My favorite designer is an English lady who offers pages of free patterns, mostly for babies and small children. She also has some items for teenagers and adults along with a few patterns that are for sale. She can be found on ravelry.com under the name Marianna Mel. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/search#query=marianna%20mel
This little vest is called Baby’s Ribbed Vest Top. For a 9-months size the pattern calls for DK yarn (baby yarn/sport weight) and #6 needles. I wanted to make a larger size and used #7 needles with #4 worsted yarn to make a size to fit a 3 to 4-year-old child.
It’s very sturdy and warm, good for the cold North Dakota climate where the Pine Ridge Lakota/Sioux children live. Information on this charity is also on ravelry.com under the tab “groups”.
While I was knitting the sweater, I thought it should have some yellow elephant buttons, maybe because of the grey yarn. Now, what are the chances that I could go to JoAnn’s and find reasonably-priced yellow elephant buttons? But I did and I think they are perfect for this little vest which would be nice for either a boy or girl.
I also made a matching hat, using Marianna Mel’s Ribster Baby Hat pattern except I used some stockinette stitching along with the ribbing.
There were enough yellow elephants to put one on top of the hat, too.
I enjoyed making this set. All of Marianna’s patterns I’ve used so far have been suitable for an advanced beginner with very happy results.
kalamitykelli
This little outfit is so cute! The elephant buttons really set it off too!
Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
Oh my goodness, but this is CUTE. Your work is beautiful. 🙂
adaisygarden
That is just so cute! I’m sure it will be worn and loved! 🙂
dezertsuz
You’ve really been going t town on the knitting! I like this set so much. Those elephant buttons are perfect.
womanseyeview
These a lovely projects – not just because they are so attractive but because of the practical use they’ll be put to…you continue to be a very generous soul Lillian.