I actually ended up knitting this sweater twice over, the first time I misread the pattern and the garter stitch patterning at the top of the sleeves ended up being increased right the way to the raglan. It wasn't until I'd knit the whole body and rejoined for the sleeves that I discovered that the garter stitch patterning should in fact be a much narrower strip. I decided to leave the garter stitch pattern as it was up to the raglan and knit the rest of the sleeves in stocking stitch but it just didn't look right so I ended up starting the whole sweater over again from scratch.
Eleanor chose the yarn which I knitted the sweater in whilst we were on holiday in Cornwall. It's King Cole Big Value Baby Spot 4 Ply in the nectarine colourway. I can't say I'm at all impressed by it. First of all, there were knots which had to be cut out of the yarn, but my main gripe is about the dyeing.
When looking at the ball of yarn I bought, the flecks of colour look just that, flecks, however, as I worked my way through the yarn, the flecks turned into whole lengths of dye which has resulted in patches of colour in the knitting. Luckily, they're all on the back of the sweater, but I'm sure you can see what I mean. It's really disappointing.
I could have cut out these parts but I didn't have all that much yarn left as it was so hard to pull out my first attempt which had gone wrong that I'd cast nearly half the ball aside. I'd also already cut out numerous knots, so I was quite worried I'd run out of yarn. I complained to the company about it and they've sent me a replacement ball of yarn, but it was too late to knit it again.
It hasn't turned out to be the best thing I've ever knit but babies tend to go through so many clothes in their early days that I'm sure it'll be fine to keep her warm at some point.
Eleanor went to her friend's baby shower at the weekend. She'd made up a lovely hamper full of goodies, everything from toiletries to nappies, bibs to muslin squares, and a first book to some little outfits (not photographed). She popped the Flax Light in there as well as the Seamless Yoked Baby Sweater which I'd knit a little while ago, and her friend was thrilled to bits with it all.
It's been lovely knitting some baby garments for a change.
I felt your "pain" but it is still a lovely gift.
ReplyDeleteIt's so annoying but Eleanor's friend didn't seem to mind, I think she was pleased to have some knitted gifts.
DeleteIt is really annoying when you find a knot in a ball of wool, now I purchase better quality it does not happen that often. I too would have been upset with the flaws in the yarn, it was nice they replaced the ball of yarn, but that's not really the point, it takes a load of work to knit a garment. It is pretty, I like the design.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you say, it was a good gesture of King Cole to replace the yarn but it's the time it's taken to knit the garment which isn't taken into consideration. Surely yarn of this quality shouldn't be on sale in the first place. It may be called Big Value but it wasn't as cheap as some yarns I've come across.
DeleteThat's such a thoughtful and useful gift from Eleanor, especially including your gorgeous makes. X
ReplyDeleteEleanor's friend was thrilled to bits with her hamper of goodies. Eleanor's been buying things to put in it for quite a while so it filled a big box.
DeleteIt's very pretty Jo, well done for your perseverance. It's nice that you had some replacement yarn even if all the knots and pattern clumping have put you off. Eleanor's friend is very lucky indeed with her bundle of gifts. As you say, babies grow so quick but it's a lovely idea anyway. Have a good week, Cathy x
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I won't be buying this yarn again, it's the first time I've used King Cole and I'm not impressed in the slightest. Eleanor bought some little outfits in the 3-6 month age range as she thought she'd have plenty bought for her in the first size, but most of the other things in the hamper will come in whenever.
DeleteThat is terrible with the yarn.I don’t like King Cole yarns.They are a bit hard and shiny.Styecraft is much better.I love knitting baby clothes but I am afraid my grandchildren are passed the hand knitting stage.Ruby,the youngest.is ten.
ReplyDeleteEven without the flaws in the yarn, I found it very squeaky and a bit scratchy. I used Stylecraft for the little yoked cardigan I knit and that was much nicer yarn. I love knitting baby clothes too but I don't have anyone to knit for, it was nice being able to knit for one of Eleanor's friends. Perhaps it's now time for the next generation of babies.
DeleteI can't stand it when that happens with yarn. The sweater is wonderful and it will be cherished.
ReplyDeleteEleanor's friend was still pleased with the sweater, even with the flaws. It's such a shame though, if I'd had enough time I would have knit it again in a different yarn.
Deleteim sure the new mamma will love it!
ReplyDeleteShe was very pleased with all her presents.
DeleteThe sweater still turned out very cute. But, that is disappointing when yarn isn't playing nice.
ReplyDeleteIt was really disappointing but Eleanor's friend still liked it, which is the main thing.
DeleteOh, that is disappointing about the patches of colour - even the flecks don't seem to be that random as they appear to form somewhat diagonal lines. It was nice of them to send you a replacement yarn, however. Now that you know how it knits up, you can factor that in to whatever project you decide to knit with it. The sweater itself is lovely though - I'm sure that Eleanor's friend will love it.
