Taking the donkey for a walk
It’s a beautiful Saturday here in Utopia. Crisp and sunny. We bundled the little guy up in his newly finished Donkey Jacket (a Debbie Bliss pattern) and headed for the Hoyt Arborium this morning. We took the Wildwood Trail, intending to loop around after two miles, but missed the part where we should have looped and found ourselves five miles out, into Forest Park. We came out at Macleay Park and Thumper had really had enough and was starting to get cold. We called a friend to come get us and drive us back to our car. (We tried a cab first, but they wouldn’t come get us because we were at a parking lot but not at an address. Thanks, Radio Cab.) It was a nice day, so no harm done, but we’ve learned an important lesson about having a map of the (extensive and GORGEOUS) trail system and a compass with us, because the maps provided along the trail were too few and far between, and when we really needed one, the map was completely worn away at the You Are Here spot. Anyway, we made it out of the woods alive and well and there’s a new FO to show off:
I used Mission Falls 1824 Wool. The only modification I made to the pattern was to omit the pockets. Thumper carries his wallet and cell phone in his jeans, so I didn’t think he needed pockets in his jacket too. The double-thick fabric formed by the jacket and lining are nice and warm, but it makes for a heavy jacket for a little guy, and a rather heavy hood. When he pushes the hood off–which he does often because the ears annoy him–the weight of the hood hikes the jacket up around his neck. So…super cute design but not all that practical for a toddler. I’ll probably make him wear it a few more times (when we aren’t doing so much running around etc.) and then pack it away. It may have gotten more use if I’d made it much smaller for when he wasn’t yet mobile. And a note on the Debbie Bliss Universe of Monster Babies–this is the 12-month size and Thumper wears 18-24 months clothes. So bear that in mind if you choose to knit this.
Cool jacket. I’m knitting the same one and its turning out way bigger than the 12 months I wanted it to. So, maybe I’m not nuts?
Found your blog weeks ago with the yoda jacket, love it. Back again to say hi. Thanks!
Sadie from Colorado
Posted by: Sadie
So so cute!!! I wanted to make that pattern for my boys, but at the time my knitting skills weren’t up to the task. Wasn’t it just a gorgeous day?!! I’m loving this unusual November weather.
Posted by: Michele
I can’t believe you finished seaming so fast! I avoided it and struggled with it for months!!! I agree that it’s cute, but completely wrong for a toddler. WAY too heavy. My son hated his Halloween costume, no way he’ll deal with the jacket. And what’s up with that hood? My big ol’ head fits in it perfectly.
Posted by: rubyredruca
Oh, Orygun! My Orygun. (sigh)
Posted by: Judith in NYC
He is such a precious little guy!
Posted by: Kathy
Cool jacket. I’m knitting the same one and its turning out way bigger than the 12 months I wanted it to. So, maybe I’m not nuts?
Found your blog weeks ago with the yoda jacket, love it. Back again to say hi. Thanks!
Sadie from Colorado
Posted by: Sadie
So so cute!!! I wanted to make that pattern for my boys, but at the time my knitting skills weren’t up to the task. Wasn’t it just a gorgeous day?!! I’m loving this unusual November weather.
Posted by: Michele
I can’t believe you finished seaming so fast! I avoided it and struggled with it for months!!! I agree that it’s cute, but completely wrong for a toddler. WAY too heavy. My son hated his Halloween costume, no way he’ll deal with the jacket. And what’s up with that hood? My big ol’ head fits in it perfectly.
Posted by: rubyredruca
Oh, Orygun! My Orygun. (sigh)
Posted by: Judith in NYC
He is such a precious little guy!
