Baby Surprise Jacket

Pattern:  Baby Surprise Jacket (BSJ)

Yarn:  TLC Supersoft (but not sure as I lost the ball band

Needles:  Size 6

Skill Level:  Advanced Beginner

Ravelry BSJ Info that is invaluable

(Scroll down for more informative links.)

I have missed you, my loyal blogging friends.  You fed my knitting ego with your comments and I really appreciated it.  However, I needed a break for awhile and I am now back by popular demand to stay with my goal of at least one post per week.

I just finished teaching the BSJ class.  The BSJ, by Elizabeth Zimmermann a/k/a knitting guru, is a piece of knitted origami.  It can be a little confusing for a new knitter as the knitter is not aware if they are knitting a sleeve, a front or a back, etc. 

I've been teaching knitting for several years and this was probably the most challenging class I've taught for a variety of reasons.  It sold out so "the pie" was divided in many more sections.  The knitted piece looks like this just before folding so you can understand a student's apprehension.

Some of the skills learned in this class were different methods of increasing and decreasing and the finished appearance of each,    M1 (make one) versus K1FB (knit one in front and back) which creates increased and K2 tog (knit 2 together) versus sl1kpsso (slip 1, knit 1 and passover the slip stitch).

We planned on how to have the "applied I-cord bind-off" to start and end at the center back neck when the remaining live stitches begin at the top right, down and around the sweater and up the left side.  We didn't want the seam to be in the front, top-most corner which was likely going to happen without some modifications. 

Notice the special finish.  It's like graduating from grade school to high school (i.e. bind off to I-cord bind off).  A little more time-consuming, it is definitely worth the effort.

This YouTube link demonstrates beautifully how to turn the corner with a knitted I-cord bind-off.

Here is the link to the  "BSJ Spreadsheet" that I found extremely helpful and complimented the actual pattern very well.  Thank you to the creator.

 I added my personalized label to the lower inside front of the sweater so that it would not "scratch or itch" baby's neck. 

 (Note to self:  trim those threads...don't you hate it when you notice these things after you've taken the picture.)

Pattern can be found in the above and below-pictured books.  

Sweater is now folded and tucked away for a future, special baby!

I'm excited that I've been invited to teach at a weekend yoga/knitting retreat this September.  It is still in the planning stages so I'll provide you with more information in the near future.  However, I'll tease you with the fact that at this Vermont location there are beautiful small log cabins with 1-2 bedrooms, fireplaces, fantastic views and more.  A maximum of 20 registrants will be accepted.

Happy Knitting!

BSJ-Sherbet Is Done!

This pattern for the Baby Surprise Jacket, designed by Elizabeth Zimmerman, can be found at "Schoolhouse Press". It was knit using a sportweight yarn and size 6 needles.

I forgot to take a picture before seaming the shoulders (the only seam to the sweater) but it looks like a piece of origami that you fold and.....voila!!!!...you have a sweater. There is currently a KAL (knit-a-long) on Ravelry. It's a classic pattern dating back to the '50's.

A back view............
Buttons can "make or break" how I feel about a project.
I finished the sweater using an I-cord Kitchener bind off. The buttons I originally selected just didn't work in the end so I purchased those shown instead. Cute as they are, they get caught in the yarn when trying to button the sweater, etc.

I file this particular BSJ in the "deflated balloon" category. I was so happy with it when I started this 3rd BSJ. I was on vacation, not paying as close attention, had to frog back some, and not happy with the yarn used as a border. The buttonholes are not my best work either. There may also be something wrong with the neckline as it looks awfully narrow. So, in the end, it was like a deflated balloon and happy to have finally finished it and move on to another project.
Buttons were on sale (like in discontinued sale) at Jo'Ann's. I have a thing for buttons so I went a little wild in the department. I found this article, "Great-Aunt Belle's Buttons", very interesting.

You all know that I want to learn how to tat. Look at these absolutely gorgeous tatted buttons. I want six of those.

Need to use up leftover walnut size balls of fingering sock yarn? Check this out....knitted/quilted greeting cards.

Ivoryblushroses is a blog I faithfully read. Of particular interest is the current ocean theme exchange. I wish those blocks were mine. They do inspire me greatly. Check here also. If you go back in time on this person's blog you will see the wonderful things she makes with Altoid tin boxes.

Great day at the lake today. Lots of knitting done and rested and relaxed for my big office move tomorrow.

Happy Knitting!

BSJ - Sherbert

Ok, I know, I'm addicted to this pattern. Rarely do I knit a pattern more than once, perhaps twice but never three times and this is my third Baby Surprise Jacket.

I love the colorway. This one is in a sport weight and easier to knit and kinder to my hands.

By the time you read this, I will be away on vacation. I'm behind in blog reading and comments. I'll catch up when I return.

Happy Knitting!!

BSJ - Got Worms?

Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket
Yarn: Plymouth Encore (2 skeins)
Needles: Denise Size 7


This is my 2nd BSJ. It is an addictive pattern. I joined the Ravelry KAL and instead of doing the number of rows for the first of five weeks. I just kept going. I've started another one that I'll show you tomorrow.
Don't you just love these fish buttons! When I sew on the buttons I also sew a clear button on the back to reinforce that section of knitting from the possible pull on that area.

I finished the edge with an I-cord. Though time-consuming a finish, it adds a special touch.

I added my label to the bottom edge. I usually sew it on the neck edge but I didn't want it to feel scratchy to a newborn's skin.

Happy Knitting!!!!

Baby Surprise Jacket - Got Worms?

Pattern: Elizabeth Zimmermann "Baby Surprise Jacket"
Needles: Size 7 (or is it 8?)
Yarn: Encore

Just a sneak peek! I thought I was going to be able to finish this Elizabeth Zimmerman "Baby Surprise Jacket" this evening and show you but........first, don't you just love those fish buttons. They make a statement of "let's play, let's have fun!

The reason this sweater won't be finish this evening is that I need to frog back about six rows which is really frustrating at this point. Those two garter rows probably needed to be in yellow yarn. I haven't frogged back yet but this will bug me if I don't.

Today, I drove to my favorite knitting spot called "The Sand Bar". The weather was perfect with a slight breeze and no bugs. It was a little taste of paradise!

In the background are the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of New York! Lake Champlain is 250 miles long and we are currently celebrating the 400th anniversary of its discovery by Samuel de Champlain.

More of what I was seeing today!

This friendly couple were beside me and look at..........

what they caught. These two bass had a date with the grill this evening. (weep)

I'm on vacation this week and will be home for a couple more days before I head out to...well, I'll tell you later in pictures. In the meantime, I don't mind being in Vermont as I'm so fortunate to live in such a beautiful state.

Happy Knitting!