Hedgie Sweater

If you've read my blog for a while, you may remember this pattern from a previous project.  I love the style of the Offset Wraplan so much and was thrilled when a friend asked me to make one for a baby shower - it gave me an excuse to make it again!  This sweater is done in very soft, very washable acrylic (Red Heart "Soft Yarn").  I did six row stripes of red and cream since we knew the baby is a boy.

We wanted the sweater to fit in the theme of the baby's room (woodland animals) and specifically match the darling hedgehog bedding.  My friend picked out this adorable hedgie applique from Missy Magoo on Etsy.  While most of the products on Missy Magoo are actually embroidered onesies, the nice part about Etsy is that almost every seller is willing to work with you to make just what you're looking for.  The owner, Janey, whipped up this little guy in an evening and had him in the mail to me the next day.  I put a little handful of fiberfill behind the applique when I sewed it on to give it a little dimensionality. 

photo by of Debbie at Buttered Parsnips

Next we searched for the perfect buttons.  For me, the buttons make the sweater, and while searching for hedgehog appliques I came across the store Buttered Parsnips.  After a couple emails back and forth to discuss size and colors, Debbie had these seven 1/2" buttons ready for me and they arrived 2 days later! (there are 2 toadstools, an acorn, a bird, 2 leaves and, of course, a hedgie!)

I just love it when a project comes together!