Posted by: Kathy
It’s so cute!! Too bad about the weight of the hood. That would seriously irk me. Would he wear it a little easier if you took the ears off? He’s such a cutie :o)
Posted by: Stephanie
mmmm, i miss those trails. the thump looks so very adorable with those flopsy ears. i am glad portland is treating you so well. question…that looks like the ergo carrier. do you recommend it highly? we have some packs the beans are growing quickly out of….and i have a feeling they will not be hiking anytime soon. smiles north to you and the family. amiee
Posted by: mamie
Thumper’s got ears! Dang, too bad it’s so darned heavy for him. Apparently not only meant for monster babies, but weight-lifting babies as well…
Lovely pix of Forest Park. And yeah, you can get lost in there. It’s so bloody huge! But oh so gorgeous. Thanks for showing it as well as Thumper and his sweater! (Boo to Radio Cab – c’mon, Radio, you’re letting me down on the praise I keep giving you for a great cab company.) If you should ever happen to come out by Macleay Park again, head up Upshur – the street that leads out of the lot uphill – to the top of the hill; then turn left when it runs into Thurman, left again on 27th. Sounds like a long way, but it’s all of about 4-5 blocks. You’ll see the big white Montgomery Park building a block ahead of you. (Used to be a Montgomery Wards catalog center). Not only do at least two buses stop at MP, but a cab will definitely pick you up from the back or front entries there! (One of my boyfriends used to live in those apartments right next to the Macleay Park lot. As in, you could scan the lot from the balcony. [g] And I worked in the MP building a few years. Small world syndrome strikes again.)
Posted by: MonicaPDX
Oh, what a cute little boy…
Posted by: Anne
Lost in Forest Park – I think that’s happened to us every time we’ve gone on one of those trails. By the way, the things they call maps of that park are highly overrated. I can attest to that. Glad a friend was able to come to your rescue. Makes a great story, though.
Posted by: Tereza
Such a cute jacket! I can see though the ears would be an issue for a toddler! My girl would also get frustrated, they seem to get so fussy don’t they? Lovely walk!
Posted by: Sharon
Is that the Ergo? Can’t wait for Fricklet to be old enough for his! I always fear he’s too squinched up and lost in a sling.
Posted by: JulieFrick
It’s so cute!! Too bad about the weight of the hood. That would seriously irk me. Would he wear it a little easier if you took the ears off? He’s such a cutie :o)
Posted by: Stephanie
mmmm, i miss those trails. the thump looks so very adorable with those flopsy ears. i am glad portland is treating you so well. question…that looks like the ergo carrier. do you recommend it highly? we have some packs the beans are growing quickly out of….and i have a feeling they will not be hiking anytime soon. smiles north to you and the family. amiee
Posted by: mamie
Thumper’s got ears! Dang, too bad it’s so darned heavy for him. Apparently not only meant for monster babies, but weight-lifting babies as well…
Lovely pix of Forest Park. And yeah, you can get lost in there. It’s so bloody huge! But oh so gorgeous. Thanks for showing it as well as Thumper and his sweater! (Boo to Radio Cab – c’mon, Radio, you’re letting me down on the praise I keep giving you for a great cab company.) If you should ever happen to come out by Macleay Park again, head up Upshur – the street that leads out of the lot uphill – to the top of the hill; then turn left when it runs into Thurman, left again on 27th. Sounds like a long way, but it’s all of about 4-5 blocks. You’ll see the big white Montgomery Park building a block ahead of you. (Used to be a Montgomery Wards catalog center). Not only do at least two buses stop at MP, but a cab will definitely pick you up from the back or front entries there! (One of my boyfriends used to live in those apartments right next to the Macleay Park lot. As in, you could scan the lot from the balcony. [g] And I worked in the MP building a few years. Small world syndrome strikes again.)
Posted by: MonicaPDX
Oh, what a cute little boy…
Posted by: Anne
Lost in Forest Park – I think that’s happened to us every time we’ve gone on one of those trails. By the way, the things they call maps of that park are highly overrated. I can attest to that. Glad a friend was able to come to your rescue. Makes a great story, though.
Posted by: Tereza
Such a cute jacket! I can see though the ears would be an issue for a toddler! My girl would also get frustrated, they seem to get so fussy don’t they? Lovely walk!
Posted by: Sharon
Is that the Ergo? Can’t wait for Fricklet to be old enough for his! I always fear he’s too squinched up and lost in a sling.
Posted by: JulieFrick
He is just a doll…look at him go! That jacket is very fun…he must love it.
