January Sweater: Penance

As I mentioned earlier, I've been trying to redeem myself for being a complete slacker these past months. I wouldn't feel I was living up to my resolution if I allowed my partially finished December sweater to assume the role of 'January Sweater'. That would be cheating. I do plan to finish my Oblique this month; however, to level the playing field, I added two additional sweaters, of the miniature variety, to my project list. 

Payton

I have two new friends joining the world in February! One, Payton Christopher, will be born a Bears fan and carry the name of one of the greatest Bears/players to have ever played the game. He's not going to make it in time for this season, but true fans represent in the off-season! 

Pattern: Baby Bunting Sweater by:Linden Down
Yarn: Left over St. Dennis Nordique in Navy and one ball Knit Picks DK Merino Style in Masala
Needles: Addi Click Size 5US
Mods: I opted out of the pockets. They're cute, but not functional. I knit the neck in the contrast color to match the trim and button band and, I added 2x4 striping.
Buttons: I found these little footballs at my local JoAnn.

School Boy

Since Payton will be joining us at the coldest point of the midwestern winter, I also used a basic top down raglan cardigan recipe to knit him a back-up sweater in his mommy's (and my) high school alma mater colors (4x6 striping).

Pattern: On the fly.... that's not the title, I really just used what I know about cardigans and raglan to knit an impromtu sweater. I CO 48sts, knit 6 rows in twisted rib, then two rows of stockinette before starting increases. With markers after stitches number 13, 15,33, and 35, increase one stitch on both sides of each marker on every right side row 10 times. Then, place all stitches between the markers on holders and continue to knit in stockinette, casting on three additional stitches at both underarm points, one time. Continue to knit until the sweater is about an inch shorter than you intend, knit 6 rows of twisted rib, BO. Pick up and knit the button band in twisted rib, spacing buttons evenly. The take stitches off the holders, pick up 3 stitches from the under arm, and knit until one inch shorter than desired, 6 rows of twisted rib, BO. To get thick stripes, like these, carry yarn up the edge of the cardigan while doing 4x6 striping.  
Yarn: Knitpicks DK Merino Style in Moss and Hawk  
Needles: Addi Click Size 5US
Buttons: I bought these wooden buttons in bulk, I think, from JoAnn a while back.

Oblique: Back Panel

I hustled to have these two mini sweaters completed for the weekend. In addition to acting as penance for my transgressions, these little completions served dual purpose by helping me get my mojo back! Baby clothes are so much easier and faster to knit than adult sized clothes! Every once in a while it's nice to have an FO to boost the confidence! Now, I'm feeling pretty pumped to get my Oblique finished! I'm still pretty wild over the results I'm getting from the Lion's Brand Fisherman's Wool; really beautiful stitch definition, really beautiful color, really inexpensive price tag. Can't ask for much more than that.