New knitting pattern: Shasta

Introducing....

Shasta

Shasta is a sleeveless, racer-back tunic/sundress. Knit in a breathable and stretchy cotton blend, it is both cool and comfortable, designed for an active and playful little girl. Because of the style and ease it will last through many growing seasons. For a younger girl it can be worn at the length of a sundress; however, as she grows, it will still fit just as nicely as a shorter tunic. 

Shasta’s braided cable collar is first knit flat and then stitches are picked up along for the front and back bodices. The front and back bodices are knitted flat separately and then joined in the round for the rest of the length including the color work. This is an adventurous beginner pattern. Both the cable and the color work are simple and easy to pick up. The cable instructions are written out; the color work is charted. 

Rowan Calmer was chosen for this pattern because of the cotton blend—it is very stretchy, soft and breathable. If another yarn is used instead of Rowan Calmer, it must have quite a bit of stretch to it or the dress won’t fit as nicely.

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Sizes: 3-9 months, (12-24 months, 2T-4T)

Finished Measurements:

Length (from cable to ribbing edge): 11 ½ “ (14, 15 ½ )

Width: (widest part of dress skirt): 8 ½ “ (11 ½ , 12 ½ )

Armhole: (length from top to bottom): 2 ½ “ (3, 4)

Cable braid: (length folded in half): 6 ½ “ (7 ½ , 8 ½ )

Materials:

Worsted weight cotton blend, such as Rowan Calmer in blue, orange and yellow shades

2, (2, 3) skeins blue; 1, (1, 1) skeins orange; 2, (2, 2) skeins yellow

Size 6 circular needle, size 5 circular needle

(Chelsea) It is with great excitement and satisfaction that I am releasing this pattern!! I've been working on this one from initial concept sketch (which changed many times) to three finished dresses and a finished pattern, for many long months. This has been my most challenging pattern to design and write out and it's exciting that it's finally here! Funny thing though, is that actually it's a pretty easy pattern to knit, but it required a good bit of work to make it an easy pattern to knit!

The yarn for this pattern, Rowan Calmer, is a dream to knit with. It is like knitting with butter. ;-) So soft and the drape and wear is incredible. If you ever get the chance to knit with it--do it! A little spendy, but oh so worth it!!! Thanks to a very generous and sweet friend, most of it was gifted to me, which made working with it all the more special.

And of course, my little model loves the finished product. She was so excited to do up her hair for this shoot--it was hilarious. ;-) She loves this sundress. In her words "It is so soft and comfy!! With pretty flowers too!" I love knitting for children... They are so easy to please.  :-)