Remember the cashmere crisis a few weeks ago? I followed up everyone's leads, and went to everyone's lovely links, and almost spent an inexplicable amount of money on various cashmere yarn options for a newborn cardigan....I faltered at the doorstep of Posh Yarn and their beautiful handpainted yarn, but will surely go back at a later date (thanks to Heather). I got excited about Ebay solicitations, but stopped my finger making that all important push of the 'Buy Now' button for Jaeger Cashmina. I stopped counting the number of times I went back to the ebay sellers, desperately justifying why either bright pink (err, probably a little hypocritical after this) or grey would be appropriate ways to spend a small fortune. I poured over online shops of Debbie Bliss shade cards, but I have been bitten before by bad colour representation of Debbie Bliss online. In the end, despite my protestations about the lack of supply, I found myself at Tapestry Craft eager to have canvassed all avenues. And I left 3 balls of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in a dusty pink/purple colour richer. And the result::
Debbie Bliss Quick Knits For Baby Garter Stitch Cardigan, no alterations to pattern, and 3 mother of pearl buttons. A cashmere crisis averted, but another one started as I fall terribly in love with cashmere.
Lovely! All you need now is the baby to put in it.
Posted by: Jo | July 04, 2006 at 10:09 PM
Why do people insist on making babyware out of cashmere?
Me? I'm not trying to be spending precious time and money on something that's going to be puked on. Or worse.
Don't get me wrong, it's very pretty. But what's the point?
I'm thinking that the mother of the child would appreciate more something that can at least be washed on Delicate in the washing machine.
Posted by: cleo | July 05, 2006 at 12:51 AM
I love baby cashmerino, and that's a beautiful color. Lucky baby!
Posted by: cari | July 05, 2006 at 12:57 AM
I am the mother of the child.
I do it because I love to knit, and to use beautiful yarns, and that's my choice. I take on board any cleaning, and this can still go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Not everything a baby needs has to be utilitarian. Cleo - If you read my blog long enough, you'd also understand there were other factors involved in why I chose to knit this with cashmere.
Posted by: Alison | July 05, 2006 at 09:03 AM
Love the cardigan. Gorgeous colour.I have knitted for my girls in cashmere, actually everything I have knitted for them needs handwashing. It's never been a problem. I'm sure I saw that DB is doing casmerino in DK weight now - need some of that, baby cashmerino is one of my favourites.
Posted by: Kate | July 05, 2006 at 09:21 AM
Wonderful colour :)
Posted by: Jill | July 05, 2006 at 10:30 AM
A, this is so, so lovely. And there is function in it, as well as beauty. I would never think that giving a baby something beautiful and useful to grow up in was a waste or a folly, especially not when it is clearly made with the care you have for your people, your practise, and your materials.
Posted by: eireann | July 06, 2006 at 04:48 AM
...and now I remember why I try to stay away from cashmere in posts, sales, shops: it is irresistable. Sigh.
Posted by: eireann | July 06, 2006 at 04:55 AM
Oooh, can't wait to see the new petite in this beautY!
Posted by: Kelli | July 06, 2006 at 05:20 AM
I've decided to out myself as a lurker at the mention of tapestry craft! I too find that a trip solves many of the yarn dilemma's I can't resolve online. I also wanted to say the cardigan is gorgeous. Oh, and that I fret about the pink thing too and really enjoyed your post on it. And good luck with the pregnancy!
Posted by: Kristie | July 06, 2006 at 01:22 PM
If I am reading my care label right Baby Cashmerino is machine washable. Besides, hand washing baby stuff is easy. Fits right in the sink and is simple to wrap up in a towel and simple to find a place to lay flat to dry. All in all, much easier than handwashing adult sized clothes.
Have you ever tried recycling pure cashmere from cashmere sweaters? You can find sweaters at thrift stores and garage sales and that can be an economical way to get some very expensive fiber.
Babies need warm comfortable clothes more than almost anybody. Many of them have trouble regulating their tempurature. We take them out on walks where we're walking and they're sitting and they get cold! Floors are drafty and they spend a lot of time down there! Wool and cashmere are not luxury items, they are very practical - lightweight, non-bulky, warm yet breathable - in a word, comfortable.
Posted by: clover | July 29, 2006 at 02:57 PM
I love Debbie Bliss! I just made the baby booties in the same book... :)
Nice work...
Posted by: Michelle01 | August 05, 2006 at 04:16 AM