Fall is really truly almost here. We’ve had some 45 degree (Fahrenheit) weather in the early morning so it seemed time to get this gorgeous hoodie out and take it for a test drive. Since I’m am vigilant about taking pictures before or soon after I decide to put a knit into rotation, I knew I had to get this done. I am not crazy about taking pictures of myself. I criticize my weird facial expressions and sometimes am not as forgiving of my post-baby body, even though it performed like a champ when it came to birthing babies and feeding them for over four years now. I get discouraged when I can’t fit into all of the clothes that I truly love, but am still holding onto because I have hope that things will change when I’m done breastfeeding. More importantly, I need to change my attitude and love my body for what it can do, not what I think it should look like based on millions of media examples and my own perfectionistic tendencies. Phew. 
This hoodie is the R&R Hoodie by Tanis Lavallee. I used her line of yarn called Purewash Worsted in the color Lotus. I used almost all of the seven hanks I purchased, but I did add some length to the body and arms. I love this yarn. It’s delightfully squishy and very soft. I am not going to be throwing it in the washer and dryer, because I like to pamper my knits more than that to make them last. 
To combat pooling with hand-dyed yarns it’s best to alternate skeins every couple of rows, and Tanis wisely advises this. I did just that. There was still a bit of pooling on the sleeves as the size of the rounds changed, but I don’t really mind it. I adore this color. 
My blogging has not been as frequent as I’d like lately due to starting a private therapy practice. I am beyond thrilled to soon be working for myself full-time and doing something I truly love. When that is settled I’ll be able to devote more energy to writing about my knitting experiments, but for now I’m aiming to stay in touch about once a week. I am getting so inspired for cold weather knits and can’t wait to share more about those!
The cozy hoodie
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your blog! Love the modern knits that you feature. Also, you are beautiful!
You definitely need to be kinder to yourself. You look absolutely gorgeous! Congrats on finishing your hoodie. It’s turned out so beautiful and I love the yarn. Congrats too on going into private practice!
From one I’ve-been-breast-feeding-for-the-past-four-years mama to another, you are beautiful and I totally agree that our bodies are so much more than the shape we see reflected in the mirror. Can you believe that we actually made and nourished those humans that are walking around independently!?!? Because I can’t. We are awesome! And of course, so is your hoodie!
Your hoodie looks amazing, and great call on alternating skeins- I do the same thing when using hand dyed yarn that has a lot of variety. You look fantastic, and your babies love you! Congrats on your new practice, that is truly exciting. High five!
I always love seeing your finished knits. You pick great patterns and yarn colors.
My babies are in their 20’s and I still have to remind myself that being healthy and able is more important than fitting in a certain size of jeans. It helps me to remember hugging my own mom and thinking how perfect she felt to me…
Great job; it’s a fun color and looks cozy.
I’m seeing this sweater lot lately and adding it to my queue!
Your hoodie looks nice. Good job on the zipper.
Bravo on starting your new therapy practice, on loving yourself as you are, and for knitting this AMAZING hoodie. I love it and it looks fantastic!
Thanks so much! Your comment really made my night.