Remember that post I did a couple of months back about a new sweater design for one of my beautiful new nieces? Well, the pattern isn’t quite ready for release yet (there’s still the small matter of sizing it and getting it edited…oops!), but at least I have some photographs ready to share!
Here is the wee cardi I designed for Grace, shown in a 6-9 month size:
Knit in the delicious merino/cashmere Madelinetosh Pashmina blend, this little garment is a traditional yoke-shaped sweater, knit in one piece from the bottom up.
The bodice is knit in daisy stitch, which gives the cardigan a classic texture that is warm and also lies beautifully flat.
The yoke and sleeves are knit in regular stockinette stitch and edged in garter stitch for simplicity and to show off the variegation of the chosen yarn. As you can see from the picture directly above, the sweater features a nice wide neck for comfort and is generously sized with positive ease to accommodate lots of growing (and hopefully, lots of wear)!
The buttonband is also garter stitch, and the cardigan is finished with three sweet buttons that allow the sweater to close at the top while keeping the bottom open for maximum movement. The matching buttons were procured after another successful excursion to the local Joann’s Fabrics with my button partner-in-crime, my mom.
(The eagle-eyed among you will also notice that the buttons and buttonband are technically switched or “backwards” for a girl’s garment. I intentionally made this switch to accommodate Grace’s right-handed parents who will be dressing her while she wears 6-9 month clothing 🙂 The pattern will feature instructions for both options, of course!)
I loved working on this design, not least because it gave me a chance to experiment with yoked sweaters for the first time. I’ve got the next yoked sweater design underway for my second gorgeous new niece, and I’ll be certain to share more about that process as well as the pattern releases for both!
Happy Knitting! (And a happy holiday weekend!)
xoxo Danielle
daniellechalson.com 
As I knew this was coming, I have been waiting to see it, and again, you do not disappoint. It’s elegant and so beautiful. I know Grace will not be able to truly appreciate your gift and talent, but I’m quite sure her Mother will. Looking forward to the design you come up with for Avery. I already know it too will be fantastic. You have a whole new generation to design for now, which should give you plenty of challenges and fun making smaller versions of the grown-up garments. 🙂 .
Thank you, Sandie! It is so fun knitting up such small sweaters – makes you feel very productive very quickly haha 🙂
I just love this sweater, Danielle, not only because I am a long time fan of all things “yolked”, but because YOU designed it…!! It is perfect to accommodate a growing girl, and I am sure that Gracie Beth will be the very picture of style and beauty when she is wearing it…wait…she already has the “beauty” part covered…!! Congratulations on yet another gorgeous and creative knit…!!
I Love This!!! So wish I had time to make this for Sofia. I just love it!!
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thank you so much, maureen! and hugs to sofia 🙂