Birthday Sweater

On January 22nd, after finishing the chemo blanket for my niece, I decided I would attempt to knit a sweater for my son's February 1st birthday.  Call me crazy! 

On January 29th, one week into the process I was not sure that the sweater would fit him. The measurements were exact when I laid it out to be blocked, but it just looked so big!

For certain the sleeves were too wide, this I knew based on the measurements of his favorite, existing sweater and the blocked sleeve. Although I emailed Hannah Fettig the designer, she was not quick to get back to me. Mind you, she did get back to me, but not until after the project was completed.

Because I had not heard from Hannah in a timely fashion, I dug out my Elizabeth Zimmerman Knitting Workshop book and used her formula to modify Hannah's pattern. Using 30% of the body's number of CO stitches I was able to REKNIT the sleeves to correct size! (two more days of knitting!)

On January 31st; one day before my son's birthday, I began the process of constructing the cardigan.

The worst part of the entire project was installing the zipper.

Happy birthday! The completed sweater fits him perfectly and he likes it!!!

Although I was hesitant about sewing together the saddle shoulder, I love them and so does he.

He wore the sweater the remainder of the evening, and seriously seemed to like it.

My only critical comment, and I am always critical of my work, is that I wish I would have used a smaller needle for a tighter gauge. Mind you, my gauge was spot on, which is proven by the fit, but with the wool I used, I don't like that you can see threw the weave.  So, the next sweater I knit for him, and there will be another now that I have his measurements, I will adjust the gauge tighter!

Particulars: 

Pattern: Zip Up Cardigan by Hannah Fettig 

Osprey yarn, 100% American Wool, purchased through Quince and Co. (nearly 8 hanks)

                                        sizes 8 and 10 needles