On Making Sweaters

I seem to have a problem.  Anytime I start a sweater for Liam, I never finish it in time before he outgrows it.  I’ve done it at least three times now.  The last two:

Liam’s Sweater (Ravelry Link)  This is a sweater of my own design.  I calculated gauge and cast on adjusting for size as I went.  I don’t particularly like the collar, but it works.  This one kinda fits, but he won’t wear it.

Tomten Jacket (Ravelry link).  I started this a long time ago, I think before Liam was born.  It sat there for awhile.  Although he can wear it, it’s a bit snug and doesn’t close around his chest.  I thought of adding a border and then buttons, but since it’s so snug, I’ll just keep it for the next baby. 

After three sweaters that he can’t wear, I made another one.

A Seamless Hybrid (Ravelry Link)  My goal was to start using up sock yarn, since I never knit socks anymore, so I held two together and knit.  The sweater came out huge.  Now, he can’t wear it because it’s too big.  He might be able to wear it next year, though.  Besides being too big, it’s ugly.  It looks a little better in person, but not much.

I’ve noticed that most of the sweaters I’ve knit for Liam have been cardigans.  I prefer cardigans for myself.  They’re so easy to get on and off and I can layer them with other clothes.  However, I’m realizing that with a toddler, pullovers may be a better bet.  Liam didn’t want to wear the cardigans.  He kept taking them off.  But he may have a more difficult time taking a pullover off.   The next sweater for the boy will be a pullover.

Any ideas what I can do with sock yarn besides make socks?