Michaelmas knitting.

These sweaters were intended to be Michaelmas gifts.

(the buttons on Birdie's)

But honestly, when the temps dipped down and Bunny didn't have a proper sized jacket, and there was an opportunity for the girls to wear them, how could I resist? Actually, they've been able to utilize them quite a bit since they came off the needles. Since we seem to have lost their pilot caps in the past few days (???) perhaps knitted caps are the next thing I'll work on. 

Knitted from this pattern (the neck down cardigan) size 2-4 for both of them out of this yarn, which I got a little stash of last year for my birthday. The Ravelry link for Bunny's sweater is here, and the Ravelry link for Birdie's sweater is here. This was a super fast knit (I think about a week for each of them) and it looks very classic. It's knitted from the top down and is seamless.

I can see that there would be lots of ways to change this up; doing the math for a finer gauge, adding in a cable on either side of the fronts, or even down the sleeve, a seed stitch yoke, there are lots of possibilities! The pattern itself also includes instructions for a hood or a collar if you like, and both a zipper closure or a button one. I found the pattern to be well-written and easy to follow. 

Now what will I do for Michaelmas? 

Wondering what Michaelmas is all about? Here are some links:

• A song/verse for Michaelmas
• About the spiritual turning of the year at Michaelmas
• A Steiner lecture about Michaelmas
• Commentary on the lecture above
• A sweet Michaelmas craft
• A post about the meaning of Michaelmas - must read!

Comments

[Chelsea]

they're so sweet -- and sometimes the best gifts come of a timely nature undetermined by intended special occasions!

I ended up loving them maybe a little bit more *because* they were so immediately useful (and beloved). There is just nothing better than making things for people you love, who will love them.

[Kelly]

Those sweaters are gorgeous. What a sweet idea to make one nice sweater instead of 5 sweatshirts that the girl doesn't like (my girl).

I've been doing some reading on Michaelmas since seeing you write about it and I think we will be doing something!

Kelly, I don't know how much of an advanced knitter you are? But I should have mentioned above that this pattern would be simple for even the most beginner of knitters. It really is very quick and easy (and when they are little it hardly takes any yarn at all). Can you imagine your little in a handknit sweater over her school uniform? Swoon.

I hope you post about your Michaelmas celebration! Are there any links you want to share with us?

[Adele]

Okay, weird karma-- we found our baby's pilot cap unexpectedly (and after a long absence) this week. Good luck becoming reunited with yours. ;-)

Fortunately the weather has been perfect! Not really cold enough to warrant pilot caps, and yet not so sunny we need sunhats. I think we are ready to size up anyhow.

[Bernadette]

Knitting Pure & Simple is one of my favorite pattern companies, ever since they taught me to knit socks! I just bought the roll neck sweater pattern last week.These are adorable and added to my list!

They are really great patterns, aren't they? Next to Elizabeth Zimmermann, they are my faves.

[Sarah]

Beautiful sweaters. Here's what I wrote about Michaelmas last year: http://maymomvt.blogspot.com/2008/09/michaelmas.html

Thank you SO MUCH for that beautiful post, I added it in the links above. Truly wonderful.

[melissa]

I LOVE top down raglan sweaters. I could happily knit nothing but those and socks until kingdom come. Nice work!

The top down raglan. Man, if you haven't discovered it, you haven't knit. :) I find myself drawn back to socks these days, after giving them a hiatus. They *are* good knitting!

[Kerry]

I think there might be a little hat elf out there collecting them because ours is lost too. Luckily I just finished a bonnet that will work until I can get some knitting done! I LOVE the knitting pure and simple patterns. I made the baby tunic for my son and we just loved it for him! I have the cardigan pattern too.

I don't think I've seen the baby tunic! Now I have to go look. :)

[Stacy]

oh i love these! gorgeous. you are making me long for little girl to dress.

They are my little dress-up dollies! Hehe.