While I was pregnant with our first child, I took up knitting again. We traveled several times a month for Jason’s work so I chose a baby blanket that was made up of knit squares that would be easy to work on on airplanes. I would try to finish a square or two on each trip.
After the blanket was done I wanted to make something else for our baby daughter, so I picked another pattern from the same book, Natural Kntits for Babies and Moms by Louisa Harding. This time I chose a yellow bird with orange felt wings. The process was enjoyable, but I was frustrated not only by how long it took but by the amount of concentration it required.
Then I discovered that you could upcycle an old sweater and make critters quickly. I copied several patterns from Bobby Dazzler’s book, Make Your Own Misfits, and went to the local Salvation Army. For $50 I came home content with two armloads of merino wool and cashmere sweaters in interesting colors and patterns. In a single weekend, I’d made a few creatures. This made far more sense to me and felt like a much greater accomplishment, especially considering I was now responsible for a small child 24/7.
My husband hugged me on his way out the door this morning. I must admit that while wrapped in the warmth of his cashmere sweater my immediate thought was: Oooo, this would make a fantastic bunny; I wonder when it will wear out. While I’m waiting for his elbows to wear thin, I have collected 107 images on my Pinterest board entitled, Upcycled Sweaters. Please visit!
Enjoy!
Karin
