Happy Valentine's Day Vest

I spent about a week, knitting a little here and there, on this little red vest for my nephew. I originally intended to make it for Chinese New Year, but procrastination got the best of me. That's the great thing about red, though. It's appropriate from Thanksgiving through Valentine's Day, and birthdays, too.

This pattern is from The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns by Ann Budd. I had worked with Lion Cotton before, and got 17 sts/10cm on 5.0mm needles, so I cast on appropriately. But this time, I got 18 sts, and didn't realize it until after a few inches into the back. I increased a few sts to make up the difference, giving the vest a little wedge shape, but it still fit him perfectly. Other than that, I made no other mods, but if I could do it again, I'd make the neck opening larer by starting the neck shaping at the same time as the armhole shaping.


Here's the results. He didn't want to wear it at first, but then again, like most toddlers, he'd rather run around naked. I barely squeezed it over his big head, so I know now that cardigans are best for him. Also, I've learned how crazy it is to photograph a toddler who's high on sugar!