WIP Wednesday: Boy’s Sleeveless Sweater

In January I wrote that I’d write more frequently on my blog, but that hasn’t happened. The post-Christmas lockdown has been intense due to the school closures! My daughter is now in the senior cycle, meaning she sits her leaving certificate exam next year. She’s in higher level classes which require a lot of studying. It has been a challenge to try to keep her motivated and engaged in online learning. Trying to keep my three year old quiet during school hours (9-4 pm) so she can concentrate has been very difficult. The weather is still cold and wet in Ireland, and the 5 km restriction hasn’t been lifted yet. That means I’ve had to be extra creative to keep us home, safe, and productive. In the evenings I crash and simply don’t have energy for blogging.

We’ve been in lockdown since October and the government recently announced that we will remain in Level 5 until May. I feel so sorry for local shops and restaurants that have been closed for months. Fortunately the schools will begin a staggered reopening soon. I was initially happy with the closures because it seemed necessary to bring the infection rates down. Now that the vaccines are being rolled out, I’m glad the kids can go back.

Blessing will return to preschool on Monday. His sister will go back on the 15th of March. I’m looking forward to the return to routine and the chance to have a little time to myself. Honestly, it will be great just to clean the house in peace. Since I cut TV time out completely, the little man has wanted my undivided attention every minute of the day! And he doesn’t stop talking… It’s very cute, and I love hanging out with him. However, I am an introvert and need quiet time too.

My goal is to have the sleeveless sweater ready for his return to preschool. It’s perfect for springtime. I cast on last Friday and completed the back today. It’s a simple pattern I can work on while he paints or plays beside me. I’m knitting with self-striping “Knitcol” by Adriafil (100% merino DK yarn) in colors that Blessing chose. I’m using grey “Regina” DK yarn (also by Adriafil) for the ribbing. It’s a size 4-5 years. The Sirdar pattern provides sizes from 0-6 months up to 6-7 years. You can find it here.

Last week I finally finished his big brother’s J W Anderson/ Harry Styles cardigan! It took a lot longer to complete than I expected. I altered it to make it smaller. In the end I had to add extra panels to the arms and body so it isn’t exactly like the original design. I’m happy with the outcome though. Mr. T loves it so that’s the main thing. It’s a relief to move on to a smaller project. I need a little breather before I start my next adult sized sweater, although the yarn has arrived and I LOVE it!!

Kits for this cardigan can be purchased here.

Crafting continues to be a pleasure during these especially slow Covid times. What are you working on these days or what’s giving you inspiration? I’d love to hear about what’s keeping you busy in the comments.

*I am not part of any affiliate program and do not earn money from the links I’ve included.*