Just recently I made 3 Baby Surprise Jackets in rapid succession. I took a class to make my first, only because I am that knitter who, before commencing knitting a new pattern, reads through it to get a basic understanding of the construction. I found out that this does not work for every pattern. For those of you familiar with the BSJ, you'll know that true comprehension is impossible until after you have knit it. It is knit in one piece, but knit like no other one-piece ever. Reading the instructions for a clear understanding of the construction will, I think, not happen for anyone. So don't be like me and assume you have to understand this before starting; read on and you'll see why.
Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket has been in print in several different publications for the last 50 years. She writes the pattern more as a folksy letter to her knitting buddies. You can read them if you like, and I know many people have been able to knit the BSJ from them, but not me. For those of us just making our first BSJ, thank heavens there's an updated pattern available. (Certainly, after you've knit one, go back and read her original directions for fun; her writing style is charming.) But, if you are serious about knitting one of these, head over to Schoolhouse Press and purchase the booklet that Elizabeth's daughter has re-written and where you'll be guided row by row. They (and I) recommend knitting the baby size first; you'll know why after you've knit your first one. Then, after you've knit your beautiful baby jacket, sit back and marvel at the sheer genius of Elizabeth Zimmerman and the magic of how her mind works. As our beloved knitting Einstein, she was the one who also gave us the knitted i-cord, the i-cord bind off, the pi shawl, the sewn cast off, and was an early advocate of knitting in the round on circular needles, top down knitting and steeking. As a pioneer knitter/writer, she encouraged (and still encourages) young and old knitters alike, much like Julia Child encouraged young brides in the 60s and 70s to fearlessly master a souffle.
I took a class, and as competent as my teacher was, I still walked away scratching my head. An hour later at home I plunged forward. I was not going to let not understanding get in my way. And here's what I found out: one-third the way though it will all begin to make sense. You'll say, AHA! Then, half-way though it will begin to not make sense again, (the flap part). Do not get discouraged, just keep knitting and do exactly what the pattern says. Don't ask questions, don't second guess, just do it. Suddenly, when you are 9/10ths through, it will dawn on you that you have got it right. You'll be shocked I imagine. I was. You'll soon bind off, sew up the shoulder seams and put on the buttons, and then here is where you'll marvel at the magical mind of EZ. Enjoy, and then get ready to make your second!
For each of my BSJs, I cast on 160 stitches.
The size changes will happen with your gauge.
FYI, the pattern below has children's and adult sizes as well.
FYI, the pattern below has children's and adult sizes as well.
For baby clothes, always use machine washable and dryable yarn.
The first one is knit with Rowan's Pure Wool Worsted
in Umber, Moonstone and Hazel. Worsted weight makes size 12 mos.
This has a purl bind off all around, and a picked up 2-stitch i-cord bind off at the neck.
Rav link here.
This has a purl bind off all around, and a picked up 2-stitch i-cord bind off at the neck.
Rav link here.
The second one is knit in Rowan's Pure Wool DK in Black
and one skein of Tanis Fiber Arts Yellow Label DK in Copper Penny.
DK weight yarn makes a 6-9 mos. size.
This one has a 3 stitch i-cord bind off all around.
Rav link here.
This one has a 3 stitch i-cord bind off all around.
Rav link here.
The last one uses one skein of self striping Zitron Unisono.
Fingering weight makes a newborn size.
This one also has a 3 stitch i-cord bind off all around.
Rav link here.
After reading the comments here and on my FB page, I want to add that the only
difficult BSJ will be your first one. I promise. It's hard to do something that makes no sense,
but go to a quiet corner and just stick it out. You'll be glad you did.
The Schoolhouse Press web site needs a serious revamping/update, FYI.
Get the pattern that looks like the one below.
If you use this pattern, I doubt you'll need a class or the DVD
but if you do, dive into a class or get the DVD.
I've seen the DVD at my library, and going to go there today and see if I can check it out.
Get the pattern here and scroll down, it's there.
The pattern also has the sizing for children and adults.
This one also has a 3 stitch i-cord bind off all around.
Rav link here.
After reading the comments here and on my FB page, I want to add that the only
difficult BSJ will be your first one. I promise. It's hard to do something that makes no sense,
but go to a quiet corner and just stick it out. You'll be glad you did.
The Schoolhouse Press web site needs a serious revamping/update, FYI.
Get the pattern that looks like the one below.
If you use this pattern, I doubt you'll need a class or the DVD
but if you do, dive into a class or get the DVD.
I've seen the DVD at my library, and going to go there today and see if I can check it out.
Get the pattern here and scroll down, it's there.
The pattern also has the sizing for children and adults.
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The last BSJ I knit used just one skein of self striping yarn, and it, being my third BSJ, made a great travel knit. Still, I needed a true, mindless travel knit and for the best project for that, head again to EZ and knit her pi shawl. This is one I recently started with Handmaiden Casbah in fingering weight. I won't work on this at home, but keep it strictly as a travel knit with no hurry and no deadline to finish. I've heard some people say they love to knit pi shawls but don't know how to wear them. It's a big circle which I fold in half, then wrap and wrap around my neck and shoulders. It looks beautiful and it's warm. It also makes a great afghan!
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| This was started while on a quick weekend getaway with my daughter at the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa. Wow, what a place! |
We were there during the quick 3 week period when Ojai Pixie tangerines are in season.
We attended a cooking demonstration and had a wonderful dinner.
- March 23, 2015
- 16 Comments
