The Becka Wedding Garter:

Well it's been a long journey, and it isn't over yet. I have been through several different versions, swatches, patterns, etc., and this is where I am:


The pattern is my own, though you can see it is just based on feather and fan with some additional decreases and eyelets at the top edge. It still has to get elastic on the back, and navy blue ribbon on the front across the band of stockinette. I am quite pleased. It hasn't gone perfectly, though. I made a crucial error by knitting my gauge swatch back and forth when I knew I intended to knit the actual garter seamlessly in the round. I ended up having to remove a few pattern repeats and seaming it. It looks great, but as a knitter, and a perfectionist I am disappointed in myself. The crochet cotton I used was bright white, and halfway through the bride switched to an off-white gown, so I dyed the lace with coffee and vinegar. The effect is lovely, and antiquey. I really like this pattern, and I wasn't thrilled with any of what I found online after days of searching. My question is: Would anyone be interested in purchasing this pattern if I worked it up for download? A knitted wedding garter is the perfect momento gift for a bride from a maid of honor, bridesmaid, or any knitter friend. There aren't too many such patterns out there right now. This one is appropriate for the advanced beginner/intermediate knitter. I just need to work out some of the bugs. I will post photos of the finished piece. This pattern as is (knitted flat) with a snap at the back also makes a beautiful lace collar/necklace.

In baby news: Ray is eating a little food! I know, it's early. We were going to wait until she was 6 months old, but the pediatrician said she could start any time now if we wanted, and she seemed interested in our food, so last week I gave her some mashed bananas with breast milk, and she really liked it. It didn't take her very long to figure out that food goes from the front of the mouth to the back of the mouth. Now she flaps her arms and grunts between spoonfuls. She's had a little whole grain rice cereal as well. Imagine my surprise when she produced a solid poop this morning for the first time. Anyone who has had exclusively breastfed babies knows what I mean. I was not prepared for that. Good for her. Mazel Tov, Sweetie.