Over the years, there has been one project alone which has always, and continues to, receive the most feedback, and the most requests for a pattern. I’ve made it numerous times, out of various wools, and with various fabrics. Thin, thick, fine, floral, graphic. It works equally well with any combination, and is such a great little piece for boys or girls. I’ve always been very clear about not giving out the original pattern (which was published in the Australian Family Circle June 2005, and is no longer published), but this version has been so heavily modified it barely resembles the original, which was for an all knitted cardigan (Clementine's Shoes has a great version all knitted with additional variations available here). At some point it was inevitable that I would cave to public pressure and write this version up, and so I am taking my first steps into pattern selling. Soon to follow will be the Sumidity Pattern, when I get my head around the maths of converting the sizing to match the pattern shaping.
The pattern is now available here: it covers sizes 0-3yrs [3m, 6m, 12m, 2T, 3T] and was written based on using the wool I've used above, Jo Sharp Silk Georgette. From experience it works with a wide variety of wools, and as long as you don't get too hung up about measurements, it's pretty flexible sizing wise. The pattern has no schematic measurements, but as it is knit from cuff to cuff the width is measured through the knitting, and the length can be blocked and steamed out as required. I hope I've caught any bugs in the system, but if you need any help with it, just email. And I'd love to see finished items! [why do I feel like I just stepped into the unknown?!]
Wow, it looks like it will be wonderful!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | August 17, 2007 at 09:38 PM
Oooh, dam'you marm! I promised I wouldn't buy any more patterns - you are a temptress, Alison!
Posted by: Claudia | August 17, 2007 at 10:38 PM
Lovely pattern. I've just downloaded. Thank you!
Posted by: kim | August 17, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Just ordered it. Thanks for sharing this lovely pattern!
Posted by: Lorraine | August 17, 2007 at 10:51 PM
Beautiful pattern, just ordered it. Many thanks
Posted by: Zoe | August 17, 2007 at 11:10 PM
Thanks for such a lovely pattern (ordered - downloaded - got it!). Just beautiful!
Posted by: Carolyn | August 17, 2007 at 11:12 PM
Lovely! I am perusing the pattern now and seeing how I can modify it for a 4T and up. I think this is really lovely Allison. Thanks!!
Posted by: tulip | August 17, 2007 at 11:29 PM
Be still my lazy knitter's heart. I was excited about Di's pattern since it meant I wouldn't have to completely wing an attempt at the pattern myself (I tried to find a copy of the July 2005 Australian Family Circle, I really did) but the fact that you've done that and sized it up to 3T has me over the moon. Mwah. Mwah. That's me kissing your toes.
Posted by: Sarah | August 18, 2007 at 12:18 AM
Hey hey nice work al. Gotta start a flickr group for these! nx
Posted by: Nicole | August 18, 2007 at 12:33 AM
So pretty - thank you!
Posted by: Erica | August 18, 2007 at 01:05 AM
This is so beautiful. I may need to start knitting, among all my other things.
A
Posted by: Angelia | August 18, 2007 at 01:33 AM
hi! Don't take this as bad criticism, just trying to be helpful! I am a lurker and love all the things you make and Pia models. I just wondered if you could put the pricing on the page you sned us to, instead of waiting until we click over to PayPal? Just a matter of convenience. Also, a typo on your description the word "Diagramtic". But it looks great and I just may get it! Friend has a baby due in October.
Posted by: helen | August 18, 2007 at 02:07 AM
so very happy you are now pattern selling. i love that sweater, the flexibility and simplicity can suit any special baby, or two, in my case.. i think i will have to cast on for the 2T as i have no idea when i can really get down to it, but i am looking forward to this knit more than any other before.
Posted by: mamie | August 18, 2007 at 02:40 AM
Oh how exciting!!!
Posted by: anna | August 18, 2007 at 03:50 AM
this is a gorgeous piece. how much is the pattern?
Posted by: sam | August 18, 2007 at 04:21 AM
I really miss Family Circle, what did they have to stop publishing it? Might have to get this pattern for my as-yet-unborn niece/nephew in England.
Posted by: greenolive | August 18, 2007 at 06:53 AM
Thanks for this - I have searched for that Family Circle with no luck so I appreciate all your pattern writing work!
Posted by: Kate | August 18, 2007 at 10:20 AM
I love the baby cardigan, and the color is just perfect.
Posted by: Sue | August 18, 2007 at 12:00 PM
yay! thanks alison!
Posted by: joyce | August 18, 2007 at 03:33 PM
Wow. I don't even knit, but I must have this. They are just too sublime :)
Posted by: Pip C | August 18, 2007 at 08:58 PM
I have no idea what all that meant, but it is a very lovely cardy and I am enjoying the fabric underneath it as well.
Posted by: kim at allconsuming | August 18, 2007 at 10:01 PM
it's lovely, but I think I will hold out to purchase the Sumidity pattern!
Posted by: Sue | August 18, 2007 at 10:25 PM
I turn my back for one little minute (okay, three days, but the shop just opened, and I'm still bewildered) and you go and do something fabulous again. Can't wait to get several copies of the pattern, as I think you'll have a huge 'fan club' once this gets loosed over here. And all that 'toe kissing' you've been getting... put me down as paying my respects, as well... "We're not worthy" comes to mind, too. Have a fantastic day/evening. I'm off to open the shop for my first ever 'retail weekend'. (Yes, I've packed the xanax) Cami
Posted by: Camilla | August 18, 2007 at 10:36 PM
That looks fantastic. I'm in the middle of knitting the Family Circle version, I wish I'd waited and done your one instead because I'm sure it's much more clearly written - it will have to be next!
Posted by: suzy | August 19, 2007 at 12:09 PM
how exciting! Steps into the unknown are good aren't they :)
I might just have to learn to knit once I've built my shop - I'll need something to relax with.
Posted by: charlotte | August 19, 2007 at 05:15 PM