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.

You Might Also Like

53 comments

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

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very nice! And awesome photos. :)

    ReplyDelete
  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!

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous10/27/2008

    Looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous10/27/2008

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  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)...

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

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous10/27/2008

    Such an excellent knit! Love the photos too!

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Anonymous10/28/2008

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  24. What lovely autumnal photos :)

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

    ReplyDelete
  26. Great vest and beautiful photos!

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

    ReplyDelete
  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)

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous10/28/2008

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

    ReplyDelete
  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.

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

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

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  37. Wonderful! Great job improvising!!

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

    ReplyDelete
  39. oh, yes. a boy in a vest. so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  40. 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!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Beautiful vest. Adorable boy!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous10/28/2008

    What a wonderful vest! And such a great boy!

    ReplyDelete
  45. What a great son, vest and pictures!

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oh it looks great! Love that dimple :)

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

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

    ReplyDelete
  51. So cute! I mean, handsome!

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

    ReplyDelete