knitting a wool soaker??

[preggymeaggy]

Don't know if anyone has discussed this before, but..........

I just recently became interested in wool soakers. They look so fabulous, but are sooo expensive. Knitting is one of my hobbies, so I thought I could make my own.

Anyone have a pattern for a wool soaker, and maybe also a wool soaker longy (long wool pants)?? What kind of wool would you purchase for these knitted soakers, and would you felt the wool?

Can't wait to start this fun new project, and I hope someone has a pattern idea for me!!

[Marlet]

I think most of us here use either Little Turtle Knits Picky Pants or Wooly Wonders wonder shorts/pants. Each one has various other patterns but that seems to be the general ones used. I have both patterns but use the Picky Pants (if you go look at the ruffle fo post that was done with the picky pants pattern). Aubrey Doodlepants is a free pattern for longies. Warm Heart Woolies has a free pattern for a wrap and Tiny Bird has a free pattern for both a soaker and longies, though her longies do need seamed. Curly Purly also has a soaker (free. That one is super easy and fast and has a pleated waistband which most love. It doesn't work for my kids' shape though.

If you buy one I say do the Picky Pants (though I'm bias....I LOVE that pattern ). It is very ideal for getting exactly what you want and stepping you through each and every part.

As for wool I'm partial to Manos for colors and softness but have done longies/shorties in every possible yarn out there. I have used Paton's merino, Manos, Little Turtle Knits farm yarn, random fisherman's wool etc. It really just depends on the babe. For instance Manos felts easy so I like it more on non-mobile babes or ones who are confidently walking. Crawling would felt those babies in a heartbeat. Paton's merino seems to be a good workhorse yarn. Some are more durable than others (I think Peace Fleece is like the clydsdale of yarns). Merino doesn't have a lot of elasticity though so it looses shape fast (think droopy ribbing on a waist). It hasn't stopped me from using it though.

I don't like felting so I avoid it when I can. I know there is a wrap pattern out there (Lion Brand) that is a felted one. I haven't tried it though.

I hope you find something you like! Knitting covers is certainly addicting!

[Marlet]

Here's a great link for you!

It has every possible pattern out there and breaks it down by free/pay, longies/soakers, flat/round work, knitting/crochet. I have a feeling you'll be able to find exactly what you want and more there.

[Think of Winter]

You can absolutely knit your own soakers! They're all pretty basic. I started with an Ottobre. It's knit flat, very easy, and very quick. But it's really only good for tiny ones unless you can get super chunky yarn or pencil roving, and there's a ambiguous part in the pattern. My favorite shortie/longie pattern is Mandie's Sheepy Pants. It's only $6-7, and it's wonderful. Great instructions, lots of color photos, tons of variations, and Mandie is a peach. Check out the Wool Soaker Group on Yahoo groups for die-hard soaker makers.

[lyttlewon]

I have the fern&farie pattern and prefer to knit with the www.handpaintedyarn.com bulky marino. It pills more but it knits so fast. The picky pants pattern assumes worsted weight but the F&F is any yarn. The sheepy soaker is any yarn too.

[stacey2061]

i just finished my first curly purly soaker with knit picks wool of the andes. love them both.

[anjanetteopal]

Check this group out! http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wool_soaker_group/

[liawbh]

My 2 faves are Fern & Faerie and the Wooly Wonder Perfection Pants. Bot hof them you can use any yarn/needles. THe F&F has soaker, pants, and footie pants all in one pattern.
The Perfection Pants have a lot of great tips and tricks, and Pam gives great support.