One of my friends is a big Bowie fan. The only problem with being a fan of something is that you might have a friend who then insists on making you themed knitting. Especially if you go on to have a baby. Babies are small, knitting things for them is super fast and there’s a lot to be said for a quick win in any situation.

This was an early present for the baby in question. It’s a Quick and Easy Newborn Sweater (Ravelry link) from Jill (Jill’s site). I added a stockinette panel to the garter stitch front, crocheted a lightning bolt, and sewed them together.

The pattern certainly is quick and easy and completely T shaped. The recipient was able to move their arms while wearing it, though, I have proof.

I finished one sleeve with the lightning colours, and crocheted on a neck band (though I sent instructions on how to remove it, in case of excessive tightness) and bottom edge.

All in all, a very clearly homemade item, and one made with much love. In situations like this I try to placate my inner perfectionist by repeating ‘made with love’ and ‘completely unique’.

Almost two years on, but using the same lightning colours from stash, a new Bowie themed sweater.

This is Volt Mini Me (Ravelry link | A Yarn Story Link) by Sue Stratford. There are lots of varieties of patterns in the Volt family, so I’m not ruling out making myself a matching one.

On looking at the pattern, you might ask ‘Is that lightning bolt you’ve knitted off to one side?’. And the answer would be ‘Yes, yes it is’. Who knows how I achieved that. One of the many mysteries of knitting.

To make up for it, look how neat the reverse of the knitting is. Intarsia for – well, not days, but certainly minutes.

There was some fancy cabling in among the ribbing on the cuffs and waist. The cuffs in particular are impressively ribbed, looking at them you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d never get an adult hand in there to help get a tiny arm into its sleeve.

This was very fun to knit, even though I must have misread the pattern or miscounted my rows (or *something*). It still looks cool, and I’m hopeful that it starts to fit reasonably soon and keeps fitting for a reasonable length of time.

At least till the next birthday, when I can insist on knitting something new.