Baby Surprise Sweater Extravaganza
I've always loved the concept of Elizabeth Zimmermann's Baby Surprise Sweater (Jacket) but it wasn't until Meg Swansen, Elizabeth's daughter, made a video that I actually knit one. It is a classic example of Elizabeth's keen mathematical mind which explains why I needed Meg to hold my hand through each step. Given the creative possibilities for this little gem, I think that the DVD is an excellent investment.
Another "publication" that I have enjoyed for years is Spin-Off Magazine from Interweave Press. It's unfortunate that more knitters don't know that this magazine is an excellent knitting magazine. I've made many more projects from Spin-Off than Knitter's. And, not always from my own hand-spun yarn. If you want to broaden your understanding of fiber and knitting, you should pick up one issue of Spin-Off. I guarantee that you will be hooked!!
Why am I yammering along about Meg's DVD and Spin-Off magazine. Well, the Fall 2008 Issue has a large article on knitting Baby Surprise Jackets from hand-spun. Now remember, you don't have to use hand-spun. Just take a look at these inspiring photos from Spin-Off. They made me want to sit down and spin and spin and spin. Oh, one more thing. If you belong to Ravelry, there is a Baby Surprise Jacket group that I just joined.
Ok, you convinced me to give Spin Off a try even though I am not, and no intentions of, being a spinner. It does look like there are some great articles and projects though for knitters! Also, you are so right about the DVD for the BSJ. I don't think I could have knit one without it. And I am math minded. EZ was a genius.
Posted by: Debby | October 02, 2008 at 11:17 AM
I ditto the comment above. I never bought Spin Off because I don't have time to get hooked on spinning, it would take away from my precious knitting time. I did learn to make the Baby Suprise Jacket from EZ's book and I love it. I've got to go now to look for a subscription to Spin Off.
Posted by: Janet | October 02, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I have been excited to check out this issue since I saw the preview. Also, that is one nifty knit. I have thought about making a few for future baby gifts.
Posted by: Sarah | October 02, 2008 at 08:17 PM
If I'm not mistaken, the first two photographs of the BSJ are from Jared Flood - brooklyntweed.blogspot.com. His blog is wonderful, if you don't already know about it. He makes a lot of EZ projects, and he's such a good photographer he makes even the simplest garter stitch scarf look like a masterpiece!
Posted by: Emily | October 03, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I LOVE Spin-Off. Been subscribing to it for years, and I've learned more about *both* my crafts (spinning and knitting) as well as getting a better understanding of yarn in general from it. And I must agree, the projects are usually very nice ones, and more to my taste that most knitting mags.
Which reminds me that my subscription has run out and I'll have to get that card filled out and sent in. *oops
Posted by: Mental Rose | October 03, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Oh! That is me and my son in the bottom picture. I agree that the Baby Surprise Jacket is a great pattern, and Spin-Off is a great magazine! I am a subscriber as well.
Posted by: Pam | October 03, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Does anyone know if there is an adult version of this pattern?
Posted by: Kathy | October 05, 2008 at 11:05 AM
I just got the DVD and I started spinning again. Now you've got me thinking about spinning more so I can make some jackets for the new babies in our little family.
Posted by: Alyssa | October 24, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I am interested in finding a larger version of the surprise sweater for a five year old.
Posted by: Mary Anne White | November 08, 2008 at 08:17 PM