I’ve been thinking (and thinking and thinking and thinking) about what to use for a surprise jacket; I couldn’t make up my mind on what yarn to use (so many choices!) so I turned all that indecision into a plan. I’m going to make each of the patterns in The Complete Surprise Jacket. I started with the scarf and this baby jacket is my first time thru the SJ pattern. I love Cully Swansen’s comments on the original pattern instructions, they were really helpful!

Since I’m going down the path of numerous jackets, it became easier to pick out yarn. This time out, I used Bamboo Pop, a bamboo/cotton blend that is perfect for south Texas. It comes in a ton of colors and is really soft on your hands.

Tricks you need to know for this pattern:

1. basics (cast on, knit, bind off, weaving in ends).
2. increases
3. decreases
4. pattern reading! the BSJ (Baby Surprise Jacket) is named “Surprise” for a reason and is not intuitive to newcomers - be sure to trust the pattern and you’ll enjoy the adventure it takes you on. :)
5. seams (there are only 2, one on each sleeve)
6. If you like my version, I single crocheted in the contrast yarn around all the edges and seams.

Cully Swansen’s comments were so helpful, I have no working notes/tips to add. :)