- Project: Hug Me Tight! (Hug Me Pullover, a free pattern by Coats & Clark)
- Yarn: Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller Washable Ewe; (3) balls total, (1)in each color: Green Apple, Dragonfly, and Earth
- Needle: US 7
- Start to Finish: December 27, 2011 - January 20, 2012
- Mods: Many, beginning with the yarn. The pattern was written for a 10.5 needle and I used 7, so it was a much tighter gauge and math had to happen. I took good notes and wrote it up; if you're interested in what I did, shoot me an email {vknitorious (at) gmail (dot) com}.
I substituted Washable Ewe for Alpaca Love, the specified yarn, and I love how it turned out. I don't think Washable Ewe had been introduced when the pattern was released, but it makes much more sense to have a kid sweater knit in washable yarn.
You may recall that I washed all of the pieces of this sweater in the machine prior to blocking. This is the fourth item I've knit with Debbie Stoller's Stitch Nation yarn and, I have to say, I'm a fan. The only one I haven't knit with yet is Alpaca Love, and that's soon to change.
It's made by Red Heart, you know. (I know!!) I haven't knit with Red Heart since I was in high school! I love that they're making at least some yarn that is not only affordable but also real -- wool, alpaca, bamboo, cotton. I have carved out a corner at the coffee shop and have begun to carry -- and sell -- it and other selected commercial yarn, as well as some of my own -- along with a limited variety of needles, notions, books, and patterns! I've been thinking about doing it nonstop for months, have talked about it a little... and decided it was time to plug my nose and jump in. I can't be there all the time, so I'm not setting the world on fire, but I am having a lot of fun and I sure am keeping busy... carving out a niche, as well, I guess. At some point, I may sell some of my things online, but I'm not really set up for production dyeing and I still need the paycheck and benefits that comes with a full-time job, so we'll see. Meanwhile, find me on Facebook: Make.Do at kc&t.
Ideas will emerge.
Love the adorable sweater. And, Vicki! How exciting! What a perfect venture for you. Can't wait to hear how it all . . . unwinds!
Posted by: Kym | January 21, 2012 at 03:42 PM
Good for you! I have a few ideas of things I would love to make and sell. I have been thinking of setting up an Etsy store for awhile I just need to do it already.
Posted by: Kristyn | January 21, 2012 at 04:44 PM
Sweet sweater and excellent news about the new venture!
Posted by: Angie | January 21, 2012 at 07:56 PM
How fun for you! Sweater turned out cute.
Posted by: lynne | January 21, 2012 at 08:15 PM
Best of luck! That is a great sweater.
Posted by: kmkat | January 21, 2012 at 09:36 PM
That sweater is just adorable. I love the colors you chose. And yay on your corner of the coffee shop! I'm glad you decided to take the plunge.
Posted by: Carole | January 22, 2012 at 07:46 AM
ooooohhhhh! your yarn! Too bad I'm so far away - I would love to see your yarn in person! All the best!
Posted by: Julia in KW | January 22, 2012 at 07:55 AM
I love all small knits. This one is adorable. I'm definitely a fan. I'd love to buy your pattern. Just let me know the details. I've been thinking about knitting some kiddy knits and this one is perfect. Good luck!
Posted by: Jennifer | January 22, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Having fun and keeping busy! That's the key. The sweater is beyond darling. Nice work!!
Posted by: margene | January 22, 2012 at 11:27 AM
So are you selling your handdyed yarns? Can I buy some? Please
Posted by: Robin F. | January 22, 2012 at 01:01 PM
Love the sweater its so cute and good for you for selling yarn especially your own!
Posted by: BronxGrrl | January 22, 2012 at 07:50 PM
What exciting news! Wish I lived close enough to come in.
Posted by: Lee | January 23, 2012 at 09:44 AM
that's fantastic!! I wish I lived closer to come and work with you :-) Sending you all the best! (cute sweater too!!)
Posted by: margaux | January 25, 2012 at 05:55 PM