03.19.06
Finished Object: Placket Neck Pullover redux
Thank you all for your wonderfully flattering comments about the Reversible Rib Shawl and your generously supportive comments reassuring me that I am not an egomaniac for modeling it. Both types really meant a lot to me. However, after last week’s post about my modeling neuroses, I was somewhat relieved that this garment couldn’t really be modeled (at least not by anyone in my household) and that I would have to photograph it on the floor like normal people, thus proving that I am not always about snotty “photo shoots” with my FOs. In fact, I considered not photographing this for the blog at all, since I finished the identical sweater in the same size and yarn a few months ago.
But when this stuffed penguin presented himself wearing my recently finished Child’s Placket Neck Pullover from Last Minute Knitted Gifts and demanding that we go outside for some photos, he was too cute to resist.
While he gets all artsy and dramatic here with his posing, I’ll tell you that this sweater has become my default baby sweater; in fact, I already have another one planned. In the newborn size it takes under two balls of Knitpicks Crayon, which is the perfect soft yarn for a baby’s skin (and machine wash and dryable!), thereby costing all of $4 to make (plus the cost of buttons). It knits up very quickly and requires minimal finishing. It’s not the most impressive baby sweater you could ever make, but it’s perfect for a coworker for whose baby you feel somewhat obligated to produce a handknit sweater. (Warning to baby-knitting enthusiasts: before you start promising knitted baby clothes to a coworker as an outlet for your baby-knitting cravings (starkly different from baby cravings themselves), remember that you will be creating expectations amongst your other coworkers that you might not later feel like living up to. Do not fall into the same trap I did.)
Oh, excuse me, the penguin is ready for his close-up now.
The only concrete tip I have for other knitters of this sweater is, if you’re going to knit the sleeves on DPNs (as opposed to magic loop), don’t even bother with aluminum needles. Doing small-diameter circular seed stitch on aluminum DPNs is an exercise in frustration. That’s how I did the first sleeve, and I refused to start the second until I had obtained wooden ones. It made a world of difference. It amazes me that so many people, myself included, who learn to knit on aluminum needles (because they’re cheap and readily available at craft stores) ever stick with it. I can barely handle them now, so I have no idea how I did it then. New knitters: If you actually want to enjoy your new hobby, save up a few more dollars and buy wooden.
After we finished the “shoot,” the penguin looked at me expectantly, as though somehow believing that I would hand over a fee for his services. When I laughed and indicated that as a stuffed animal he was obliged to do whatever I wanted at any time — and do it graciously, because I could give him away to a toothy, drooly two-year-old — he looked affronted and stalked off. Geesh, the egos in the modeling industry are something to behold.
You can rest easy that I’m not going to write a post tomorrow fretting about people thinking that I started this blog as an excuse to post photos of my stuffed penguin on the internet. However, if the following photo causes people to suspect me of using my blog as a vehicle to post pictures of my kitties, I offer no comment.
Willow could not be persuaded not to be in this picture — my house is just full of prima donnas! — so there she is with the 11 skeins of Sierra that arrived yesterday and are destined to become Starsky. I know it is incredibly boring that I am using not only the exact yarn but also the exact color called for in the pattern, but after some consideration I realized that the natural color is the one I’d get the most use out of. (Sorry — out of which I will get the most use. My professional copy editor parents read this blog.) Anyway, you know what a pile of unwound skeins means, don’t you? Ball winder time!
The yarn is pretty soft for a bulky wool — the 30 percent alpaca helps with that. The bad thing is that every single ball had one or two knots in it. I’m not sure whether to complain — that many knots seems pretty excessive to me, but it is an inexpensive yarn. We’ll see how high my frustation level gets while knitting.
On a final note, yesterday was my first blogiversary. I actually spent the past month idly thinking about what kind of contest or celebration I should have in honor of the occasion, but I couldn’t come up with anything I liked enough. So I adhered to my cardinal rule of blogging (which I just made up yesterday): if you don’t have anything interesting to blog, don’t blog anything at all.
Wonderland Knitter said,
March 19, 2006 at 11:13 am
Awww….I love the penguiun! He looks so natty in the sweater. And I’m going to the our local online library menu right now to reserve this book. I don’t think I’ve seen it and I LOVE the sweater!
Thanks for posting!
Shelagh said,
March 19, 2006 at 1:03 pm
What a sweet sweater – and the penguin is a natural. I’m so excited to see Starsky underway. Have you joined the KAL?
HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY!!!! I’m a huge fan! Keep in keepin’ on!
Theresa said,
March 19, 2006 at 1:38 pm
So we’re supposed to believe that your entire blog – all 365 days of knitting in cyberspace – wasn’t just leading up to this, the moment when your penguin model makes his debut? Likely story. I can recognize a conspiracy when I see one!
jennie said,
March 19, 2006 at 1:41 pm
i love the penguin-modeled sweater… I’ve got a monkey that might be good for that purpose. Which leads me to ask — what size needles did you use for the placket-neck sweater? I’m knitting one for my godson in knitpicks crayon and size 7s seem really loose (and requires math). Did you use 6s?
Leah said,
March 19, 2006 at 1:42 pm
I would be at all surprised if that penguin shows up with an agent and demands health insurance! He’s pretty good, so you better treat him right!
The sweater is so cute!
And I have some Sierra in stash that I was thinking about using soon, so I’ll be on the look out for those knots!
