What a fabulous little knit! Great colours! I have a friend who is preggers, maybe I can make one of these little guys for her! Soooo cute on Simon!
Hope things calm a bit for you!
Posted by: Silver Ilix | December 19, 2007 at 10:29 PM
Cute little guy, and cute BSJ! I feel stretched thin with one baby, so I can't even imagine how you accomplish so much with four! And you don't send them off to school during the day, either. Amazing!
Posted by: Allison | December 20, 2007 at 11:09 AM
how adorable! and i love the color combo...."chocqua"
Posted by: Allegra | December 20, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Gosh, when did your gorgeous boy get so big? I've been thinking of him as a babe in arms still.
Posted by: Rain | January 01, 2008 at 03:05 AM
ADORABLE! I love it!
Posted by: amanda | January 03, 2008 at 09:52 AM