OhSewCrafty Blog

I saw this pattern six years ago (Debbie Bliss Magazine Spring/Summer 2009) and simply loved it.  I’m glad I finally got to it, since my little boy is 20 months old and the largest size in the pattern is 18-24 months.  However, the sizing is large- the finished chest measurement is 30″!  And Oliver is rather slim.  It should fit for a few seasons at least, hopefully.

The pattern calls for cotton yarn but I wanted to use wool for warmth.  And I wanted to use superwash because he’s a rough and tumble little boy.  I’m generally not very fond of super wash wool (sometimes it feel plasticky to me), but I like Valley Yarns Superwash merino- I’ve used the dk weight a few times and been impressed with its durability and luxurious softness.  Plus, it’s reasonably priced.  When I got an email about Web’s “Flash Sale”, I pounced and ordered some of the worsted weight.

The pattern is fine, easy enough, but it involves a LOT of moss stitch.  Nevertheless, I am trying to power through because he could use the pea coat ASAP.   And I have a pet peeve- I think the schematic is bad.  The labeled measurements don’t jive with the rest of the pattern, at least not for the largest size.   This caused me some confusion re: sizing.  But I still love the pattern, it has so many nice details- pockets, double breasted (extra warm!), back belt, collar, cuffed sleeves…  my little guy will look so dapper in this coat!

In about two weeks, I’ve finished most of the sweater body; the second sleeve is in progress.  Then I need to do the collar, pocket tops, and back belt.  Wish me luck as I’d like to have this Ollie’s wardrobe by early November.