Sunday, April 3, 2011

A Baby Sweater ~

When Hilary (The Yarniad) announced she was having her first baby I was so happy for her I just had to knit the baby a sweater.  And in the process of knitting the sweater I thought about the things that I was given as a child that I have kept through the years. 


I thought about some of the toys, but mainly I thought about the gift that my mother received that had the following poem written inside the card:

To welcome the wee cherub sent from heaven to you ~
may angels stand guard over Claudia Jean Bugh*.
With a heart sweet and pure from the good Lord above ~
she enters your home to be loved and to love.
Her hours are all yours to guide day by day ~
he's lent her to you ~ keep her close in his way.
Heavens minus an angel, she's down here with you ~
your own little daughter ~ Claudia Bugh.   By Fay Angus 
         * Name pronounced phonetically as "Bew."

I'm no angel but perhaps I'm better than I would have been but for the prayers of some wonderfully caring people.  Not all babies are so fortunate to have the support and welcome of an extended community but all deserve that and more.  It is with a warm heart that I welcome Hilary's baby and hope that he may always know that many care about his well being.

But you want to hear about the sweater.  Isn't it cute?  Now I know it's not a traditional style for a baby but I just love the bright colors!  And think how handy this will be for watching the toddler.  Hilary will be able to pick her baby out of a crowd with no difficulty at all.  Practical.  That's me.


The buttons are vintage Le Chic that came from a pound of buttons that I purchased in a destash sale on Etsy by Lil Fish Extras.  Pictured below are just some of the many other buttons included in that pound along with a clever broach made using buttons, felt and crafting wire.  It's amazing how many cute ways something as common as old buttons can be used in crafts and if you are not already familiar with Lil Fish Studios you will find many project ideas on her blog for buttons and beyond that are sure to inspire you!


Particulars: Classy Baby Jacket (a Morehouse Farm kit); US5 and US6 needles; 3 skeins Morehouse Merino 3-strand worsted yarn.  I found this to be a straight forward pattern and easy to knit project.  I used US 5 needles for all trim (areas knit in orange) and US 6 needles for the body of the sweater; size 4 month to 1 year. The Grumperina sells a similar baby sweater but with a zipper closure called Budgie Baby Sweater that is also very cute.  I enjoy knitting with Morehouse Merino yarns which are a nice combination of sturdy and rustic but still soft and warm.  I used this yarn to knit the Lily Chapeau Hat a few years back and it has held up very well.

Updated!!!!  I was absolutely thrilled to receive some pictures of the small child wearing this sweater and I'd like to share one with you ~


I can't tell you the joy it brought to me to see him wearing his sweater!

The Misadventures of Simcha


And for those of you wondering how dear little Simcha is doing..... here he is busy digging a hole in the backyard.

Until next time, be well and love well and never forget that it is the gift of caring for each other that is the most precious and lasting gift of all.

25 comments:

missyinedmonds said...

Oh! Lucky baby - a beautiful sweater knit with love.

Allie said...

Claudia I love that poem - how special! I know I wouldn't have made it without all those who loved and prayed for me, it's important and yes every child deserves that.

The sweater is just darling. Good idea about the orange - it IS hard to pick out your own toddler from a crowd, believe me. I usually dressed my boys in something bright if we were going out.

Simcha you are a very naughty boy. But very very cute.

Tracy said...

That baby cardi is DELIGHTFUL, Claudia! And I like the bright colors--the purples & orange play so well together. I like the simple styling and those buttons. (I must go check out that Etsy shop! ;o) Hilary & her baby will love this gift... You are so sweet. Such a treat to see Simcha. Is he burying bones?! ;o) Happy Days ((HUGS))

Sue said...

What an adorable baby sweater. I love the colors you used too! I have to say that is a very sweet poem and it is right saying that a little community of people around you always helps when there is a new baby.

Monika said...

That's a lovely prayer! The baby jacket is adorable. I like the colors so much better, than the usual washed out baby colors.

SissySees said...

Beautiful sweater. I could SO easily have a button problem, and I don't sew, and don't knit much that needs buttons.

Simcha is such a beautiful boy. But why must they dig?!

amanda said...

Claudia, I am LOVING those color combos. So fresh and modern but totally classy and baby-appropriate. I'm sure Hilary is going to love it.

Prairie Rose said...

What a sweet Sweater!
I am also working on a Baby Sweater,first one I have ever made.
LOVE those buttons!
So Fun!
I used to play in the Button Box when I was a little girl, loved all those shapes and colors.
Still do.
Have a great day!

Willow said...

Naughty Simcha! But then he's just doing what dogs do--dig holes!

I love that little sweater. It looks perfect for my niece's twins--a boy and a girl!

Rebekah said...

Very cute, love the colors. Good to see that Simcha is hard at work digging holes.

Unknown said...

I really think that is just so sweet of you to make for her!

VeganCraftastic said...

That's an adorable sweater, the colors are really fun!

At Home Mommy Knits said...

First I want to say that that poem is so lovely! What a beautiful gift for your mother to receive! And how incredibly thoughtful and generous are you to make that beautiful sweater?!!

gMarie said...

what a sweet sweater and a lovely poem. Did you include a poem with yours?

As for the holes - well my big two routinely dig holes big enough for a burial - just not sure who they're wishing to push in. :) g

Bridget said...

What a nice post, and a great little sweater!

Simcha digging ... um, I'm guessing that gets him into trouble?

Kocurek said...

Lovely and beautiful sweater for Baby :)))
Excellent hand knitting work.

Hugs:))))

t does wool said...

Claudia..that is a perfectly beautiful treasure to give it is..
and the words...special indeed~~xx

raining sheep said...

How sweet of you Claudia. That sweater is the cutest and it has a bit of a vintage cardi look. Beautiful. Simcha is SO big. I hope your yard survives :)

BonnyBadger said...

great knitting! I'm just learning at the moment. Love the buttons too!

Knitting Out Loud said...

A perfect baby sweater! That poem; such a wonderful idea that our children are on loan to us.

And yes, love is all there is, but we do need reminding as we muddle through our troubles.

Thank you, as always (from the thick fog of a Maine morning).

knittingdragonflies said...

I was just searching for a baby sweater pattern and yarn!
The Simcha photo made me laugh! Is there something at the bottom of that hole, or is he digging for the joy of it?
Vicki

Kathy said...

I think the internet ate my comment.

I love the colors of the sweater. I hate pastels and love lurid and lively colors that reflect the energy of a baby!

Renee said...

What a great poem and lovely knit!
Simcha part terrier?...? kidding, lol

Hilary said...

Thank you again, Claudia. :) I can't wait to tell Daniel about the warmth with which he was welcomed into this world. And what a beautiful poem/prayer! I will admit that it made me a little choked up...

Rachel said...

Perhaps the pattern isn't traditional, but cute in its bright colors, it certainly is! I hope the baby it was knit for will have that same love and support you had!