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Embracing the Ethereal: The Sophia Romper in Mohair Lace

When I think about the most enchanting photo props for newborns, my mind often wanders to the delicate beauty of mohair lace. There’s something truly magical about its soft, fluffy texture that perfectly complements the tender innocence of a newborn. Recently, I had the joy of creating a new knitting pattern that I’ve named the Sophia Romper, designed specifically for newborn photography. This romper, crafted with my favorite mohair yarn, KnitPicks Aloft, is a dream come true for any knitter looking to create a timeless and ethereal piece.

Discovering the Inspiration

The inspiration for the Sophia Romper came from a serene morning walk. As the early light filtered through the trees, I noticed how the mist clung delicately to the leaves, creating a soft, hazy glow. That vision stuck with me, and I knew I wanted to capture that same sense of gentle beauty and warmth in a knitting project. I wanted something that would envelop a newborn in softness, while also being light and airy, allowing the baby’s natural beauty to shine through.

Choosing the Perfect Yarn: KnitPicks Aloft

For this special project, I turned to my favorite mohair yarn: KnitPicks Aloft. This yarn is a blend of 72% Super Kid Mohair and 28% Silk, making it incredibly soft and luxurious. The silk adds a subtle sheen, while the mohair provides a cloud-like halo. KnitPicks Aloft comes in a stunning array of colors, each more captivating than the last. For the Sophia Romper, I chose a soft, pastel hue that I knew would look beautiful in photographs and complement a variety of newborn skin tones.

The Charm of Mohair Lace

Working with mohair lace can be both a challenge and a delight. The delicate strands require a gentle touch, but the end result is always worth the effort. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing the intricate lace pattern take shape, with its delicate holes and flowing lines. The Sophia Romper features a simple yet elegant lace pattern that adds texture and interest without overwhelming the overall design. It’s just enough to give the romper that special something, making it a standout piece in any newborn photo session.

Crafting the Sophia Romper

As I began to knit the Sophia Romper, I found myself falling in love with the process. Each stitch felt like a step closer to capturing that ethereal beauty I had envisioned. The pattern starts with a delicate lace yoke, which then flows into the main body of the romper. The mohair yarn created a fabric that was both light and warm, perfect for keeping a newborn cozy without adding bulk. The romper is designed to fit snugly, accentuating the baby’s natural curves while providing just the right amount of stretch for comfort.

The Finishing Touches

One of the things I love most about creating knitting patterns is adding those special finishing touches that make a piece truly unique. For the Sophia Romper, I chose to add a dainty ribbon tie at the back, allowing for a customizable fit and a touch of vintage charm. The leg openings are finished with a simple picot edge, adding a delicate detail that complements the lace yoke beautifully. These little touches, though small, make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the romper.

Why I Love KnitPicks Aloft

KnitPicks Aloft has been my go-to yarn for mohair projects for quite some time now, and for good reason. The quality of the yarn is consistently excellent, with each skein offering the perfect blend of softness and strength. The color selection is unparalleled, with everything from soft pastels to rich jewel tones. For the Sophia Romper, I wanted a color that would be versatile enough to suit a variety of settings, and KnitPicks Aloft delivered. The yarn is also incredibly lightweight, making it a joy to work with and ensuring that the finished piece is both comfortable and photogenic. YOu can purchase the yarn for this project here.

The Joy of Newborn Photography Props

Creating photo props for newborn photography is one of my greatest joys as a knitter. There’s something so special about knowing that my creations will be part of capturing those precious early moments in a baby’s life. The Sophia Romper, with its delicate lace and soft mohair texture, is designed to highlight the natural beauty of a newborn, making it an ideal choice for professional photographers and proud parents alike. I can already imagine the beautiful photos that will be taken with this romper, each one a testament to the love and care that went into creating it.

