The heat is on

Happy summer, everyone. It's pretty much hot everywhere, no? After many years of knitting adorable little summery knits, and after subsequent years of said knits sitting in my closet because the humidity is unbearable or it's just too warm for a short sleeve sweater in a worsted gauge, I have hung up the towel on summer knitting. Fortunately, with the wee one crawling (and now standing, cruising, but not walking independently yet) and many peers with wee ones on the way, summer time leaves plenty of time for small knits.

A dear friend, mom to a 12 and 6 year old boy decided to go for a third baby at the age of 40. After a miscarriage, she became pregnant with twins. Certain of her fate as a mom to 4 boys, she decided to let the twins' sex be a surprise. The whole pregnancy she said they were boys, prepared herself for boys . . . you get where this is going? She then delivered two adorable little girls and I squealed with excitement to knit them something cute.

I wanted something practical for summer but something that would also potentially go into the autumn.

Pattern: Confection Baby Shrugs [Ravelry Link]
Yarn: Stash busting of leftovers/frogged yarn

This pattern knit up very quickly. Ellie was about 9 months when these photos were taken, so I am confident that the twins will get some wear out of them through the fall months, too.

I also spent the late spring knitting up a little bolero for Ellie.

Pattern: Debbie Bliss Bow-Tied Bolero, free [Ravelry Link]
Yarn: Valley Yarns Longmeadow, about 3 skeins

This yarn is a winner for kid knits. It's machine washable, soft and holds up very nicely. A great pick for the price and color selection.

I also started what was supposed to be Ellie's summer jacket but will likely be her fall jacket, the Jasper Diamond Hoodie from Vintage Baby Knits. This book was at my local library and has many cute patterns, and I love the vintage style to them.

And, rounding up the little knits - I just started this cardigan today. It's for a friend at work who is expecting a little boy in September. It's the Baby Sophisticate pattern. I'm using up stash yarn by making it striped. I like the Charlie Brown feel to it.

I've also purchased a pattern and new yarn (!!) for my annual get-me-in-the-mood-for-fall sweater. Previous fall sweaters for which I purchased yarn in the summer include the September Sweater, Ribbon Trim Cardigan and Juno. All winners, and all were worn this past winter. What are you excited about knitting this fall, or are you just enjoying the summer? Hope everyone is staying cool!!