I have a feeling that there are other people like me who have anxiety on purchasing patterns. I know that there are those who will be quick to push that purchase button, but I’m skeptical. I mean, other than the FO, what do you really know about the pattern? You can’t see the pattern of course until you purchase and what if it’s terribly written and you just can’t stand it?
I heard about baby kimono sweaters on a podcast and decided to research it on Ravelry. My friend had just found out two days prior that she was pregnant, so it was perfect timing! I came across the Seamless Infant Kimono by Carina Spencer. I thought the pattern was perfect and would probably appeal to a non-knitter.
Yarn: Caron Simply Soft (Because Mommy is so not a knitter)
Needles: Size US 8 and 6
Finished Size: 0-6 months
Started: June 24, 2010
Finished: June 29, 2010
So what details can we see from the Ravelry pattern page?
Pattern price – You know, I have a hard time with this. Though I liked the pattern and the finished product, I felt that $9.00 was a considerable amount. I think that after I saw what all went into this super simple sweater, it was too much. I don’t know what a designer goes through and how much they truly should be compensated, but I have seen more complicated patterns for less.
Sizes – The sweater can be worked into 0-6 mo, 6-12 mo, 12-18 mo, and 18-24 mo sizes. The pattern also has suggestions for three different sleeve styles.
Yarn choice – Worsted weight yarn, so the sweater knits up fast.
Pattern construction – Wordy, but it has to be since it is such a simple sweater. Accompanied with big clear pictures.
Pattern Review!
The good things? The pattern is for an advanced beginner, and I agree. The pattern is a good starter project if you want to understand the technique of seamless sweater knitting. I had never tackled a sweater before and this helped instill some confidence in me. Though it is simple, you get three different sleeve styles so it can add some variety for future knits. Notes are added through the pattern as friendly suggestions.
The bad things? I can’t complain on much other than the price. There are some added tutorials, but you have to go to Ms. Spencer’s site to access them. The pattern will only have links, but you can print the other tutorials as PDFs. I found this to be a little inconvienient. Also, you are instructed to pick up virtually every stitch for the border, but other knitters found this to produce a puckered border.
Overall, I think the pattern is clear and concise, and the finished product is modern and cute. If the price doesn’t make you leery, then I say go for it and knit for the new little one in your life!
Some of my favorites from other knitters on Ravelry?
Clementine’s Infant Kimono with different ties!
For more info on Carina Spencer or to see her other designs, check out her site!
That looks very cute! but $9?? I am pretty sure I have a very similar pattern in my queue that is a free Ravelry download…
Yep, I’m sure there would be.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who felt that was outrageous.
I love your baby kimono sweater! Its adorable!
Love the colour combination, really simple but effective
What a cute pattern.