It’s that time of year again! With very mixed feelings, we send our little ones off to school. We might be old hands at the transition, or it might be our very first time. It’s almost guaranteed, though, that they’ve grown since last year. Fortunately, we have a collection of kids’ tops to get you through the warm-to-cool transition, in a multitude of sizing!
The Cotton True Kids Collection, featuring 6 knitting projects for kids (Ravelry e-book link here).
All are sized 1-12, and are made in Fibra Natura Cotton True Sport, a smooth and soft 100% Pima cotton. (We know we have a lot of Bella Cash fans out there too, so we’ll mention that the gauge between the two yarns should match to a T.)
And speaking of tees (pardon my puns!)…
The Begonia Lace Tee (Ravelry link) is worked from the bottom up in pieces.
This sweet lace-shoulder tee would look pretty over a skirt, too. Not too frou-frou, but still a good way to dress up a plain outfit. A nice piece! (Note: autocorrect wanted to call this “a niece piece” and now I’m wondering if I have a niece who would like this. Hmm..)
Next up, Catkin (Ravelry link) is a pocketed smocked smock (say that five times fast).
Catkin is made in two pieces, tacked together under the arms and joined at the shoulder with buttons. Easy to get on and off without having to work a wiggling preschooler’s head through the neckhole. It has handy pockets: I am instantly reminded of Eeyore’s birthday gift of “a useful pot to put things in.” Even better from a parent’s point of view, Cotton True Sport is machine washable. Easy to clean after a grand adventure.
The Climbing Vine Cardigan (Ravelry link) is a classic with some inspired touches.
Number one: pockets. Yes. Thank you. As a parent, I have had to tuck away many a souvenir (four-leaf clover, beach shell, random rock) to carry myself. How much nicer for a child to carry their own tiny treasure.
Number two: The way the little vines grow out of the pockets, like they’re rising from a flowerpot. Adorable.
Number three: buttons! This is the piece that brought home to me how you can make a piece understated or bold, just by changing one detail. Cute with a capital C.
Lacy Leaves (Ravelry link) is a sophisticated lace-front vest (shown here in kid size 4). We do recommend that you be able to “read” your knitting and be familiar with charts to make this one.
The lace pattern is charted only, because each size (1-12) has its own chart encompassing the entire front. You’ll also want to be able to maintain stitches in pattern at the armholes and neck, hence the “read your knitting” recommendation. Hopefully, this didn’t scare anyone – once you get started in this pattern, it’s not hard to see what’s going on.
Whee! The Striped Lily Tee (Ravelry link) gets its fun texture from reverse stockinette.
The tee is worked from the bottom up and seamed, and features raglan shaping. This would be great for warm weather, or as an extra “peel off” layer over a thin long-sleeved top.
The Sweet Lilac Hoodie (Ravelry link) is awfully cute in the 4-year size shown, but it would also give plenty of room to a diaper-bottomed toddler.
The way the lace hem coordinates with the i-cord ties is darling. Is it too soon to be thinking about Easter? This could be a really cute holiday gift that will still be wearable in the Spring.
Hit your LYS, grab some yarn, and put all that extra time to good use. I can hear all the parents and caregivers yelling, “What extra time??” We feel you – but try to find time to knit!