Areli said,
March 19, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Very nice sweater. I like the penguin, he’s so cute, And I love the picture of him being affronted. Great expression.
Amy said,
March 19, 2006 at 7:12 pm
That hoity toity penguin better get his act straight. He is lucky to be able to model such a wonderful sweater.
Amy
Emily said,
March 19, 2006 at 10:32 pm
Happy blogaversary! That penguin has an amazing range of expression. Does he have an agent?
Allison said,
March 20, 2006 at 10:47 am
That’s my default baby sweater, too. I think I’ve made six. I love it in either Crayon or Shine from Knitpicks. I love the color you picked, and your model is quite dashing. Too bad about his attitude :)
Mothhair said,
March 20, 2006 at 11:05 am
That penguin is just about the cutest thing ever, except, of course, for your goon picture, which I am having blown up to poster size and giving as a holiday gift to every family member this year. It almost seems a shame to give the sweater to a plain old human baby, leaving the poor penguin in its birthday suit. The sweater really is adorable. I think I’ll need to make one soon.
Rachel said,
March 20, 2006 at 11:08 am
Actually, Mom, your comment prompts me to admit that I have already entertained the notion of knitting the penguin a sweater of his own to keep. The way he looks in it is even more hilarious in person, so it seems a shame to return him to his former unclothed self.
Sachi said,
March 20, 2006 at 12:15 pm
The sweater is gorgeous. The cat is killing me with cuteness. And thanks for the heads-up on the Sierra Knots in the middle of my skein really piss me off. I figure, if they could just sell it in shorter hanks like everyone else so that you at least know what your getting. Conversely, they could just make sure there’s not friggin’ knots in the middle of a freakin’ expensive hank! ;-) I think you hit a nerve with me there….
Laura said,
March 20, 2006 at 12:47 pm
Ahh Starsky! Someday, I will have one, too. But for now, alas, I have too many things grabbing at my knitting time.
Cute sweater–it fits your penguin perfectly! It’s a great color for him, too. I’m sure your coworker will love it. Just to don’t tell him/her that it was first worn by a snooty penguin. Give the penguin to the cats to play with. That will put him in his place.
Carry said,
March 20, 2006 at 1:08 pm
Happy Blogiversary!!! So glad you’re here :)
The sweater is great and the penguin deserves more photo times ;)
christine said,
March 20, 2006 at 4:40 pm
Happy Blogiversary – cute pictures and great post!
Laurie said,
March 20, 2006 at 6:13 pm
Happy Blogiversary!
I keep looking at “Starsky”, it’s a neat sweater. You and Willow should really enjoy it! LOL!
The penguin looks kinda happy. We’ve got a king penguin but he’d probably take a childs large…and since he’s an indoor penguin, he’ll be fine nekkid!
Chris said,
March 20, 2006 at 9:33 pm
Ok, your penguin photo shoot is about the most brilliant thing I’ve seen in forever! Also excellent kitty photo (and far be it from me to give anyone grief about kitty photos on their blogs…).
Shelley said,
March 20, 2006 at 10:38 pm
Oh my goodness!! I LOVE the penguine pics!! How adorable is that???!! The sweater looks great too, and looks as though it is nice and warm.
Happy blogiversary!
Paloma said,
March 21, 2006 at 1:08 pm
I have been reading your blog for a while, but I think this is the first time I posted. I LOVE THE PENGUIN! I just saw “March of the Penguins” so your blog reminded me of how cute they are. (Sweater adorable too :)!)
Isabelle said,
March 22, 2006 at 3:06 am
I love that little Pingu! And he is modelling so well!!! LOL
I just HATE yarn with knots!!!
Happy blogversary!
Isabelle
http://tricotine.blogspot.com
jen said,
March 22, 2006 at 4:03 am
My Willow gives a shout out to yours! Oh and she said to tell you that she loves the beautiful rib shawl.
Ashley said,
March 22, 2006 at 2:27 pm
Huffy Penguin is my favorite. They’re so attitudinous, penguins.
But you should definitely knit him his own sweater to reimburse him for his time.
Happy blogiversary!
karenology said,
March 22, 2006 at 7:08 pm
It’s a knitting blog, and therefore obligatory to post pictures of your cat. Also, good job on that sweater. The penguin looks proud to be wearing it!
Mary Ann said,
March 22, 2006 at 10:40 pm
Judging from some of you other comments, it would seem that many knitters also have cats. It would be interesting to do a poll. We have 2 cats, a front porch cat and and back porch cat, and never the twain should meet.
I love the penguin model. And the sweater looks perfect on him. I’m sure it will do the same on the baby, but it won’t be as funny.
Katie said,
March 24, 2006 at 7:22 pm
Lol!! CUTE penguin and great job on the sweater. So many people have been making it and saying what a good pattern it is, so maybe I’ll break down. =)
Can’t wait to see pics of Starsky progress! The Sierra sounds so nice and soft–I want to try it on something.
Happy blogiversary!
Lickety Knit » Finished Object: Baby Bolero said,
May 16, 2006 at 2:02 pm
[...] “Nothing,” he sighed, looking forlorn. “It’s just, well, after my first photoshoot a few months ago, I thought for sure you’d contact me again for more modeling work. I me [...]
Lickety Knit » My Dad Owns You, Homeslice said,
January 2, 2007 at 2:58 pm
[...] ie Mame” to “Donna Martin graduates!” And he was the one who gave me the penguin. And so I leave you with this festive seasonal photo of my darling father in all his be-socked gl [...]