Which soaker pattern should I buy?

[RufusBeans]

I'm sorry, I am sure this question has been asked to death, but I need help and know you ladies are who to ask...

I just started knitting, I can do it, I am currently learning to knit in the round (Haven't tried double pointed needles, they scare me)

When pattern should I buy? I like the look of F and F, if I get hsy, I can ge the pattern for pants too, or should I stick by the 'ol standby ltk?

Which do you like and why?

(I am afraid I won't get enough 'help' from the free online patterns)

tia

[tboroson]

Personally, I was happy with my own pattern... until I bought ltk's Ribby Wrap. I *love* not having to corral two little wiggling legs to get it on, and having to drag poopy down her legs to get it off if the diaper inside leaks. And they're so cute!!! I've been doing the crochet edge in a contrast color and using cute buttons. I love 'em

Funny thing is, someone here posted a link to a vintage pattern for a ribby soaker a while back. I saw that and thought - hey, I should try to draft one that is a wrap style! (Because I knew I preferred wraps to soakers in general.) But, I didn't have my babe on hand yet for experimenting, and by the time I did Theresa had beaten me to the punch

[twouglyducks]

The F&F pattern has pants and soakers knit flat OR in the round all in one booklet. It's pretty straight forward and you always get a custom fit b/c you plug in your own numbers and measurements.

[Lauira]

I would go with the holy sheep pattern. You get the soaker and pants (or shorts or capris) and you get three gauges. I prefer my knit pants in a bulky weight (knits much faster too!), and you don't have to adjust anything for this. Plus you can buy your yarn at the same time! Their online support is AWESOME. Questions are answered super fast. This is the easiest pattern for newbies IMO.

[Lauira]

Oh, Tara! Great name! When was she born? And is it Aaaaah nika or Ann ika? (Just curious! LOL!)

[tboroson]

Aaaahh-nik-a Thank you! She was born on the 14th of August. I guess it's time to change my sig - she's still new, but I guess the babymoon is over. She's a month old now

Your Anika is a very pretty girl! I have to get pics of my girls up. Hrm, actually I do have one of Talia online. I'll have to incorporate that one into my sig...

[hunnybumm]

I curently use the HSY pattern, I also had the LTK pattern. Both are pretty easy. LTK has a whole forum for support which is great you usually get a responce with in 24 hours. HSY has a support Yahoo group and I swear Cass carries her computer around on her belt because she answers super duper fast, like with in mintues usually. You can get the basic LTK pattern with yarn for cheaper than you can buy those two seperate. But I prefer the HSY yarn because it is a little softer.

What I would personal do though is use a free pattern for your frist soaker and post any questions here or at Wooly Wonders Forumswhich is more specficaly for knitters. That way you can make a soaker and once you find out what shape / style of soaker you want you can decided which one to purchase. Or if you already know what style you want check out the galleries of the patterns that you like and see which style you like.

[chicagomom]

I love the ribby wrap! You can do fun stuff w/buttons and edging, and the ribs make a good fit.

[poisonedapple]

Dont have time to read other responses, just wanted to say that I tried several free patterns online, really liked the F&F, and ended up being able to create my own pattern. Its really not as hard as you might think. I wouldnt worry about getting "help" with the free patterns because everyone here is very helpful for free and bought patterns, so we will be here to help answer questions. I prefered the F&F free to the ltk pattern, just my 2cents on that one. Do you own soakers at home? Do they look similar to any of the patterns you are seeing? Might be able to find a pattern similar or make your own with those likes in mind. Good luck, and be sure to share pics!