ReplyDeleteThe flecks actually look more random that the photos would have you believe, it's funny how cameras pick things up sometimes. I'm not sure I'll even bother using the replacement yarn, it's the first time I've used King Cole and I think it's put me off for good.
DeleteMy Mum is currently knitting baby jumpers and cardigans as a friend of mine is expecting near Christmas. I see what you mean about that wool though.
ReplyDeleteI hope your mum is using something better than I have here. The Stylecraft which I used for the little yoked cardigan was much softer than this yarn and knit up much nicer too.
DeleteIt's very pretty. Not to mind, a bit of an issue with the thread. A baby doesn't stay still much anyway, and no one will notice it.
ReplyDeleteAnd even if they do, so what????????????? Really? It's an adorable little sweater and will keep baby warm. :-)
What a gift! Looks like Eleanor brought all that will be needed. :-)))
I'm glad that the flaws are on the back of the sweater and as you say, it will still keep the baby warm. Eleanor thoroughly enjoyed buying lots of bits and pieces and putting the hamper together, it turned out to be a lovely gift.
DeleteIt makes me very angry when you find knots in a ball of wool, good that they replaced it.
ReplyDeleteI too would have been disappointed at the uneven flecking in the finished garment.
Such a lovely parcel filled with essentials for a new mum, what a treat that was to open for her.
I hate finding knots in balls of wool too, one or two are bad enough but it's so annoying to find more, but the lengths of dye was even worse. Eleanor's friend was really pleased with the parcel, I don't think she was expecting it at all.
DeleteThat was very kind of you both 💙
ReplyDeleteGlad Eleanor's friend was pleased.
I love choosing presents for babies x
Eleanor had lots of fun putting together the hamper of goodies, as you say, it's lots of fun choosing baby gifts.
DeleteIt’s such a let down when wool as we expect, glad it’s sorted. I love knitting little things, that’s a lovely selection of baby goodies xx
ReplyDeleteThe yarn was very disappointing, even without the flaws it wasn't very nice to knit with. I think Eleanor made up a lovely gift, so many different things were included in the hamper.
DeleteThat's a bit disappointing but your little jumper will still be really cosy and nobody will really notice. What a wonderful present.
ReplyDeleteEleanor's friend still seemed pleased with the sweater so I'm sure it will get used. I think Eleanor put together a lovely gift.
DeleteThat is disappointing about the yarn. You are a skilled and patient knitter. I'm sure Eleanor was pleased to include the garments with her gift package whilst her friend will have appreciated such thoughtful presents.
ReplyDeleteIt was really disappointing but I've put it down to experience and won't buy that particular yarn again. Eleanor was grateful that I'd knitted some little things for her friend and her friend was really pleased with them.
DeleteShame about the yarn, but the jumper looks very nice …
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely selection of gifts for the new baby.
All the best Jan
I didn't photograph the little outfits which Eleanor also included in the parcel of goodies, but they were so cute.
DeleteThe jumper turned out cute, but what disappointing yarn, at least they sent you another ball, but I suppose you will be wary of using it now.
ReplyDeleteEleanor made up a great baby hamper, I bet her friend was thrilled.
I certainly wouldn't have bought another ball of this yarn myself but I'll probably have a go at something with the replacement. It will be interesting to see if there's knots and dye flaws in that as it's the same dye lot. Eleanor's friend was really pleased with the hamper of goodies.
DeleteAug. 28
ReplyDeleteRe: your comment on my post..... You call it "Sod's Law" and we call it "Murphy's Law"!!! :-)))))
Yes, I've heard it called Murphy's Law too. Typical, isn't it!
DeleteHow random that the flecks massed like that, still it looks lovely to me. That hamper is marvelous!xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame about the yarn, it would have been a lovely little jumper, but I'm sure she'll still get some use out of it. Eleanor's friend was very happy with the hamper.
DeleteIt's a lovely little pattern, so maybe could be knitted in another brand of wool. I've not knitted baby clothes for ages, but then our grandies are all over 10 now, although my UK nieces nephews have given more little ones over the last few years, but they've had quilts instead. I still knit for myself, although I'm enjoying crocheting these days too. Take care.
ReplyDeleteIt's a nice pattern and easy too, I think Eleanor's friend will still use the sweater but it's not as I'd have liked it to be. I rarely knit baby clothes these days, it's a case of not having any babies to knit for.
DeleteWell,I think it is really pretty and I'm sure it will be very much loved.Huggles for Archie.xx
ReplyDeleteIt would have been a lovely little jumper if only I'd knit it out of a different yarn. Never mind, I'll know in future.
Delete