Project: Baby Surprise Jacket

I first became aware of Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket pattern when I worked in retail ... For a little while we had one on display in store, receiving a lot of attention.

I wasn't particularly drawn to it - probably because the yarn and colours chosen for it did not appeal to me. I thought there must be something wrong with me because I wasn't the slightest bit interested! I guess it made some sort of impression though, because a few years later I actually purchased the book, 'The Complete Surprise' by Cully Swansen. I hasten to add that after my 1st experience of this jacket I went on to discover some lovely examples online, which is really what prompted me to investigate further. I became quite intrigued about this jacket which is knitted in one piece and then folded to form what actually looks like a garment, before a single seam is made along the top of each sleeve in order to complete the process.

When I found myself with a dose of the common cold and accompanying lack of brain function this last week or so, I decided that maybe it was time I got out my book and do something about this pattern other than look at the pictures! Upon closer inspection I decided it all looked pretty easy really, and should provide mindless enough knitting for me to carry on with until my brain came back. I located some unraveled wool lurking in my stash and chose three complementary yarns. Now I was itching to see how this 'thing' actually came together!

I learned as I knitted away, that this garment is amazingly designed. I now marvel at the genius of this woman, Elizabeth Zimmerman, a notoriously gifted knitter and influence on the knitting world during the 20th Century and beyond. I would like to have been a fly on the wall watching her come up with the concept! I concur, that to begin with she must have enjoyed origami.

The funniest thing about me knitting this garment, is that I thought I had worked out what direction it was going in fairly early on in the piece. I was probably about halfway through when I realised that I actually hadn't!

I decided then that it was a good idea to make some notes, to remind me of what I need to watch for, in case I ever make another one! A really good idea, when the brain holds so many memories that some are just not willing to show up when you want them to! I did enjoy doing the 'origami thing' though! Even if it didn't go the way I predicted it would - surprise jacket indeed!

The thing I like the most about this project is: you pick as many or as few colours as you like, use them how you like - and see what happens! The 'pattern' emerges before your very eyes! Seriously, it does! So my knitting friends ... if you have never made this and you feel like a bit of a fun, unpredictable challenge, I recommend you do so. The design performs perfectly. You will end up with two symmetrical fronts, without even trying! And the back will be different, but tastefully so! It is absolutely perfect for using up 'scraps' that knit to the same tension/gauge.

As a bonus - when you are finished your non knitting friends will think you are VERY clever! And of course, they will be absolutely right!