So, here is Bláithín (junior)! This is the kind of cute child’s garment that makes me want to intone “almost too wee” in the manner of Whisky and Brandy Bolland examining Prince’s wardrobe (about a minute into the clip). (Ahem).
Bláithín (junior) comes in sizes from 12 months to 9 years, and has many of the same design elements as the adult cardigan – but obviously on a much smaller scale. For that reason, it would be an ideal project for a beginner to try out some of the techniques I discussed in my steek tutorials, before taking the plunge and steeking an adult-sized sweater.
Just like the adult cardigan, the junior version features i-cord buttonholes . . .
. . .steek sandwich facings . . .
. . . and neat little inset pockets. . .
The yoke features the same floral design as the adult version, but is simpler and shallower.
This sample was expertly test knitted by Eimear Earley, who you may remember as the designer of the shawl pin I mentioned in this post. Thanks, Eimear!
And, like the adult pattern, the junior version was tech-edited by brilliant Jen Arnall Culliford.
So, if you know a small person who would like their very own wee Bláithín, the pattern is now available here or here
I’ll also shortly have print versions of both Bláithín patterns ready for my yarn-store stockists.
I’ve been working on these designs for a couple of months now and am really pleased with them – it is great to get them out of my head and into the world! And, intrusive health-issues notwithstanding, I am enjoying designing tremendously at the moment. I think I can now mention that I am now working on a collection of new designs (yes, an actual book) that should be out by the end of the year. I’ll tell you more about this as time goes on. . .
