just a boy. and a vest

Monday, October 27, 2008

I pretty much love making vests.
Not having to make sleeves is such a great thing.
And I love how taking photos of your children can bring so much joy.  Or so much frustration.
This was one of the more joyful times.  This little guy just cracks me up.
When I started this, I wasn't following a pattern.  I did a gauge with the yarn, measured my guy, and multiplied the number of inches round by the number of stitches per inch.  I cast on with the contrasting color, started in a 3x3 rib for 2 inches, changed to the main color continuing in the rib.  Changed to stockinette stitch after 2 inches.  I then had a little problem with the V, so searched my books, and found Billie.  Pretty much followed that pattern the rest of the way.
Pattern:  Billie, Rowan Pipsqueaks

Yarn:  4 balls Classic Elite Portland Tweed, Color #5077 folkestone, with contrasting color #5013 black forest.  Have I mentioned how much I love this yarn!?  Especially after you block it.  
Needles:  size 7
Size: 8-9 years 
For:  Andrew, age 8

I cast on for Vest #2 this weekend.  Committing myself to finishing that and the mystery socks before I start anything else.  Although, it's taking everything I've got not to cast on for this cabled skirt.  
Back tomorrow with some finished socks.

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54 comments

  1. The vest came out great! These are going to make a great Christmas photo!

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  2. Very nice! And awesome photos. :)

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  3. You take such great pictures, love the vest. I do like that cable skirt too but I can't see myself wearing it. I rather like the Dorm Socks, I love big thick socks for me in the winter, cos I don't usually wear slippers!

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  4. That really is an excellent vest! It's not fussy. It's as perfect as a sweatshirt for casual comfort but it has a little something extra because it's made with love by mom's hands.

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  5. Does his hair color come in a bottle, I'd really like it!

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  6. Anonymous10/27/2008

    Looks great!

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  7. love it leslie!

    have I told you lately how much I appreciate all the sharing you do with all of us? if not, THANK YOU SO MUCH!! You're awesome!

    I may have to surprise my boys with these at Christmas.

    loving toast and toasty. on my second pair! third ready to go.

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  8. it is so handsome! i love the orange and gray striped shirt - nice. can't wait to see charlie's and your socks.

    would you believe it if i told you that i am finished with the stupid cable on my tangled yoke and am nearing the end? thank god.

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  9. cute dimple he has got goin' on...vests look so good on the guys!

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  10. I love it! I just love grey. you did a fabulous job, as always.

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  11. Anonymous10/27/2008

    The vest looks great on him with, especially with striped shirt underneath. Another great photo shoot.

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  12. Nice job! I have the Pipsqueaks pattern book too. There are some really cute things in there.

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  13. it's perfect! I'm getting ready to start a vest for Gunnar. I believe I'll be using yours as a model.

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  14. I love the vest! Fantastic job. Your little guy is so cute. I love the pictures with the leaves in the air. Maybe I should think of knitting a vest for my little guy! Not knitting sleeves is certainly a good thing.

    That cabled skirt is soo cute. It will look fabulous on you.

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  15. I pretty much love vests, too-- both making and wearing them! This looks great :)

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  16. The vest looks great! I agree no sleeves makes for fun knitting! You did a great job!

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  17. Oh, it came out great! I love your pictures - he's beautiful! I mean... handsome.

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  18. oh, i love this. i have a vest on the needles right now for emma (hopefully it won't end up being for mary, at the rate I'm going)...

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  19. This is a great vest. I love the grey you chose; very "BOY".

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  20. Anonymous10/27/2008

    Such an excellent knit! Love the photos too!

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  21. this vest seems to suit him to a T!

    hadn't thought about the joy of not knitting sleeves. wish i liked wearing vests.

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  22. Anonymous10/28/2008

    I agree about the no sleeves thing.. Your vest looks great on your little boy.

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  23. That looks perfect for a boy, so east to wear.

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  24. What lovely autumnal photos :)

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  25. hope you'll show the finished knitted family. fun shots! great vest!

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  26. Great vest and beautiful photos!

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  27. The vest looks great and I love those photos. Very autumnal. I cant wait to see the next one.

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  28. This is my favourite kind of boy style! The striped t-shirt that echoes the grey in his beautiful new vest and the copper in his gorgeous hair, and the whole thing coordinating with the fall scenery around him.

    Very very stylish!

    And oh how I wish I had the figure to wear that cabled skirt (or any knit skirt for that matter)

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  29. The vest is adorable!!
    I love the contrast edges.

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  30. Anonymous10/28/2008

    ah the Portland Tweed again..It looks so soft and warm! I love the cabled skirt too. Can't wait to see the skirt when you cast on.

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  31. Anonymous10/28/2008

    Yay! It's great! I like the dark contrast on the edges too, that's clever!

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  32. Vest #2 turned out terrific Leslie. And what a sweet smile your guy has (he would probably hate hearing that wouldn't he - ha ha).

    You get the bonus of all these great 'along the way' pictures as you prepare for the Christmas picture. Such a terrific tradition.

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  33. It's so sweet, and so is he!

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  34. I've been thinking of knitting a vest for myself. I like your method !!!

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  35. Adorable! The vest and your son. What a great tradition you have going.

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  36. That vest looks great and the kid is very good looking too! Great photos!

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  37. Wonderful! Great job improvising!!

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  38. Great vest and awesome photos!!!

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  39. Great vest and you did a fabulous job. Your pics are always awesome and like the pic with the leaves in the air.

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  40. oh, yes. a boy in a vest. so cute!

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  41. Anonymous10/28/2008

    Cute, cute, cute! Love that skirt, too, though I think I need to tighten the abs a bit more before I wrap them in knits.

    Did you see the wrap cardi on the second page of your link? Very tempting!

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  42. Beautiful vest. Adorable boy!

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  43. The vest is wonderful! I never could get my kids interested in a vest, though I love them.

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  44. Oooh. I would definitely knit and wear that skirt! It is gorgeous (and looks pretty easy too)!

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  45. Anonymous10/28/2008

    What a wonderful vest! And such a great boy!

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  46. What a great son, vest and pictures!

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  47. Great vest! It looks like you had fun with the photos:)

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  48. Ohhh, I love it! I just love boys that can pull off a nice vest. (Yours can by the way)

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  49. Oh it looks great! Love that dimple :)

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  50. I love your tweed! The best looks great. I can't wait to see them all together.

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  51. His vest looks so nice on him! I like it with the t-shirt too. Beautiful!

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  52. So cute! I mean, handsome!

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  53. The vest is great! Perfect for your little guy. And I do love that cabled skirt, make that!

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