Thursday, December 13, 2007

Rainbow Vest

No pastel baby colors here! This vest is bright. On the plus side, I don't have to worry about losing sight of my baby in a play ground if I dressed her in this vest.

I found this lone skein of Caron Simply Soft in my stash (hurray for stash busting). I used leftover scrap Caron Simply Soft for the ribbing at the armholes and collar for some contrast. I like the colorfulness of the vest, but my only complaint is that this multi-colored Caron Simply Soft is not soft like their regular line. That was a disappointment since the solid colors are very soft. I decided to wash it in Soak Wash to see if that would help and that did the trick. It is much softer now. That Soak Wash really does wonders.The original pattern is knit in 2 pieces, front and back. I knit the body in the round up to the armholes and then split it up. So the only seams I had to sew up was the shoulders (much easier this way). For converting the pattern to knitting in the round: add the front and back stitches together and then subtract 4 stitches, this will be the total number of stitches you will cast on. For example (3-6 month size): 46 st (front) + 46 st (back) = 92 st, 92 st - 4 st= 88 st. You subtract the 4 sts because that is to compensate for the seaming that you would of had to do if you knit it in 2 pieces. I recently learned this on a Stash and Burn podcast. I also used stitch markers to mark the front and back.
Pattern: Blank Canvas Child's Vest by Cari Luna, purchased pattern from here.
Needles: US 5/3.75mm Circs and DPN's
Yarn: 1 skein of Caron Simply Soft, color: Embroidery Print 9811. Scrap yarn for the ribbing in the armholes and collar (Caron Simple Soft in Rubine Red 9748).
Size: 3-6 months
Mods: I knit the body in the round and then split at the armholes for the front and back. To knit in the round, add front and back stitches and then subtract 4 stitches from the total. This will be the number of stitches to cast on.

20 comments:

Nettie said...

That is too cute! No sof tpink for your baby. I know you're joking about spotting your kid in a crowd but you'll see that it really will come in handy. Especially if you're a panicky parent like me lol.

Misty Rain said...

Very cute! I am sure that research says that babies are actually more attracted to brighter colors. Don't ask what research though!? =)

Rebekah said...

omg! That is so adorable! you're going to have one stylin daughter in that vest...seriously, so preppy and cute!

I really wish I had a wee one to knit clothes for. a baby sweater sounds much faster than a grown-up sweater : )

rohanknitter said...

What a neat vest!
I love the solid color at the neck and arm openings.

opportunityknits said...

It's so cheery and bright, espcially the contrasting hot pink.

Unknown said...

That vest looks great, and I'm glad to hear that Soak is great!

flanthrower said...

The vest is adorable! I love the bright colors.

I've been meaning to pick up a bottle of soak wash but am currently working my way through a bottle of Eucalan.

Vicki Knitorious said...

Wow, that's one happy little vest! Love it!! The colors are GREAT!

Anonymous said...

I love the bright colors! Kids seem to respond to them more as well it seems :)

... and yay for stashbusting!

Anonymous said...

Great tip about knitting in the round - I hate sewing up so will definitely try this in the future. Thanks for sharing :)

Micki said...

I love seeing babies in bright colors! Nicely done.

maryse said...

i love that yarn. it's so much fun. and i'm with you -- no pastel love here either.

Octopus Knits said...

Very cute, and you're right - you won't lose sight of your little one in it!

Jackie said...

U and I have the same thought of how not to lose our DDs in a crowded place.

Nice colour, very strong and bright, and cutes too.

Amanda Jean said...

ah, so cute!

Danielle said...

Adorable! I'd have knit it in the round too, you are so smart ;)!! She'll look way cute in that.

hetty said...

Very cute! Little ones love bright colours! I have even heard that it increases their IQ!

caitlyn said...

The vest is very cute -- I love the bright colors! I like Soak Wash as well.

Melissa Goodsell said...

oh my goodness, what an adorable little vest..I really love the colours!
melx

Marianne said...

Those bright colors are so cheerful !!!