T minus one to debarkation

In case you haven't noticed, I'm not of diminutive size, I've just been knitting a lot of stuff for babies recently. In just seven days time bean number one is due to arrive in the world. They won’t let Jenny go more than two weeks over her due date so the baby will be here any time soon. She sent me a photo of her bump a few days ago and to quote my mother, “Is she sure there’s just one in there?” I hope there is – I’m not knitting two of everything!

Talk about a deadline, I’ve only been knitting for this baby for 8 months and I still don’t have everything done that I wanted to. I’m going to be that mad old auntie (not a real one, the type that did water aerobics with your mum) that sends knitted gifts for every occasion until the baby turns 18. I’ve been trying to get as much done as possible to last the first two years as I don’t know where life will take me in the meantime (hopefully travelling) and if I’ll be able to knit.

To keep the little ‘un wrapped up warm I’ve made him or her a papoose (I’ve requested a girl – I like knitting for girls). It’s from 'Baby Bloom' by Erika Knight and is a different approach to a blanket. It’s limited in use due to size, but for the time it lasts it can’t be kicked off like a blanket could. It’s also the most boring piece of knitting I have ever done. Cast on 80 sts and knit Forest knit. Aaaarrrggghhh! Had I any sense, I’d have done it on a machine. It’s one of those things that you have to force yourself to keep working on as it was mind numbingly dull.

I made it in DK acrylic and it’s really soft. It’s got green and yellow flecks in that will match the nursery. The pattern was for any DK weight yarn, but suggested a wool/cotton blend which will explain why it required 300g but took less than 200g. I have plenty left over that will be enough for a cardigan or jumper. I'm debating the bobble that is in the book. It looks cute and finishes it off nicely, but I wonder at how annoying it might become actually in use.

Baby number two (also from my ex-squadron) isn’t due for another 3 weeks so that gives me a bit more time. I definitely think there is something in the water as I also have 3 friends expecting in the summer. One day I’ll get to knit something for myself ;)