Many thanks to Molly and Sue for leaving comments the other day -- and to anyone else who returned to this almost-orphaned blog after yet another interminable stretch between posts!!
There are still a few unwoven ends, but -- if it is ever cool enough in Chicago again to wear a cotton sweater vest -- this will be ready for Ellie:
It's "Scamp" from Pipsqueaks by Kim Hargreaves, and I used Handknit Cotton. Perhaps I should rename my version Scampette or Scampina, though, because the pattern as written produces a sweater, not a vest. I tried diligently to knit the sleeves, I really did, but I was having a ton of trouble incorporating in the increases properly. I got reasonably far along on my second attempt before giving it up as a bad job. So, a vest it is and shall remain. But I love the fabric that Handknit Cotton creates, and I enjoy looking at the front and the back and realizing that, years ago though it may have been, I actually followed this kind of chart. Once.
A word to the wise: I knit the smallest size on offer for this particular pattern in the book, for ages 1-2, and it will fit 2 1/2 year old Ellie at least until winter. I think the measurements match the schematic in the book, but I can't find my tape measure at the moment. In any case, it was certainly too big to knit for an infant, which was the original plan back when Hector was a pup.
Umm, so the last time you knit him a sweater was over 15 years ago? Don't you think it's time to make him ahnoter one? Besides, most knitters complain about having a hubby that doesn't wear sweaters, doesn't want anything knitted for them and instead you have the opposite problem, one that does want you to knit for him. One sweater, it'll take you awhile and then you can say no more for 3-5 years if you find so distateful. I'm looking forward to making one for my partner, although he isn't nearly as large as your hubby.
Posted by: Nenq | July 03, 2012 at 06:05 AM
very nice! i think today might be perfect vest weather, especially for an opera singer. ;)
Posted by: Dana | October 16, 2007 at 09:29 AM
Perhaps those patterns are bigger like DB patterns. I can knit a size 3-4 for Isabelle who is 6, and just add some length and it is a perfect fit. I love the sweater too, and I have looked at it once or twice, but having to sit there and stare at the chart does my eyesight in after a while. I did knit a similar style for a friend's son out of one of the Miss Bea books and it felt like it took me forever to knit up. At least this way your daughter can wear a long sleeved top underneath and not get too hot.
Posted by: Sue | October 14, 2007 at 07:14 PM
It's really cute. Good job, Mom!
Posted by: rachel | October 10, 2007 at 09:33 AM