Elizabeth Zimmerman's Gull Pattern

I discovered this pattern after seeing Elizabeth Zimmerman's "Baby Sweater on Two-Needles" at the yarn store, Purl Soho, located in New York City. I purchased Zimmerman's book The Knitter's Almanac and discovered that the pattern, also called "February Baby Sweater," only entailed four rows of seven stitches using SSK, K2 tog, yarn over, knit, and purl. It is a very easy pattern to do, yet the finished project appears much more complicated than it looks.

I was concerned that by following Zimmerman's pattern in the book the sweater might turn out too small for Lydia, who is 18 months old. I decided to modify the pattern to ensure that it would fit her better.  This was the first time I ever modified a pattern.

Using Zimmerman's proportions as a guide, I cast on 71 stitches on size zero circular needle using Cascade 220 Heathers.  I immediately began knitting in garter stitch.  I increased stitches every other row until there were 226 stitches in total on the needle. The four stitches on each end of the needle were worked in the garter pattern thoughout the sweater for the button band. The remaining 218 stitches made up the center stitches in which the back, arms, and fronts were worked.

I used stitch markers after the 4th stitch (right button band), 32nd stitch (right front), 35th stitch (right sleeve), 84th stitch (back), 35th stitch (left sleeve), 32nd stitch (left front) and before the 4 remaining stitches (left button band). 

About 6 inches down, I placed the sleeve stitches on waste yarn and began Zimmerman's gull pattern.  Once I finished the body of the sweater, I  knit about 1" of the garter stitch pattern at the bottom and then cast off.  For the sleeves,  I used a circular needle and picked up the 35 stitches on the waste yarn.  I then cast on another 14 stitches and joined in the round working the gull pattern. I also added a 1" garter stitch pattern at the end of the sleeves.

Below is the finished February Sweater for my daughter:

What I also like about the design of the sweater was that it could be knit from the top down and seamlessly. Although I have the best intentions when I start projects, I really don't enjoy the finishing techniques that are necessary to complete the sweaters.  With top-down knitting I don't have to concern myself with seaming of the sleeves and sides.  This method of knitting is now my favorite. 

After completing my daughter's sweater, I decided to make the "February Lady Sweater" by Pamela Wynne for my aunt for Christmas. 

Below are pictures of my Aunt Penny in the sweater:

I'm now working on a blanket based on Zimmerman's PI shawl pattern in the Shawls and Scarves: The Best of Knitter's Magazine book.  I am using the gull pattern for the outer edges of the blanket. 

Below is the work in progress:

Comments

[BJ]

The modified version looks great. I've made this pattern several times and adjusted size by yarn and needle size, but haven't tinkered with number of stitches. Think I might give this a try for the next one, though. It would be helpful to know what yarn you used--or at least the gauge info given on the wrapper--and also what size needles you used.

I just recently saw the "February Lady Sweater" instructions when I was away from home and trying desperately to find the baby sweater instructions which had *not* traveled with me. I'm thinking more and more about making the adult version, but not yet sure for whom . . . .

[Nancy]

I am trying to knit the Feb. baby sweater using your directions
but am a little confusedabout the number of stitches you should have on the needles just before you put the markers in to divide for the sleeves and body. You say 149 but when I add up the numbers I get 226. How did you do your increases?
Also how long did you knit the body of the sweater and the sleeves?
Sorry for all the questions.