In my last few days of pregnancy, it was difficult to move about and I was quite bored. Given all the successes I had with reading knitting patterns lately, I decided to challenge myself and knit a whole sweater. A chunky one so that it doesnt take too much time. I found the perfect pattern on etsy:
It is chunky (uses size 15 needle), cute (reminds me of something Jacky O might lounge around in) and seems relatively straight forward (pattern had K and P, slip and Ktog, and cable twisting). I read somewhere that vintage knitting patterns are hard to do for a beginner, but this one is surprisingly easy. It starts you off in the back & sleeves where there’s no cables, and once you get the hang of the pattern, it was quite easy to follow the cable twisting front instructions. I had to take notes while knitting to keep track of which row I am in though!
I made a few modifications to mine. The pattern called for size 13 needles for the ribbed knit, I used 15 since I didnt have long, size 13 needles. I also increased the bodice by 4 rows to make it slightly longer than the sleeves, otherwise they fall at the same length.
I used pewter loops and threads cozy wool. it is 50% wool and 50% polyester, is very fluffy and warm and soft. I think I used a total of 6-7 balls, which end up costing me about 30 dollars.
I started knitting this a few days before I went to the hospital to induce labor. While waiting for picotin to kick in (it didnt quite work, they had to break my water manually to start labor 8 hrs later), I was still knitting and finishing the front piece. It did help me not feel the cold iv fluid going into my wrist!
Heres how my version looks, I really love it!
It has that cosy, chunky look that I dont have with my existing hord of sweaters. Its the perfect sweater to lounge around the house with a hot cup of chocolate milk! (though not so great for breast feeding, so I cant wear it as much as I like right now!)
I had so much fun with it, that I decided to knit another sweater, this time a baby sweater. Hopefully I can finish it soon! Kaylee wants to be held all the time these days so its hard to find moments where I have a pair of free hands!
JuebeJue 
I love it!! It really does look so comfy!
I like the sweater and wish I had one right now for the cold snowy night we’re having!
I remembered trying to get things done with a newborn who needs to be held all the time, so for my second baby, I asked for a mei tei (spelling?) baby carrier and it was perfect. I even went to the spa when she was 8 days old for a two hour manicure / pedicure and she slept in the carrier the whole time. 🙂
woo! thanks for the tip! I tried putting her in one of her baby carriers when she was fussy, but it didnt quite work. i think it was a little uncomfortable. i checked out mei tei and it looks much more comfier. I might just make one myself as it looks very easy to do — just need to interface it with a lot of fabric!
There is a good tutorial at mybeaubaby.blogspot.com and she posted some links to other ones too. They usually cost >$100, so making one would really save!
Wonderful! Beautiful color and it looks so comfy and snuggly.
That is a beautiful sweater. I am sooooooooooo green with envy.
Wow that is beautiful, what a great style. and fits you perfectly.
It looks awesome! I have been trying to learn to knit and crochet for five years now and still not very good at it! lol Hopefully one day I will be good enough to make something like this! You did a great job!