Bootie Call

Some mothers give me the distinct impression that had you offered them a Gucci handbag instead of a baby, they'd have taken the handbag. It upsets me to see babies used as a fashion accessory. It bothers me on a lot of levels, not least because I'm such a cheapskate. It's a miracle I can get knitting needles into these tight-fisted little hands of mine. I know all mothers want their babies to look nice, but I think it's criminal to spend so much on tiny designer wear that will fit for just a few months when there are children starving in the world. The picture of Daniella Westbrook says it all. All I can say is stop it, stop it at once! The only saving grace of all this is that she killed Burberry in the UK. Who would want to be associated with it now?

Given my stance on designer items, it was a miracle that something could melt the heart of this miserable, cynical grump. What could be cuter than a pair of Baby Ugg Boots?

Three pairs of course!

I had to find a sub for the Berrocco yarn used in the pattern. I managed to find a suede feel yarn in roughly the right colour. It was in with the seconds and oddments at an indoor market stall I go to, so I have no idea what it's called or who it's made by. I suspect it could be Sirdar as they sell a lot of their seconds, but I've been unable to track it down at other yarn shops or on the internet. If you know what it is, please, please, please let me know. I bought two balls, found at two different branches of the stall, for the grand sum of 89p each. Each boot took 15g of yarn for the bigger (9-12 month) size. For the cuffs I used Sirdar Snuggly Bubbly doubled. It took forever to do the stitching down the sides and over the boot as it is only one tuft every inch. I don't think I'd use it again if I found more of the suede. I thought this was a very sensible bootie pattern and would definitely use it again, it's done in one piece with no picking up or fiddling around.

ETA: Sue has identified the yarn as Sirdar Milano. Thank you Sue! Unfortunately it's been discontinued, but Nutty has pointed out that you can get it on ebay, so it's still knocking about.

If you want to see a decent picture of some made in the recommended yarn then head over to Steph's blog 'And she knits too!' as she has made a lovely pair.

In the comments to my last post Turtlegirl asked me when I'm going to knit something for myself. It's coming soon, very soon. Watch This Space!