Posted by: margene
Thanks so much for taking us on your walk with you. I couldn’t help but feel the family love going on. I was certain that Thumper was thinking to himself “I have the coolest Mom ever because she knit me this awesome donkey sweater.” I hope you have many more lovely adventures like this.
Posted by: Jennifer
Hannah says: “Awwwwww! He’s SO CUTE!”
Posted by: regina
don’t you love how all of the super adorable baby patterns are not really built for actual wearing? harumph.
PS – where’d you get that baby backpack, it looks awesome!
Posted by: melanie
what a beautiful day, indeed. sadly, i was working…am going to be today, too.
haven’t gotten up to forest park in ages! if y’all are looking for some good hikes, we know of some real beauties. would have to think on which would be best for Thumper…but some are coming to mind right now!
Posted by: shannon in oregon
Adorable! And those trails look wonderful. Traveled enough to be clear, but wild enough to be interesting. And yeah, boo on crappy maps. We actually got kind of lost on the last trail we went on. It would have been scary but for my boyfriend’s superb sense of direction. If I had been alone, I wold have been living on berries and pine needles for weeks!
Posted by: Marlena
Sweet, sweet, sweetness. And now I want to go and walk in the woods.
Posted by: alison
He is just a doll…look at him go! That jacket is very fun…he must love it.
Posted by: margene
Thanks so much for taking us on your walk with you. I couldn’t help but feel the family love going on. I was certain that Thumper was thinking to himself “I have the coolest Mom ever because she knit me this awesome donkey sweater.” I hope you have many more lovely adventures like this.
Posted by: Jennifer
Hannah says: “Awwwwww! He’s SO CUTE!”
Posted by: regina
don’t you love how all of the super adorable baby patterns are not really built for actual wearing? harumph.
PS – where’d you get that baby backpack, it looks awesome!
Posted by: melanie
what a beautiful day, indeed. sadly, i was working…am going to be today, too.
haven’t gotten up to forest park in ages! if y’all are looking for some good hikes, we know of some real beauties. would have to think on which would be best for Thumper…but some are coming to mind right now!
Posted by: shannon in oregon
Adorable! And those trails look wonderful. Traveled enough to be clear, but wild enough to be interesting. And yeah, boo on crappy maps. We actually got kind of lost on the last trail we went on. It would have been scary but for my boyfriend’s superb sense of direction. If I had been alone, I wold have been living on berries and pine needles for weeks!
Posted by: Marlena
Sweet, sweet, sweetness. And now I want to go and walk in the woods.
Posted by: alison
Thanks for the extra dose of cuteness. Your story reminds me of the time I went for a walk in Forest Park. Thought I would come out at a different trailhead and ended up on Hwy 30, half-way to St Helens. Good times.
Have you thought about removing the ears and possibly switching out the hood for a collar? They are very adorable, but Thumper doesn’t need help in the cute department, and he might appreciate the double-thick warmth this winter.
Posted by: Andi
You know, Thumper is plenty cute on his own, but when you add in a sweet donkey sweater? Lethal levels, lady.
I’ve found the same sizing issue with Debbie Bliss baby stuff in general. But unrelatedly, your socks look awesome!
Posted by: Amy
ah, forest park is a regular for us. the wildwood loop is confusing, and we’ve gotten lost. you can buy a super accessible little box of 10 maps to forest park published by friends of forest park–purchaseable at any bookstore here. very handy.
Posted by: k
Cute as a button (silly expression) and I love the signs about mother nature.
Posted by: Lizbon
I got “lost” like that in Lacamas park in Camas once. None of the maps had any You are Here spots so they were completely worthless to me! I’ll print out a map next time and take it with me too.
But you did pick a fabulous day to venture out!
Posted by: Laurie
really cute jacket! i never even started mine for my little guy as i quickly found out he was sensitive to wool. so i’ve got lot’s of brown yarn hanging out in a box. I thought it was just me, but i knit alex the cable hooded coat last year in the 12 month size, and he, too, is just now able to wear it! also a monster in 18-24 month sized clothes and the sweater fits now. Strange.
