Finish Line in Sight and More

The small jumper I have been working on is almost complete. (From Very.Pink.com - Fiona Baby Sundress, designed by Staci Perry, cotton yarn in pink and variegated pink.) Note the little pleats between the body and the bodice. They are created by putting four stitches on a separate needle and then knitting in pairs each of the next four stitches together. It is a simple, yet effective, trick. Once the dress is blocked those pleats will become more obvious.

There remains an inch more stockinette stitch on the bodice, the top edging and straps. I am going with straps that can be buttoned in the back because little hands will be able to untie the icord straps. Below is an example of what I am thinking of doing with those straps. My buttons will be smaller, but it gives you an idea of what I intend to do. (BTW I am so happy to be almost done with what seems like an endless sea of stockinette stitches. Although some find this mindless knitting soothing, it is just boring and at times annoying for me. Because of the smaller sized yarn I decided to use there are still 100 stitches in the bodice and there were 200 in the skirt. I need something more exciting to keep me happy, I guess.)

And here's a photo of the buttons I decided to use. The pink is in the proper tonal zone and they are the proper size as well. What a bargain at 0.49 cents for the three of them.

While looking through my button stash, I found these lovely handmade buttons purchased a few years back at Vogue Knitting Live in Seattle. Buttons have a way of totally inspiring me; the lovely dark brown and pink got me thinking about sweater patterns, which reminded me of the Gramps sweater. If you don't quite remember check here. (Warning Mike, the cat, is prominent in the photo. Oh, I still miss that boy.)

The buttons have dictated the colour scheme for my next Gramps sweater knit especially for Sister #1, who I declare from now on will be called Miss A. Her mom and dad like to give out hints to the family about the name; no more Sister #1.

Now I know why I buy buttons, they are a reliable source for putting together appropriate colour combinations. This Gramps is going to be fun.

P.S. Can you tell there was no sun in these photos taken outdoors. Here it is July 12 and the temperature would remind one of April 12 or maybe even March 12 in the Lower Mainland. At least I am not needing to run the air conditioner. : -(

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