Christmas comes early

Three years ago when my sister-in-law (aka SIL) was pregnant with her first child (my first nephew) I decided that I wanted to do something consistent for the birthday and Christmas gifts I'd be giving him (now them since I have a niece too) for the years to come. At that time I came up with this idea: I'd make sweaters for Christmas and give books for birthdays. I think it's a pretty good deal. Sweaters and books might be a little boring, but homemade gifts are by far the best and anything that promotes reading is good by me.

Thus far I've been able to keep it up. I'm excited to say that this year will be X's fourth sweater and N's second. And wouldn't you know it? I'm already done N's!

Pretty cute if you asked me.

Seeing as how the gift isn't so much of a surprise, I asked my SIL if there was a colour/style she wanted. (N's about 6mo right now, so I'm guessing she doesn't care.) To my surprise the answer was a pink cardigan that wouldn't be too hot.

Pink? Yup. Pink. Good thing I asked because pink is not one of my favourite colours. (probably because it totally clashes with my hair.) In fact, I think there is about a 0% chance I would have bought pink yarn unless it had been requested. But I like it. For a baby girl, I like it.

It knit up super fast. Last year's sweater took me a month. This one? 4 days. Yes, this one doesn't have sleeves so that helped to make it faster, but I think I'm also a faster knitter.

The lace pattern on the bottom is pretty cute, but to be honest I don't really like the picot edge on the bottom. I wouldn't do that if I ever used this pattern again. I also would add a wider stockinette edge along the side so that it doesn't curl so much.

But all in all, I think it's great!

Unfortunately, since this is done, now I have to go back to my dreaded big project. We are getting towards the deadline, so no more avoidance. Sigh. Unfortunately, avoidance is what I do best.