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As a dedicated knitter and passionate photographer, there’s nothing more delightful than combining these two loves. Recently, I stumbled upon a wonderful knitting project that beautifully merges both worlds: the Sophia Sleep Cap. This delicate mohair lace cap is not only a joy to knit but also serves as a charming photo prop for newborn photography. Today, I want to share my experience knitting this lovely cap and how it has become a treasured addition to my collection of newborn photography props.

The Inspiration Behind the Sophia Sleep Cap

The idea for the Sophia Sleep Cap came to me while I was on the lookout for a unique and gentle accessory for newborn photoshoots. I wanted something soft, ethereal, and timeless. Mohair lace, with its airy texture and slight sheen, seemed like the perfect choice. This particular yarn lends a dreamy quality to the cap, making it look almost magical in photos.

Selecting the Perfect Yarn

When it comes to knitting a delicate piece like the Sophia Sleep Cap, choosing the right yarn is crucial. For this project, I used a mohair lace yarn blended with silk. The mohair gives the cap its signature fluffiness, while the silk adds strength and a subtle shine. I opted for a soft, neutral color to keep the focus on the baby’s face while adding a touch of elegance to the overall look.

The Knitting Process

Knitting the Sophia Sleep Cap was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The pattern, while simple, incorporates a beautiful lace design that adds an element of sophistication to the cap. The process of working with mohair lace yarn can be a bit challenging due to its delicate nature, but the end result is well worth the effort. The cap is knitted in the round, which means no seaming is required—a big plus for those who prefer seamless projects.

One of the things I love most about this cap is how quickly it comes together. Newborn items are typically small and can be finished in just a few evenings. The lace pattern used in the cap is repetitive enough to become almost meditative, allowing me to enjoy the rhythm of knitting while watching my favorite shows or listening to podcasts.

The Joy of Knitting for Newborns

Knitting for newborns is always a special experience. Each stitch feels like a whisper of love, and the end result is something that will be cherished in those first precious moments of a baby’s life. The Sophia Sleep Cap is particularly rewarding because of its simplicity and elegance. The lightweight mohair lace ensures that the cap is both comfortable for the baby and visually stunning in photographs.

Photographing with the Sophia Sleep Cap

One of the greatest joys of completing the Sophia Sleep Cap was seeing it in action during a newborn photoshoot. The cap added a soft, whimsical touch to the images, framing the baby’s face beautifully without overshadowing their delicate features. The lace pattern allowed just the right amount of light to filter through, creating a halo-like effect around the baby’s head.

During the photoshoot, I played around with different setups and props to complement the cap. A cozy blanket, a simple background, and natural light were all that was needed to highlight the beauty of the cap and, more importantly, the baby wearing it. The cap’s neutral color ensured it worked seamlessly with various themes and color schemes, making it an incredibly versatile prop.

Tips for Success

If you’re planning to knit the Sophia Sleep Cap, here are a few tips to ensure your project turns out perfectly:

1. Choose Quality Yarn: The quality of your yarn will make a significant difference in the final look and feel of the cap. Opt for a high-quality mohair and silk blend to achieve the desired softness and sheen. I prefer KnitPicks Aloft which you can purchase here.
2. Check Your Gauge: Ensure your gauge is accurate before starting the project. This will help the cap fit properly and look as intended.
3. Practice the Lace Pattern: If you’re new to lace knitting, practice the pattern on a swatch before starting the cap. This will help you get comfortable with the technique and avoid mistakes.
4. Use Stitch Markers: Place stitch markers at regular intervals to keep track of your stitches, especially when working with lace patterns. This will help you stay on track and catch any errors early.
5. Take Your Time: Knitting for newborns requires patience and attention to detail. Take your time with each stitch and enjoy the process.

The Impact of Hand-Knitted Props in Photography

Hand-knitted props like the Sophia Sleep Cap bring a unique touch to newborn photography. They add a personal, handmade element that can’t be replicated by mass-produced items. Each piece tells a story of care and craftsmanship, making the photos even more special for the families involved. The delicate nature of mohair lace, combined with the softness of a newborn’s skin, creates an image that is both timeless and heartwarming.

Conclusion

Creating the Sophia Sleep Cap has been a delightful journey from start to finish. This mohair lace cap is a testament to the beauty of combining knitting and photography, resulting in a timeless piece that will be cherished by families for years to come. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, I encourage you to give this project a try. The joy of seeing your handmade creation adorn a newborn in their first photos is truly unparalleled. Happy knitting!

