EZ Is My Co-Pilot
Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket
Designer: Elizabeth Zimmermann
Yarn: Brown Sheep Yarn Co. Serendipity Tweed (absolutely all of two skeins)
Modifications: Many
This is my third BSJ and EZ’s fabulous pattern/blueprint still entertains me. Because this jacket is a sample for a class I’m teaching at my LYS in September, I made many modifications to the pattern to give class members lots of options.
Most obviously, I worked the lines of decreases and increases in stockinette stitch. For the decreases, I did this by using the sl2-k1-p2sso decrease. This is a double decrease that results in a visible line of stockinette stitch. For the increases, I used lifted increases on either side of a center stitch that I worked in stockinette stitch:
I also carried the center line uninterrupted down the front of the sweater by working back and forth on 88 stitches instead of 90 when I got toward the end of the pattern. If you’ve made the jacket, you’ll know what I’m talking about. This also resulted in the bottom having a more rounded shape which I really like. The jacket is probably large enough to fit an 18-month-old and this shape is less likely to impede attempts at walking.
I added ribbed cuffs and, accordingly, cast on the 18 extra stitches (9 on either side) that EZ otherwise has you increase after the first few rows. The only thing I would do differently with the cuffs, is to bind off in tubular rib instead of in pattern. I think that would have looked neater.
I used an I-cord bind-off around the fronts and the bottom hem. I thought the neck seemed a bit small so I picked up stitches around the neckline, knit two rows and then bound the neck off in I-cord also. So it’s almost like a little stand-up collar:
I struggled with the best way to sew the shoulder seams. After much trial and error, I decided on a modified mattress stitch which I worked from the wrong side of the jacket. Basically, I seamed so the cast-on edge is visible on the right side but the raw edge is hidden on the wrong side. If you take the class, I can show you how I did it.
The yarn was a very good choice for this project and it is nice to work with. I should warn you, though, that the brown bleeds. The ball band also warns you so take heed.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable knit. Thanks again, EZ.
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Susan | knitting
That looks great in those colors. I like the changes you made to it.
Thanks for sharing your modifications. The sweater looks great. If I lived near you I would take your class.
the modification i like best is at the shoulder seam, very neat and clean.
Those are perfect Eagles colors. I hope the recipient is a Philly fan!
And what perfect buttons!
I think it’s time for me to make another BSJ…
I just might sign up for the class…as of this morning I have a new niece!!
I love the stripes, the jacket is just too cute!
I love your version of the BSJ! I can’t take the class for obvious reasons (about 2000 of them) but if you’ll consider giving me a personal lesson, I’ll think about going to Rhinebeck after all.
I just finished my first baby suprise sweater. I have already cast on a second one. I’ll have to show your improvements to the instructor in my course and see if she can help me with the raised stockinette!
I love that curved front edge mod. Your post title would make a fantastic tee-shirt slogan!
I need to knit one, so I know what you are talking about. The sweater looks great!
I love it (and the “boy” buttons were a perfect pick)!
I love those football buttons! With the green and brown, the sweater looks like it belongs on the field!
EZ seems to be having a revival this summer. I am currently knitting the little February sweater (my third) from her ‘Knitter’s Almanac’ and I have knit two BSJ. I am saving money to go to the Meg Swanson knitting camp in 2009.
EZ is also my co-pilot!
I have discussed with friends six people I would have to dinner - either living or dead - EZ would be first on my invite list!
It is so cute! I LOVE the stripy colors together.
Lovely finishing details. The little collar is very cute, and I like the nice clean lines of the increases/decreases.
Oh, I love love love that little jacket! Beautifully knit!
I’ve been intrigued by blogs & photos about the BSJ - and decided I have to knit one.
Thanks for all the photos on your blog - your BSJ looks lovely!!
I hung it in the store today. It is fantastic!! I can just picture it on a cute little boy. I am glad I can benefit from a creative mind like yours. What size needle should I suggest for the class?
Suzette
The Wool Cabin
very beautiful.
To be honest, I don’t love the colors, but I don’t really like any of the Serendipity Tweed colors, so as far as I am concerned you didn’t have a lot to choose from. I think you were very daring to try that unusual combination and I’m in favor of inovation. I do like the green and I adore the stripes. Very very cool. The other changes you made are awesome too. I wish I could take the class! No money and too many class meetings for me. I could ask for it for Christmas, but then I would have to give up my back porch lattice with honeysuckle bushes to grow up. Things seem to die easily in my yard, so maybe I should opt for the class after all. lol
It looks fantastic!
Wow, that’s just gorgeous! I love the color combination.
I think there should be a bumper sticker.
DOG IS MY CO-PILOT
Hi!!! I can not find as pattern to this jacket!!! Can you help me ??? it is just beatiful!!! Krisztina
Whaaaaaaaaaaa!!!! Are you in Michigan??? I want to take the class. Can I take it anyway and you tutor me over the net?? I’ll pay for the class. Please, please, please.
BTW I think I own all of your patterns… I’ll check when I go home. Thanks for the birthday sale. I’ll buy what I don’t have when I get home.
This is one fabulous baby surprise… we have been encouraging people that come into the shop to give EZ’s pattern a try, first baby-size then possibly for themselves. I love the colors.
I love the modifications, especially the round corners and the neck treatment. I think that I will have to rerun the WEBS Bebe Surprise KAL podcasts and cast one on for a pending shower.