This is the 20,603rd Ravelry BSJ project, and my fourth. I don’t feel like an expert yet. As proof, I started this project using EZ’s book for instructions. Half way through this BSJ I bought the pattern. It is helpful.

Cast on 162 stitches (an extra two stitches to accommodate the decrease modification by KathyInGeorgia on the BSJ Wiki page) link text It’s an alternative decrease that makes a crisp angle with one knitted stitch where the decreases meet. See the third photograph. That camera angle is the front near the bottom (4th) buttonhole up to left armhole, or, it can be viewed by magnifying (zooming in on) my first photograph.

The yarn is from two different sweaters that I took apart - upcycled. (See photograph 4 and 5.) Both donor sweaters were 100% wool, which is probably not the best fiber for a baby sweater, when thinking about washability. (Wool must be hand washed.) I always give an index card with washing instructions with my hand knitted presents.

I doubled the yarn throughout this project. This sweater is quite heavy.

Color Changes:
Main color is a navy with flecks.
Ridges to give you the stripes that I’ve done:
5th ridge (one ridge) (sleeve) is turquoise
8-10 (two ridges) (sleeve) are turquoise
31 - 33 (three ridges) are turquoise
36 - 38 (three ridges) are turquoise

I put in four buttonholes that were five stitches apart. I used these buttonholes directions: link text
I decreased five stitches inside the buttonhole, which is on the large size for a buttonhole; and, I cast on six stitches.

To sew the top shoulder seams I used this instructive YouTube video link text

After I sewed the buttons on, I realized that the buttonholes were too big, so I sewed each buttonhole closed by one stitch. I should have practiced. I was in too much of a rush to finish.

I still might knit some ribbing around the wrists.

Width between 3rd and 4th button - 10.5 inches.
Length from neck to bottom - 12.25 inches.

Row 81 is a FABULOUS place to change color. That would make the whole buttonhole band be a contrasting color. MUST MUST MUST do this the next time.

I already want to start my fifth BSJ. This time I want knit one with girl color yarn.