I forgot that I was going to number my finished objects (FOs) this year as a small motivator to actually finish projects and not let them languish in a 95% done state. That makes the Tulip Cardigan #3 for 2009 and possibly my favorite.
Anyway, it's done (Rav link) and Olivia has been wearing it already. If you'll remember, I got this kit at the closing store sale for about $16. Ridiculous, I know. Then I added in a skein of Butter Peeps (aka yellow), more than doubling the cost of the sweater. No matter; it needed the extra length (this sweater seems to fit babies perfectly, but is a bit boxy in the larger sizes as written). Besides adding an extra color, I also added two rows to each stripe. This makes it a real size 6, since it fits Liam perfectly. He'd like to have his own, actually. And why not? It's a fun sweater - that apparently gives Olivia goofy-face - and it will probably fit her until she's in first grade.
I also whipped up another little project last week for a bookmark swap (#4). The bookmarks didn't have to be knitted, and I had elaborate plans for a Totoro design along the lines of this, done in felt with leaf buttons, since my swap partner is a fan. But all of that is pretty thick for a bookmark. So is pretty much anything knitted, but I ended up going back to what I know.
The strawberry pattern is super simple; I used fingering weight yarn and kept the i-cord going until it, lightly stretched, fit into a hardcover book. Then I tasseled it. Piece o' cake. (Not my idea, by the way; I copied one on Ravelry).
Meanwhile, Liam is still contemplating household renovations and more mechanical projects. Last night we had fish for dinner (this recipe*, which was delish) and one of us mentioned that fish is brain food. At bedtime, that got Liam thinking again. He asked, "Mommy, when I make my jetpack, can I go to school all by myself?" After we discussed this idea for a while ("I'm going to need Daddy's tools") he commented, "That fish is giving my brain a lot of ideas!"
*Everyone loved this, especially Liam, which doesn't happen very often. Mark and I liked the spicy-ish tartary sauce in the recipe; the kids: ketchup (catsup?). Also, the crust is made of panko. At the store I asked for plinko, but of course that is something very different.
Oh I love Olivia's sweater....how Linden would have loved a "rainbow coordination" cardigan! (you see I only start...never finish sweaters;I just don't have the Latin). But I just might be inspired if I was changing colours all the time! And the strawberry book mark...perfect Can you teacher me in July? Wouldn't it just suit a Winter Fair craft table!
sue
Posted by: Susan Brown | February 17, 2009 at 12:27 PM
I followed you here from ravelry. I love the cardigan. And what a deal you got on that kit!
Posted by: Beth | February 17, 2009 at 01:30 PM
I'm over here groaning with envy -- both at the price you paid for that kit and the darling! finished product. I love when you know a sweater will last for more than a year.
The bookmark is so cute! At first I thought it was a rosebud.
Your Liam cracks me up. Cracks. Me. Up. Every time you share a Liam story, I just have to wonder if he knows the joy he's giving someone he'll never meet?
Posted by: KimK | February 17, 2009 at 01:58 PM
Olivia's sweater is wonderful. She looks adorable in it too. Her little face cracks me up.
The Knack. You better watch that one. :)
Posted by: Holly Jo | February 17, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Aren't you glad you bought the kit? It's lovely on Olivia. I plan on making those fish sticks as soon as I get my butt to the grocery store. Mmmm Mmmm . . . Tilapia!!
Posted by: Nadine | February 17, 2009 at 04:05 PM
The sweater turned out lovely! You churned that one out FAST! I plan on making those fish sticks as soon as I get my butt to the grocery store. MMMMmmmm . . . tilapia!!
Posted by: Nadine | February 17, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Okay, I refreshed and refreshed, and I could not see my comment, so I re-commented, and then it shows up. Figures. I'm really NOT that challenged!! :) Is there a prize for most comments on a single post? Well, there should be.
Posted by: Nadine | February 17, 2009 at 04:09 PM
The Tulip cardigan looks beautiful on your little girl. I love all those colors together. I cant believe you already have 3 FO's. The bookmark is very nice, must try that out one day.
Posted by: sue | February 17, 2009 at 06:17 PM
Olivia's new sweater is so darn cute that I favorited it as soon as it popped up on Ravelry! It looks great, and room to grow is definitely a good thing.
Thanks for the recipe recommendation. We're totally on a fish kick right now, and it looks yummy. Count me in for one of Liam's jetpacks -- that would make my commute much easier.
Posted by: Jodi | February 17, 2009 at 06:38 PM
So freakin' cute. I think I write that every time your kids are pictured or mentioned, but it's the truth. So. Freakin'. Cute.
Think I can find a $16 Tulip kit? ;)
Posted by: Jody | February 18, 2009 at 11:27 AM