Leather and lace? Nope, it's not for Stevie Nicks...try Baby Alpaca and Lace.

I am making serious progress on the Presto Chango Baby Sweater by Valerie Wallis, who runs the Shoeless  Val blog. The sweater is absolutely adorable and practical because while I have no first hand experience in this, my Mum has told me its never fun to fuss with trying to get a baby into an over the head sweater.What's cool about this one is this gorgeous leaf and lace panel on the front, which can be fully removed via four buttons on each side, rendering this sweater absolute ease to take off the fussy one.I'm making this for my future sister-in-law's (yes! my brother Bryce got officially engaged, ring and all! Congrats to both him and Erin) now pregnant sister. She's having a girl and I decided to knit it up in this adorable pale yellow instead of the standard pink.And this is the SECOND sweater I've started for a baby shower that's nearing and nearing. But this doesn't have complex cabling and texture pattern like the last one I was working on, so I finished the entire back, the neckline, and nearly all of the sleeves in just two days! Remarkable! It's all knit basically in one piece besides the front lace and leave panel, making this so easy! Splendid! I hate lots of seaming. Remarkably, all my stitches are nice and tight and so even, rendering me extra proud of myself.The pale yellow yarn is uber baby soft--a combination of baby alpaca wool and cotton, so tis perfect for babying because it can be washed. What's more, I'm pleased that I've finally found a project for the three skeins I've had in my stash for at least two years. I'm making the size for up to 12 months old, so here's to hoping it gets a little use.I'm nearing the homestretch and already got a few pairs of handmade booties knitted up under my belt, so I indeed am thankful I'll actually have a gift in time.