Amy Grace is always trying to think up cute and practical knits for kids. And she says yarn is one of the most important considerations. “If it’s ‘too itchy’ they will not wear it.”
Luckily, she found Berroco Ultra Alpaca to be kid friendly and a perfect fit for her latest design. The Diamond Panel Pullover is a simple knitted shirt with decorative lace down the front. The pattern is completely seamless, knit from the bottom-up, using the Kitchener stitch to attach the sleeves.
Need help with Kitchener stitch? Watch our how-to video:
How did you come up with this design?
I have two children of my own and I have learned that if they don’t like it, they are not going to wear it. This short-sleeve sweater is perfect for a child to wear in the spring, or winter with a long sleeve shirt under it. The neck is wide enough to fit over any kiddo’s head, which I find to be one of the most important features in designing children’s knitting patterns.
Any interesting stories about the process?
I had this sweater complete and blocking by the fire, when I realized I just couldn’t stand the neckline. The rate of decreasing in the yoke was all wrong and the neck edging that I used was not working at all. I knew that I couldn’t put my name on something like that. I had to wait until it was completely dry, rip it back to the beginning of the yoke and start from scratch.
What’s your favorite project you’ve ever made?
I’d have to say that my favorite projects are probably sweaters that I have knit for my kids. I include them in the process by letting them choose the yarn, and even help design the pattern. When complete, the looks on their faces are priceless. When they wear the sweater I tell them that they will be wearing a hug from me all day.
If you could knit something for anyone in the world it would be?
I dream of someday knitting something for the cover of a magazine or book or pamphlet.
What’s your favorite thing about knitting?
So many things…the relaxation/centering, the challenge of design, the sense of accomplishment, the way the fibers feel as they suck up the water when I sink a knitted piece into the sink to soak, the feeling I get when I cast off…knowing that I get to go to the knitting store to plan my next project!
Do you have a cool design you want to share? Or did you recently finish a project with Berroco yarn? You can email Ashley: apalumbo@berroco.com or post it to the Berroco Lovers forum in Ravelry.
Very well written! Thanks Ashley!
Glad you like it, Amy! Thanks for sharing your design!