Baby Blues

Vacation is a wonderful time.  Endless hours to create whatever you would like.  This week I worked on several different projects but I only have one completed.  It's a baby set that a customer ordered.  Although I have a pattern for all the parts, I had to adjust the patterns for worsted weight yarn.  I used an H hook--my favorite--and some expert ripping skills--of course!--to make the set.

The hat was relatively simple and quick.  I used a double crochet stitch so the hat would stretch and adjust to the baby's head.  I worked in the round using a slip stitch and chain 3 to connect and start the next round.  Personally, I never work in a continuous round because it leaves an uneven edge when finished.  Because the set is for a boy, I didn't add any embellishments--a flower or ribbon--but left it simple.

The mittens were a little more tricky.  Originally, the pattern called for a baby yarn and a small hook, but I wanted to use the same yarn for everything so...I changed the pattern.  Not having a newborn baby on hand to test the mittens on, they may still be on the large size but--here's the good news!--baby's grow fast.  I know that having ribbon isn't exactly masculine but I needed something to tighten the mittens around the wrist.  I figured plain black was the least of the evils that I had.  For this pattern, I used mostly a double crochet except for the row where the ribbon is threaded.  There I used a single, chain sequence and then put two doubles in the chain in the next row.  It gives it some nice patterning and by not connecting the last two rows you get an open cuff to fit the arm better.

Personally, I think the booties are the cutest part of the set.  Once again, I adjusted the pattern for this.  When I originally made these booties for my niece I found that the ankle part was quite small, so small that it was difficult to pull over the heel.  But once on, the foot was so big it flopped around on her foot.  So I made the ankle bigger and the foot portion smaller.  I'm hoping that this works a little better.  For the booties, I used a single crochet in the round.  After four rounds I attached a separate strand of yarn to make the top of the foot which I work in a row.  Then I continued the first strand around the side of the foot and the back of the ankle, decreasing after four more rows.  Then I slip stitched the bottom together and tied off.  Waa-laa!

Because baby's are so small, all the pieces came together much faster than an adult set.  Which is nice for a change.  I think the set is adorable and I hope my customer does too.