warmies

Got a couple knitting projects done to keep Baby warm on our upcoming camping trip up north. I learned a few new techniques, which is always fun in a project, but the very best thing is that everything actually fits!

First up is a pair of longies (ravelry link). These and the socks are made from Patons Classic Wool, which is not the softest or most pleasant-to-knit-with yarn, but it is inexpensive and quite warm. She'll wear the pants as a second layer, so itchiness won't be a problem. I also read that it pills over time, so reserving its use for utilitarian baby items that are quickly made seems a good choice.

And then some socks--or sock, I should say, as there is only one so far (ravelry)

And finally a snug hat (ravelry). This was made with Berroco Inca Gold, 80% merino/20% silk, and it is wonderfully soft, not at all scratchy, and has a really nice sheen. I loved the deep turquoise color, although in retrospect something in the red/pink/purple range might have been better, as it makes the still-bald baby girl look a bit boyish. Oh well, it will be very soft and warm and hide dirt and stains well. I can always add some sort of flower like this or this or this if I feel it needs some girlifying down the road.

And here she is in all her hand-knitted glory!

Cost breakdown, even using fancy yarn for the hat, is $3.70 for the pants, $4.08 for the hat, and a whopping $0.92 for the socks = $8.70 for wool warmies! I love baby projects!

A final note: I found this article on washing woolens to be very useful and encouraging for making things out of wool and not being afraid of hand washing them. I did buy some Eucalan from Amazon in the lavender scent many people raved about. Don't love the scent, though, so maybe I'll try a different one next time, although I can't imagine going through the bottle too quickly.