A few times here I’ve mentioned that my new sanity-saving hobby is knitting.  Well, I’m in the process of learning to knit.

My [husband's] cousin is having a baby in a few weeks, so last month I decided that my very first knitting project would be a knit baby blanket, knit baby cap and, if I was brave enough after all that, a knit amigurumi elephant.

Well, they had her beautiful baby shower this past weekend and I did manage to get the entire set knit finished and paired with a pretty basket and some baby goodies.  So, now that the gift has been given I can show you :)

[all 3 patterns can be found over here on Ravelry]

My very first completed knit project was the baby blanket.  I used a pattern called “Mellow Tones Throw” by Lion Brand Yarn (pattern here).  I didn’t know the nursery set they had decided on (blue and browns in their Lambs And Ivy Jake) at the time, so I thought the baby blue and pea-pod green would go well together.

Since I’m also just starting to venture out and use new yarns (eventually making the full-switch to natural fibers etc.) I wanted to make this baby set with a few acrylic yarns that I’ve already been familiar with while crocheting.  I used Caron Simply Soft & Lion Brand Babysoft Solids since I already knew that they would feel soft and would wash well for my cousin :)

The knit striped newborn cap came next.  This was really fun to make and I even taught myself how to work on DPNs (double pointed needles) with the help of the awesome how-to-videos over at knittinghelp.com.

Then I came across the adorable pattern for this simple knit elephant and HAD to make that to match the set.

Pretty happy with how they all came out and really learned a lot.

I already knew that I wanted to give the mom-to-be (who loves baskets) a SaraBear Diaper Caddy — we got a pink one when the iTwins were babies and it was AWESOME to fill with diapers and such and tote around the house.  Now I use it for my knitting stuff – hehe.

You can imagine I was even more excited when I found that it came in this contemporary blue/green striped pattern that went well with the colors of my knit set!

I also put in a few little Earth’s Best Baby Care Kits because I really like these organic and fragrance-free baby products made by JASON.

Couldn’t be more excited for them and hope that they’ll enjoy using these little items…I sure had fun making them and putting it all together :)

Next up::
I’ve been hard at work (in this Northeast heatwave no less LOL) on my Grape Jelly Sweater…I’m teaching myself cables and using an awesome wool/cotton blend sweater yarn from Spud & Chloë.

I also just posted a tiny project I finished for my iPhone, if you didn’t already see it.

So yes, I’m sorta obsessed with knitting and yarn at the moment…you’ll have to bear with me as I get through this phase…but I have a feeling knitting has already become a forever-love-kinda-thing for me ;)