Picture Day Worthy (& Giveaway)

What is it about vests on little kids that just screams Picture Day? Perhaps it is because vests make littles look so dapper like miniature grown-ups? Or perhaps all the knitting moms know how quickly they knit up, so it has become the go-to last-minute knit? Either way, I have TWO vest patterns for you to pick from and make for that mini-me in need of a cute Picture Day outfit. I also have TWO giveaways for you - so keep reading!

The Whitby Vest is that quintessential garment that should be in every little kid's closet. Although it is unisex, I immediately picture a little boy wearing one complete with corduroy pants and plaid shirt (which is perhaps why I made mine for my 4 year old, Tommy). The Whitby Vest is a relaxed fitting vest perfect for knitting with a more earthy or rustic yarn like Fibre Company’s Cumbria. It takes 1-2 skeins of Cumbria depending on the size you make, so it is a terrific stash-busting knit!

This vest is worked in the round from the bottom up in stockinette stitch with a double rib hem. The top half of the vest is worked in a double moss stitch. The collar and armbands are created by working an I-cord bind off. As you may have noticed with my children garments, I like button closures (because my beautiful children have large heads and we need the room!). This design also has a button closure on the right shoulder.

You can read more about the Whitby Vest AND enter to win Cumbria yarn AND the Gansey Kids e-book over on the Kelbourne Woolens blog. Courtney Kelly wrote the loveliest review! The giveaway ends Wednesday, August 31st at midnight. So hurry over after reading the rest of this post :).

The Filey Vest  is a lovely little top that can be worn as a sleeveless pullover or as a cozy vest layered with a cute tee. This vest is worked in the round from the bottom up with a single rib hem, seed stitch body, and a single baby cable on the sides. The collar is a mock turtle neck worked flat with two wee buttons for closure (and ease for slipping over wiggly bodies).

When the Filey Vest is knit with a beautifully subtle tonal yarn, such as Sweet Georgia Yarn’s Superwash DK (as shown), the stitches pop, the yarn blooms, and a fabric with depth is created. This vest takes 1-3 skeins of this yarn depending on which size you choose (sizes range from 12 months to 12 years).

Lucky news for you, readers!  I have one skein of Sweet Georgia Yarn's Superwash DK in the Mist colorway to give away to one of you!! To put yourself in the running to win this FABULOUS yarn, hop over to Ravelry and favorite both the Whitby Vest and Filey Vest. Then come back to this post and comment what knitted item YOU would wear to school tomorrow for Picture Day. Be sure to let me know your Rav name (so I can see all those lovely hearts and have a way of contacting you for the win)!  Feel free to favorite as many patterns as you like and purchase your Gansey Kids collection too. You have until Monday, September 5th to participate. I will select a winner next Tuesday, September 6!


Even if you only have a week until Picture Day, then you definitely have time to whip up one of these vests. Which will it be? Filey or Whitby?