Perfect Pairing: The Sophia Romper and Sophia Sleep Cap

The Sophia Romper pairs beautifully with the Sophia Sleep Cap, creating a cohesive and enchanting ensemble for newborn photography. The delicate lace patterns and the soft, luxurious texture of KnitPicks Aloft yarn in both pieces complement each other perfectly, adding a touch of vintage charm and ethereal elegance. The sleep cap, with its snug fit and delicate lace design, frames the baby’s face in the most delightful way, enhancing the overall aesthetic and making for truly memorable photographs. Together, the romper and sleep cap make an ideal set for capturing the tender beauty of a newborn.

Sharing the Sophia Romper Pattern

While I won’t include the pattern instructions here, I’m thrilled to share the Sophia Romper with fellow knitters. I hope that others will find as much joy in creating this piece as I did. Whether you’re knitting it as a gift for a new parent, adding it to your collection of photography props, or simply looking for a beautiful project to work on, the Sophia Romper is sure to be a rewarding and satisfying knit.

Conclusion

In the world of knitting, there are few things more satisfying than creating something truly beautiful and meaningful. The Sophia Romper, crafted with love and care using KnitPicks Aloft, is a testament to the timeless charm of mohair lace. Its delicate design and luxurious feel make it a perfect choice for newborn photography, capturing those fleeting moments in a way that is both elegant and enduring. As I look forward to seeing the romper in use, I’m filled with a sense of pride and joy, knowing that my creation will be a part of so many special memories.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of creating the Sophia Romper. I hope it inspires you to pick up your needles and create something beautiful. Happy knitting!

Materials and Info

Materials: 90-200 yds of lace weight (size 0) mohair yarn (I used KnitPicks aloft), size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles, yarn needle, 2 stitch markers

Gauge: 5sts/in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~

Abbreviation Key:

K – knit

P – purl

yo – yarn over

k2tog – knit 2 together

sl – slip st knitwise

psso – pass slipped stitch over

p2tog – purl 2 together

m1 – make one

ssk – slip, slip, knit

Sizes: newborn (6.5x9ins), 3-6mth (7.5×11.5ins), 6-12mths (8.5x13ins)

This is what one half will look like when you complete it. You will need 2 of these pieces to make the full romper. The 2 pieces are identical. If you noticed my ties are different than the braided ties I mentioned and would like them as pictured, I used a 3.25mm crochet hook and slip stitched for about 8ins.

Sophia Romper Pattern

NEWBORN

Bib
Cast on 21sts
Row 1 (right side)– k1 [yo, k3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 3 – k1[k1, yo, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k2] repeat [to] across
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2, yo, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1[k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k4] repeat [to] across
Row 8 – purl across
Work rows 1-8 one more time.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 2.75ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
Bottom
Row 1 – k1, m1, k19, m1, k1 (23sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1, m1, k21, m1, k1 (25sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – cast on 3sts, knit across (28sts)
Row 6 – cast on 3sts, purl across (31sts)
Work in stockinette st for 3ins starting with a knit row and ending after completing a purl row. Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Decrease rows
Row 1 – k1, ssk, k25, k2tog, k1 (29sts)
Row 2 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 3 – k1, ssk, k23, k2tog, k1 (27sts)
Row 5 – k1, ssk, k21, k2tog, k1 (25sts)
Row 7 – k1, ssk, k19, k2tog, k1 (23sts)
Row 9 – k1, ssk, k17, k2tog, k1 (21sts)
Row 11 – k1, ssk, k15, k2tog, k1 (19sts)
Row 13 – k1, ssk, k13, k2tog, k1 (17sts)
Work 5 rows in stockinette st starting and ending with a purl row. DO NOT BIND OFF. Leave your stitches on a spare needle or stitch holder. Leaving enough of a tail to Kitchener stitch the crotch together once you have both pieces done.
Sew seams. Weave in ends. Now either cut 3 strand of yarn appx 16ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bib. Pull the ends through this loop and braid.
Repeat on the other side and both ends of the back of the bib. Finish off.

