I didn't plan on knitting a sweater for a chicken. Ever. But when Bonnie Jo sent me this story, and knowing that Meg has been feeling peckish, I didn't stop to think. I had to cast on.
I used yarn from the abundant stash and the Young Lady raided her collection for the perfect buttons.
Not being intimately familiar with the anatomy of a live chicken, I wasn't sure exactly how this little jumper was going to fit on the actual bird. The directions were not perfectly clear about fronts and backs and head openings and hen sizing. It is a 'one size fits most' kind of pattern. Knowing that Meg is a petite little chick, I cast on with a smaller needle size, but otherwise followed the directions. I kept the faith, kept on knitting, and then went back to the website to really study the photos of chickens wearing sweaters so I could figure out what in the name of chicken feathers I was knitting.
It was quick project and the Young Lady and I were eager to deliver it to Meg, hoping it would boost her spirits.
Here is Meg, modeling her sweater. It is much, much too big for her little frame. Bonnie Jo had to roll up the bottom a bit to keep it from catching on Meg's feet. Marge has been missing Meg out there in the coop, so she was allowed in for a quick visit, and Meg graciously allowed Marge to try on the sweater.
It fit Marge perfectly, and really suited her coloring. Meg decided to let Marge keep the sweater, and I promised Meg I would make her one that fit better. I finished it last night, but still need to block it and sew on the buttons.
Marge went back out into the snow and cold, wearing her sweater and showing it off to Golda and Gloria. I raided the stash again when I got back home and found complimentary yarns to make sweaters for them.
Knitting for chickens was not the only thing I did over the weekend. On Saturday, 3 of my knitting friends and I loaded ourselves into the car and took a mini road trip up to exotic Kokomo, Indiana for their annual Winter Woolen. Quilting, knitting, tatting, spinning, weaving, needle punch, cross stitch and rug hooking were all represented by vendors selling supplies and hand made items, and by guild members and experts teaching and demonstrating their respective arts. Such was my inspiration and sensory overload that I neglected to take any blog-worthy photos of the day. I did manage to buy some roving to spin, a pair of super warm mittens made of recycled felted sweaters, and some home made soaps. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I think we were all pleased with the event, although we all agreed that knitting could have been better represented. Fortunately for each of us, our fiber interests don't stop with knitting and there was plenty there to enchant us. We spent our afternoon enjoying a long lunch, and as the restaurant was not busy, we lingered with our knitting. Our Saturday together was a desperately needed boost in what has been a looooong, snowy, grey winter.
Love,
Kim
