Baby Sweaters and Birthday Gifts

I finally completed the two baby cardigans I was knitting, and I'm so excited to share them with you! The first is a super-soft deep blue cardigan with a hood.



I think it would look adorable with these little loafers I made a few months ago.


My second attempt at a sweater was this charming pattern I found for a cardigan with a shawl collar. It looks so sophisticated in a chunky gray heather yarn. I learned several new techniques with this project, and it was actually very quick to knit. It's not perfect, but I think when it's worn by an adorable baby, some of the flaws should be hidden.



Now, to find a cute pair of shoes or hat to make that will match this manly little sweater.

I am also branching out of my baby clothes rut and exploring a whole new world of accessories! Both of my sisters celebrated birthdays this month, so I made them each a purse and shipped them home a few weeks ago. Now that their birthdays have passed, I can post the pictures.

Rebekah's handbag was knit in a chunky dark gray heather yarn with a horizontal cable pattern. I made a matching flower, but attached it to a safety pin so she can switch it out if needed. The black handles were from A.C. Moore. I think I'm going to have to make myself one of these now!


For Rachel, I made a smaller clutch with a button closure. It uses a few different stitches to create an interesting pattern. I knit it with a strand each of pale blue and dark gray yarn held together.


I also made her a coffee mug sleeve for her Starbucks chai tea. It should also fit on a travel mug. It was extremely easy to make and would make a nice addition to a gift basket for a coffee or tea-lover.


I am definitely planning more bags for future projects. But first, I am finishing my mom's Christmas decorations. Check back in a couple months for the final product!