I made one vest for Melody before she was born and that was one of the most used garment. A vest is really useful because it keeps the baby chest warm while not over heating her. Plus, it lets their arms free to crawl and play, while a sweater could be a bit bulky some times.My MIL had made a few vests for her during Christmas. My husband's pet peeve about them was that the neckline was too small while the rest of the vest was big and roomy. The arm holes were huge. He finally ask me to donate them to Good Will or Salvation Army because he was so frustrated from trying to struggle to pull it over her head. She would always cry and scream.
So, when I was making this Owl Baby Vest for my cousin's baby, Marcel, I was very aware of the neck hole. I redid the neckline stitches twice to ensure a bigger neck hole. I think I picked up at least 80 sts and it worked great. I even tried it over Melody's head (she's older than him) and it slipped over head effortlessly. No crying baby!
It's a great little vest that takes about 1 skein of yarn. And it's done in the round, so there is only the shoulders to seam.
Here is Marcel wearing it on cool day at the park. Look at that cute smile!
Pattern: Owl Baby Vest free PDF pattern via Ravelry.
Yarn: 1 skein of Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Grey Heather
Needles: US 5 / 3.75 mm and US 6 / 4.0 mm
Of course, I had to make one for Melody. I had a skein of Patons Classic Wool Merino that I had kool-aid dyed a while ago and it worked out well. It did not use up the whole skein even though I made it a bit longer. I did drop down the needles to a US 4 and US 5 because it's a slightly heavier gauge than Wool-Ease.
Please excuse her bed head. She had just woken up when I made her try on the vest.
This picture shows the amazing depth of colors from the kettle dying I was experimenting with. I had not liked the original outcome of the yarn, so I over dyed the whole thing after it had dried. The color became Raspberry and I was still not excited by it when I wound it into a skein. But, my mind quickly changed when I knitted with it. The knitted fabric really shows off the many colors that went into it.Pattern: Owl Baby Vest free PDF pattern via Ravelry.
Yarn: 1 skein of Patons Classic Wool Merino, kool-aid dyed by me
Needles: US 4 / 3.5 mm and US 5 / 3.75 mm
31 comments:
Your Owl Vests are so sweet! I'm about to cast on for one too, so it was a nice surprise to see your versions.
I love those vests!! Now I have to make one. I've got a friend or three having babies soon so this would be a good, quick knit. Thank you for the inspiration.:)
so cute! Great idea for gender unknown babies.
They are both adorable children and look so cute in their owl vests. I love the color of Melody's one and it is a great pattern, might have to knit one up for my god-daughter for next winter.
now I have to knit one :)
those vests are adorable! You've just given me the perfect projects for some upcoming baby gifts! thanks.
I am in love with this pattern. Both of yours are really nice. There is something very adult-like, yet child-like about them.
These vests are so sweet! I especially love how you dyed the yarn for Melody's vest...you're going to give the Plucky knitter a run for her money :)
These vests are great! I've made only baby cardigans to date, but you may have made me a convert.
I love that vest! And Melody's getting so big.
The owl vests are adorable. The head-opening thing is a good reminder for anyone knitting for babies - especially those of us who haven't had a baby to dress recently!
Ahhh....so cute!
maybe i'll make one for my niece... looks relatively quick and easy, with minimal seaming?
as always, M is adorable!! So smiley and happy.
That is one happy looking little boy! And both vests are just beautiful. I had never thought of using a vest on a baby, but it's a wonderful idea. And yes, that yarn knit up so pretty! You are a talented lady.
adorable as always:) Melody is such a little doll (how much does she weigh? I'm trying to figure out if I could make one in a worsted weight for my tank of a almost 1yr old without having to do tons of math. Joseph weighs 25lbs already!) I love your koolaid dye job, it made a really pretty fabric!
omg. those are so adorable. And perfect timing! I need to knit a gift for a friend!
such cute vests and cute kids too :) When my son was a baby, he had a problem with necklines, Tshirts, sweaters, anything that had to go through his head. I resorted to Tshirts with buttoned necklines.
so, so, so, so, so, so, so cute! I love those!!!
the kids look great (oh so cute) wearin your handknit vest.
Both vests look wonderful! And the kids are so cute in them.
the vests look adorable; I especially love the color of Melody's.
Lovely vests, perfect for autumn.
Those are adorable!
Hey - that vest looks familiar! I enjoyed knitting it so much. I'd never done any kind of cables before and was so pleased with the way they came out. Too bad Aidan has long since grown out of the original. Must see about making him a new one! I love the colors of the raspberry dyed yarn - it looks cute on your little bedhead babe!
Totally cute! The vests and the babies!
How adorable! The color of Melody's is perfect. Not too childish...if that makes sense.
Cuuuute! Ahhh, soooo cuuute. I've been away from your blog for too long!
Oh my goodness Marcel and Melody are both adorable! I'm loving these vests - hmm yes, might need to get added to the list of things to make. Yours are beautiful. I also appreciate all the great baby knitting hints and tips.
Great job with the owl vests! Those are too cute on Marcel and Melody :) As I was scrolling down, reading the post, I was thinking that you should make one for Melody... and I was happy to see that you had the same idea. I also agree that your dye job is gorgeous - the color variation really works well in this application :)
Your models are killing me with cuteness! Perfectly matched for such adorable little vests, though. :)
That sweater vest is so adorable. How perfect for a wee one too.
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