3-6 MONTHS
Bib
Cast on 25sts
Row 1 (right side)– k3 [yo, k3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1] repeat [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 2 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 3 – k3[k1, yo, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k2] repeat [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k3 [k2, yo, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k3] repeat [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k3[k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k4] repeat [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 8 – purl across
Work rows 1-8 one more time.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 3ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
Bottom
Row 1 – k1, m1, k23, m1, k1 (27sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1, m1, k25, m1, k1 (29sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, m1, k27, m1, k1 (31sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – cast on 3sts, knit across (34sts)
Row 8 – cast on 3sts, purl across (37sts)
Work in stockinette st for 3.5ins starting with a knit row and ending after completing a purl row. Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Decrease rows
Row 1 – k1, ssk, k31, k2tog, k1 (35sts)
Row 2 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 3 – k1, ssk, k29, k2tog, k1 (33sts)
Row 5 – k1, ssk, k27, k2tog, k1 (31sts)
Row 7 – k1, ssk, k25, k2tog, k1 (29sts)
Row 9 – k1, ssk, k23, k2tog, k1 (27sts)
Row 11 – k1, ssk, k21, k2tog, k1 (25sts)
Row 13 – k1, ssk, k19, k2tog, k1 (23sts)
Row 15 – k1, ssk, k17, k2tog, k1 (21sts)
Row – 17 – k1, ssk, k15, k2tog, k1 (19sts)
Work 6 rows in stockinette st starting with a purl row. DO NOT BIND OFF. Leave your stitches on a spare needle or stitch holder. Leaving enough of a tail to Kitchener stitch the crotch together once you have both pieces done.
Sew seams. Weave in ends. Now either cut 3 strand of yarn appx 16ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bib. Pull the ends through this loop and braid.
Repeat on the other side and both ends of the back of the bib. Finish off.

6-12 MONTHS
Bib
Cast on 31sts
Row 1 (right side) – k1 [yo, k3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1] repeat [to] across
Row 2 (wrong side) – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k1, yo, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k2] repeat [to] across
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2, yo, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k3] repeat [to] across
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1[k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k4] repeat [to] across
Row 8 – purl across
Work rows 1-8 one more time.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 3.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row.
Bottom
Row 1 – k1, m1, k29, m1, k1 (33sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1, m1, k31, m1, k1 (35sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, m1, k33, m1, k1 (37sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – cast on 3sts, knit across (40sts)
Row 8 – cast on 3sts, purl across (43sts)
Work in stockinette st for 4ins starting with a knit row and ending after completing a purl row. Place 1 marker on each end of the end row.
Decrease rows
Row 1 – k1, ssk, k37, k2tog, k1 (41sts)
Row 2 (and all following wrong side rows) – purl
Row 3 – k1, ssk, k35, k2tog, k1 (39sts)
Row 5 – k1, ssk, k33, k2tog, k1 (37sts)
Row 7 – k1, ssk, k31, k2tog, k1 (35sts)
Row 9 – k1, ssk, k29, k2tog, k1 (33sts)
Row 11 – k1, ssk, k27, k2tog, k1 (31sts)
Row 13 – k1, ssk, k25, k2tog, k1 (29sts)
Row 15 – k1, ssk, k23, k2tog, k1 (27sts)
Row 17 – k1, ssk, k21, k2tog, k1 (25sts)
Row 19 – k1, ssk, k19, k2tog, k1 (23sts)
Work 7 rows in stockinette st starting and ending with a purl row. DO NOT BIND OFF. Leave your stitches on a spare needle or stitch holder. Leaving enough of a tail to Kitchener stitch the crotch together once you have both pieces done.
Sew seams. Weave in ends. Now either cut 3 strand of yarn appx 16ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bib. Pull the ends through this loop and braid.
Repeat on the other side and both ends of the back of the bib. Finish off.

Sophia Romper PDF