Posted by: Cambria
He is such a handsome fella! And while I’m sad to hear that you did all of that work for just a couple of wears, I’m glad that I didn’t end up knitting it for Olive (I was tempted) because I’m way too slow of a knitter to get over such a big project so easily. At least he looks gorgeous in it.
Posted by: Kristy
Thanks for the extra dose of cuteness. Your story reminds me of the time I went for a walk in Forest Park. Thought I would come out at a different trailhead and ended up on Hwy 30, half-way to St Helens. Good times.
Have you thought about removing the ears and possibly switching out the hood for a collar? They are very adorable, but Thumper doesn’t need help in the cute department, and he might appreciate the double-thick warmth this winter.
Posted by: Andi
You know, Thumper is plenty cute on his own, but when you add in a sweet donkey sweater? Lethal levels, lady.
I’ve found the same sizing issue with Debbie Bliss baby stuff in general. But unrelatedly, your socks look awesome!
Posted by: Amy
ah, forest park is a regular for us. the wildwood loop is confusing, and we’ve gotten lost. you can buy a super accessible little box of 10 maps to forest park published by friends of forest park–purchaseable at any bookstore here. very handy.
Posted by: k
Cute as a button (silly expression) and I love the signs about mother nature.
Posted by: Lizbon
I got “lost” like that in Lacamas park in Camas once. None of the maps had any You are Here spots so they were completely worthless to me! I’ll print out a map next time and take it with me too.
But you did pick a fabulous day to venture out!
Posted by: Laurie
really cute jacket! i never even started mine for my little guy as i quickly found out he was sensitive to wool. so i’ve got lot’s of brown yarn hanging out in a box. I thought it was just me, but i knit alex the cable hooded coat last year in the 12 month size, and he, too, is just now able to wear it! also a monster in 18-24 month sized clothes and the sweater fits now. Strange.
Posted by: Cambria
He is such a handsome fella! And while I’m sad to hear that you did all of that work for just a couple of wears, I’m glad that I didn’t end up knitting it for Olive (I was tempted) because I’m way too slow of a knitter to get over such a big project so easily. At least he looks gorgeous in it.
Posted by: Kristy
Thumper is cute, the jacket is too, the carrier looks great, but I think it’s time to knit some leg warmers. Every time I see some poor kid with bare legs hanging, I just want to cuddle him in a blankie. I’m not meaning this as criticism because I know there’s no way to keep the pants (and sometimes jacket sleeves) pulled down on a baby/toddler, but it just looks so cold.
Posted by: Toni K.
Thirding the suggestion to remove the ears, cute as they are, to get a more wearable jacket.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
I miss you guys so much..but seeing these pics of sweet Thumper with all the trees, proves how much you needed this. Can’t wait to visit you!
Posted by: xina
I love kids’ clothes with ears!
Super cute.
Posted by: Dr. Steph
Go to Portland Running Company at the east end of the Morrison Bridge on Grand Ave. They have fabulous, complete maps of Forest Park.
Posted by: LeAnne
the cutest. ever.
bummer about the weight of the jacket though, maybe it would be more workable in a single layer?
Posted by: heather
Stop making me want to move to portland.
Posted by: juno
Thumper is cute, the jacket is too, the carrier looks great, but I think it’s time to knit some leg warmers. Every time I see some poor kid with bare legs hanging, I just want to cuddle him in a blankie. I’m not meaning this as criticism because I know there’s no way to keep the pants (and sometimes jacket sleeves) pulled down on a baby/toddler, but it just looks so cold.
Posted by: Toni K.
Thirding the suggestion to remove the ears, cute as they are, to get a more wearable jacket.
Posted by: Mary K. in Rockport
I miss you guys so much..but seeing these pics of sweet Thumper with all the trees, proves how much you needed this. Can’t wait to visit you!
Posted by: xina
I love kids’ clothes with ears!
Super cute.
Posted by: Dr. Steph
Go to Portland Running Company at the east end of the Morrison Bridge on Grand Ave. They have fabulous, complete maps of Forest Park.
Posted by: LeAnne
the cutest. ever.
bummer about the weight of the jacket though, maybe it would be more workable in a single layer?
Posted by: heather
Stop making me want to move to portland.
Posted by: juno