Materials and Info

Materials – one skein of lace weight mohair yarn (I like KnitPicks Aloft for this), size 6 (4mm) dpn, stitch holder, yarn needle

Gauge – 5sts/in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT!!! SWATCH FIRST!!!~

Stitch Key:

K – knit

P – purl

yo – yarn over

k2tog – knit 2 together

sl – slip st knitwise

psso – pass slipped stitch over

Head circumference: nb (13ins). 2-5mth (14.5ins), 6-12mths (16ins)

Sophia Sleep Cap Pattern

Newborn
Cast on 60sts and join in the round.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [yo, k3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k1, yo, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k2] repeat [to] around
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2, yo, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k3] repeat [to] around
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k4] repeat [to] around
Work rows 1-8 one more time.
Work in stockinette st until work measures appx 3ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat from [to] around (54)
Rounds 2-7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k7] repeat from [to] around (48)
Rounds 9-14 – knit around
Round 15 – [k2tog, k6] repeat from [to] around (42)
Rounds 16-21 – knit around
Round 22 – [k2tog, k5] repeat from [to] around (36)
Rounds 23-28 – knit around
Round 29 – [k2tog, k4] repeat from [to] around (30)
Rounds 30-35 – knit around
Round 36 – [k2tog, k3] repeat from [to] around (24)
Rounds 37-42 – knit around
Round 43 – [k2tog, k2] repeat from [to] around (18)
Rounds 44-49 – knit around
Round 50 – [k2tog, k1] repeat from [to] around (12)
knit for 4ins
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 8-10ins. Thread yarn onto yarn needle and pull through remaining stitches. Tie off. Weave in all ends. Tie the top 4ins of the hat into a loose knot.

2-5 Months
Cast on 70sts and join in the round.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [yo, k3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k1, yo, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k2] repeat [to] around
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2, yo, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k3] repeat [to] around
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k4] repeat [to] around
Work rows 1-8 one more time.
Work in stockinette st until work measures appx 4ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat from [to] around (63)
Rounds 2-7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k2tog, k7] repeat from [to] around (56)
Rounds 9-14 – knit around
Round 15 – [k2tog, k6] repeat from [to] around (49)
Rounds 16-21 – knit around
Round 22 – [k2tog, k5] repeat from [to] around (42)
Rounds 23-28 – knit around
Round 29 – [k2tog, k4] repeat from [to] around (35)
Rounds 30-35 – knit around
Round 36 – [k2tog, k3] repeat from [to] around (28)
Rounds 37-42 – knit around
Round 43 – [k2tog, k2] repeat from [to] around (21)
Rounds 44-49 – knit around
Round 50 – [k2tog, k1] repeat from [to] around (14)
knit for 4ins
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 8-10ins. Thread yarn onto yarn needle and pull through remaining stitches. Tie off. Weave in all ends. Tie the top 4ins of the hat into a loose knot.

6-12 Months
Cast on 80sts and join in the round.
Round 1 – knit around
Round 2 – [yo, k3, sl1, k2tog, psso, k3, yo, k1] repeat [to] around
Round 3 – knit around
Round 4 – [k1, yo, k2, sl1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k2] repeat [to] around
Round 5 – knit around
Round 6 – [k2, yo, k1, sl1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k3] repeat [to] around
Round 7 – knit around
Round 8 – [k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k4] repeat [to] around
Work rows 1-8 one more time.
Work in stockinette st until work measures appx 5ins from cast on edge.
Decreases
Round 1 – [k2tog, k8] repeat from [to] around (63)
Rounds 2-8 – knit around
Round 9 – [k2tog, k7] repeat from [to] around (56)
Rounds 10-16 – knit around
Round 17 – [k2tog, k6] repeat from [to] around (49)
Rounds 18-24 – knit around
Round 25 – [k2tog, k5] repeat from [to] around (42)
Rounds 26-32 – knit around
Round 33 – [k2tog, k4] repeat from [to] around (35)
Rounds 34-40 – knit around
Round 41 – [k2tog, k3] repeat from [to] around (28)
Rounds 42-48 – knit around
Round 49 – [k2tog, k2] repeat from [to] around (21)
Rounds 50-56 – knit around
Round 57 – [k2tog, k1] repeat from [to] around (14)
knit for 4ins
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving 8-10ins. Thread yarn onto yarn needle and pull through remaining stitches. Tie off. Weave in all ends. Tie the top 4ins of the hat into a loose knot.

Sophia Sleep Cap PDF