a jolly wonderful wallaby
While this Wonderful Wallaby is indeed wonderful, marvelous even, I have always liked the word jolly. Since I kept thinking of the Jolly Green Giant while knitting this wallaby for Little Sir, I am going with that (and also, jolly just happens to be one of my favorite adjectives, I have no idea why).
This sweater took a bit longer than it really had to, it's a very easy sweater. But because I don't have the ability to knit monogamously, it seemed to take forever. I should have gotten back to it sooner, this sweater is a nice little knitting ego boost (super easy, super quick!). The Elizabeth Zimmermann inspired pullover is another example of genius construction, truly seamless (underarm grafting aside).
I was originally going to make a red one (Little Sir looks FABULOUS in red). But I had all of this gorgeous green on hand, it seemed like a good idea. I think it worked out well, clearly Little Sir thinks so.
I subbed in a seed stitch border for the ribbing because, like Ms. Frick, I just happen to like seed stitch--it's the cat's pajamas. I also made the hood longer than suggested because Little Sir is very much a Big Sir when it comes to the size of his noggin (and his stomach for that matter).
I made the wallaby much larger than it really needed to be. It's supposed to be for next winter, as the New England summers do not make a pullover necessary, really. I also have come to the realization that I think my kid is larger than he actually is, the sweater is huge; but, that just means he will wear it for longer...right?
So yes, we heart the Wonderful Wallaby. Even if we will have to handwash this one.
Wonderful Wallaby, aka Jolly
Pattern: Wonderful Wallaby
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Merino Aran, 323005 (why don't we just call it Pine Green), 4.5 balls
Needles: US 8 Bamboo Circs and dpns
Modifications: Seed stitch in for ribbing, longer hood
I love the jolliness of this particular Wonderful Wallaby, but I think the concept of the sweater is pretty spectacular. As many who have already made it have said, I am sure I will be making this again (there is a flickr group, just for wallabies!!). Have you made one? If you haven't, you should. Seriously.
He looks like he loves it! What a happy kid.
I'm on the verge of starting a 2nd one in green! Now you got me itching to start Wallaby-ing now!
Posted by:lola | June 04, 2007 at 12:31 PM
Adorable and jolly! And the wallaby is nice too! :~)
Posted by:kathy | June 04, 2007 at 12:57 PM
The oversized look is great on Little Sir! He's such a cutie :) The picture with the daisy is the best!
Posted by:Kristy | June 04, 2007 at 12:57 PM
The wallaby looks great. Inspiration to get my hubby's finshed!!! The model looks great in it. I think the seed stitch edging is a neat changeup!
Posted by:Lisa | June 04, 2007 at 01:27 PM
The wallaby is super cute, but I have to say (once again) I just adore Little Sir. He is just about the cutest thing ever.
Posted by:Lolly | June 04, 2007 at 01:51 PM
Darling sweater on an even more darling boy!
Posted by:margene | June 04, 2007 at 01:57 PM
Your Wallaby looks wonderful and Little Sir looks great in it. He always looks so happy.
Posted by:Karen | June 04, 2007 at 02:06 PM
OH! The sweetness!!
What a great Wallaby! - I love everything about it. I always love me some seed stitch, what a great mod. I think I'm going to have to put this on my To Make list for the boys (who also happen to possess big noggins).
You take such great pictures - I especially like the last one.
Posted by:earthchick | June 04, 2007 at 02:17 PM
He looks just wonderful in that gorgeous colour!! I have made about 7 of those WW's and do love the pattern although by #6 I was tired of stockinette I can tell you, especially as 2 of the 7 were for adults:)
They are a great sweater and I did find the pattern a bit on the small side so always knit one size up but maybe it was my knitting and not the pattern at all!! take good care and Happy Knitting...ss
Posted by:Susanne | June 04, 2007 at 02:40 PM
That jolly wallaby is doing its darnedest to vie for cutest thing in this post, but, as per usual, it is no match for Little Sir.
Posted by:knittingphilistine | June 04, 2007 at 02:42 PM
Love the jolly Wallaby and it looks like Little Sir does, too. The color is fabulous on him!!
Posted by:Stacey | June 04, 2007 at 03:29 PM
Always great to see knit action shots! He looks so happy in his wallaby. I keep hearing good things about that sweater pattern, I need to give it a try!
Posted by:Kim U | June 04, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Wonderful, Nova! Little Sir clearly approves, and I think jolly is an excellent adjective for both the sweater and Little Sir's expression. That turned out really well, and I bet come autumn you will be glad you knit it a little big. Great color for Little Sir, too!
Posted by:Brenda | June 04, 2007 at 04:03 PM
ADORABLE!! The Wallaby is my all time favorite kid sweater - I made 4...one for each of my children. Someday I'm making one for me!
I love your seed stitch borders -just makes it look richer, more finished and special.
Posted by:Pat | June 04, 2007 at 04:15 PM
It's beautiful - you're such a good mama!!
Posted by:Nora | June 04, 2007 at 05:34 PM
That is such a great sweater. I also like the seed stitch. I've yet to make one of these, but it's definitely on my list for my two boys. And it's true--with kid clothes, bigger is always better!
Posted by:Janelle | June 04, 2007 at 05:36 PM
oh my, that little sir is just about the most delicious kid ever!!! the sweater is nice, too ;)! i'm kidding...the sweater is beautiful and i love the seed stitch. terrific job!
Posted by:beth | June 04, 2007 at 06:42 PM
Bad blogger that I am, I am so envious of these past two posts of yours. Gorgeous photos, great knits and wips!
Posted by:JulieFrick | June 04, 2007 at 06:43 PM
Little Sir looks fantastic in his new Jolly Wallaby! I love the seed stitch borders. You make me wish I had some babies to knit for.
Posted by:Kirsten | June 04, 2007 at 07:22 PM
He looks great in the teal green. Very cute!
Posted by:brooke | June 04, 2007 at 08:08 PM
Holy crap--could that kid be cuter in his Wallaby? I love the seed stitch mod too.
Posted by:Ashley | June 04, 2007 at 08:23 PM
Ah, the Wallaby was one of the first items I ever made. It's a great sweater. I love your seed stitch sub much better than ribbing.
Little Sir looks even more adorable than usual.
Posted by:Beth | June 04, 2007 at 10:23 PM
Hooray! I knew it was! I knew it was! Welcome to the wallaby club. Watch out, before you know it, you'll be making one for yourself. It even fit my pregnant self at 30 weeks (check the flickr group...i'm in there, all big and embarrassing.)
your guy is so darling. you just wanna pick him up and smooch on him!
Posted by:jen | June 04, 2007 at 11:41 PM
Little Sir is more adorable with every post! If the sweater had three arms it would still look great on such a perfect model. I think the Cousins, with equally large noggins might need one of these Jolly Wallabys! There might be a yarn donation in my future. :)
Posted by:Barb | June 05, 2007 at 12:57 AM
Little Sir looks great in Pine Green!
Posted by:claudia | June 05, 2007 at 12:59 AM