Exercise Before Knitting

I am pleased to announce another new design, published for free in PopKnits Issue # 05, Fall/Winter 2009 (Ravelry link). It was such a pleasure for me to work with Stephanie Pajonas at PopKnits to publish this pattern!

This child-size, stranded vest employs a vintage houndstooth pattern with a low scoopneck. The houndstooth is framed by 1×1 rib at the bottom edge, neck edge, and armholes. Although I designed this as a small scale way to practice steeking neck openings and armholes, it plays a very functional role in a child’s wardrobe. A scoopneck vest offers the promise of warmth without the headache of sleeves, buttons, or constricting neck openings. It is the ideal layering piece for a child.

Sizes: 2 (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), shown in size 2

Yarn: Briggs & Little Sport in Khaki and Washed White

Needles: US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 2.5 (3.0 mm)

Gauge: 28 stitches and 32 rows = 4″ in stranded pattern on US 4 needles

Beatrix wanted to wear this as soon as I finished it in June. Since wooly vests do not mix well with the heat of summer, I told her she could wear it to school in the fall. We call it her back-to-school vest (or more accurately, her ‘to-school’ vest). It is still far too hot to wear to school, but she waits patiently!

I said there would be some baby stashbusting projects to come, so bear with me! I had quite a bit of yarn left from my Pod of Cetaceans cardigan last winter. Not knowing what else to do with it, I set out to use it up in baby projects. Sadly, I do not feel very excited about the prospect of baby knitting this time around. If I must knit a few baby items, let me use great yarn! I love everything about New England Highland: the weight, the spin, the tweediness, and the wonderful color saturation.

Earlier this summer, I found the most perfect buttons to match this navy blue yarn. Unfortunately, the lime green proves difficult to photograph against the navy background!

I did not use a pattern for this cardigan, only some basic measurements.

Yarn: Harrisville Designs New England Highland in #33 Midnight Blue (Ravelry link)

Needles: US 7

I cut it pretty close with the yarn on the second sweater, coming out with only scraps remaining. Again, I did not use a pattern for this one, just measurements. I think there were four decrease rows in the yoke.

Yarn: Harrisville Designs New England Highland in #7 Tundra and #44 White (Ravelry link)

Needles: US 7

I promise there will be a break from baby and child knitting! I intend to publish two new patterns in October, both for adults! Stay tuned!