From vests, I did transition to jumpers. I used this clever pattern where the jumper is knitted top-down on circular needles and thus is completely seamless.

Hubby’s jumper was the first cab off the rank. Even though it’s plain, plain, plain, I certainly learned a lot knitting it. And I got the sizing right with him.

My jumper is a lot looser, so I guess I won’t be wearing it to ‘formal’ occasions. That said, it is very comfortable and nice on the skin. Not too bad for some first efforts.

I was itching to get out of ‘accesories’ territory (hats, mittens, socks, booties etc etc), and the humble vest was the perfect garment to make the transition with. It’s good to wear on cooler days, under jackets, around the office, and on first sight, manageable enough. So I set to work.

My first vest was this little number. It was in my favourite colour, and had lovely cables! They are the plaits down the middle.

It wasn’t enough though because I had to straight away knit another vest. Knitting up all those colours drove me a little nuts (all those ends to weave…) but I think did it ok.

The good thing about vests is that:
a) It doesn’t take a long time to make (I averaged about 2 weeks each) and
b) It doesn’t cost the earth in yarn.
Each vest took about 7 balls of yarn – that’s $35 worth, which is still comparable to what you might pay in the shops. But nothing can compare to the satisfaction of making something for yourself (or other people) – priceless!

There’s a baby boom going on, at least for my friends and family. I have 8 girl friends/family members who are expecting. The fact that quite a few of them are expecting their first means that it’s been a good time to be making baby gifts.

I have been knitting these baby booties in various colours.

After getting the hang of the pattern after the first pair, I can now knit them without looking at the pattern.

My friends were very surprised and delighted to receive their booties. I guess it’s because knitted gifts are as rare as hen’s teeth these days. As long as they use them, I’m happy.

Beanies were the second thing I learned to knit after scarves. It’s about the easiest thing you can do as at its simplest only involves knitting, purling, and decreasing.

But I have always coveted those ear flap beanies. They look so cute and warm and comfy – perfect for someone who feels the cold. So this time around, I knitted a purple one for myself.

Then hubby said he wanted one to wear when he’s outside in the field, so he got a blue one.

Pattern is here. It’s all very easy and quick – it took me all of 3 nights to finish one. What are you working on at the moment?