There’s a woman in my building having a baby and I wanted to make her something special. We’re friends and I wanted to make her something I hadn’t made before but wanted to make for a long time. The Baby Surprise Jacket. I’d seen these in every, and I do mean EVERY, knitting shop I’d been in. Al has made several. Every place I go, I see people knitting this up so I was excited to give it a go. Since my baby making days are over I kept an eye out for bulging bellies and an excuse to get this on my needles.
I found out my friend was having a boy and began the hunt for a nice yarn for it. I went to the Lion Brand Studio and picked up their Superwash in Sky. A really nice merino yarn in a lovely blue color. I purchased the book and I was ready to go.
When I saw the instructions I was a little taken aback. It wasn’t the normal pattern, as I’m sure you all know, and I was having a problem with it. I really need a line by line pattern. It’s just the way my brain works. Or doesn’t work for that matter. I’m the kind of person who needs to see things. If you describe a house to me, the way the rooms are arranged, I can’t see it in my mind’s eye. I literally need it drawn out for me. I felt this pattern was the same kind of thing, I needed it drawn out for me. But I figured I’d give it a go.
It wasn’t easy. I even got the cheat sheet but still had a hard time with it. People thought I was having a hard time because of the structure of the garment but no. It was the actual pattern I just could not understand.
Finally, after months of fits and starts, I got it done. This is the one time I was happy that pregnancy was a nice long nine months.
Everyone told me “Oh wait till you’re done. You’ll love it!” Guess what? I don’t. I know this isn’t the popular opinion to have but I just don’t like it. I mean it’s fine and all but for all the trouble I went through I just wasn’t impressed. This isn’t to say that everyone will or should have the same feelings about it that I do but I’m sure there are a few people ( I’ll take even one person) who feel the same. Maybe I’m just not experienced enough to “get it”. I dunno. I just know that I felt that the amount of work and angst I put into it wasn’t worth the outcome.
Next friend that gets pregnant is getting a baby blanket. A nice, plain, soft, square baby blanket.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
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Don't feel bad that you don't love it. It caused you a lot of frustration and when I have that much trouble with something I don't love it either. I'm sure your friend will love and appreciate it though and you can be happy about that. Now go make something that makes you very, very happy!
I think what I loved was the fun of the folding and it becoming a sweater. It's not the best baby thing I ever knit, but I did enjoy it - however it didn't give me as much grief. I'm sorry it wasn't a fun knit. No fun knits are no fun.
I thought it was just me who thought that the BSJ looked (whisper it) *dull*.
Thankfully there are plenty of other patterns for babies, and blankies last longer than little jackets anyway.
It's okay if you don't love it. Knitting is a learning experience and part of that learning is about what you love and what is 'meh'.
I'm sure it's cute and will be appreciated.
I have to admit - I just don't like the pattern. I never tried it because I think there are cuter patterns, and I've heard what a hassle it is. And its ok to not like a pattern - there are so many out there that there are plenty to choose from! I give you a lot of credit for sticking with it though..and I'm sure your friend liked it!
Here goes...I hate garter stitch! I worked myself up into a migraine with all the "I don't get it" pre stitching up.
Sooo, officially, I hate the baby surprise jacket. There, I've got it out in the open.
I'm with you.
I'm still waiting on the pictures before I decide whether to like it or not, let's see your work!
Glad you found some support here of others who are no fan of BSJ. I'll boo and hiss along with you.
Don't worry - think of it as a learning experience...I have trouble with EZ patterns (or should I say lack of patterns) as I need clear directions. The BSJ has waaaaay too general directions for me...so I'm glad to hear that there are those that do not recommend it! Whew, I feel so much better!
I have often had problems with her patterns, they are written with just enough information that I think to much and get myself in trouble. About the only pattern I love is the double-warm hat. Or something like that. So you are not alone.
And by the way, from previous post, my absolute favorite french onion soup recipe comes from the Junior cookbook. I've modified it a tad, but the basic principle behind it is wonderful. And quick.
I can relate to your feelings about the experience knitting the jacket. I've gone through it before with other projects and I just had to leave it behind and move on.
I think your baby blanket idea is the best. Mommies-to-be always love blankies.
Show us a pic -- we shall judge if it's looks good or not. (I bet it looks awesome). But you still get to decide if it was worth the effort.
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