Free Pattern: Sweet Tee

It’s really fun to knit for little kids, but they grow so fast that you don’t really want to spend too much time on a project for a little one because they might only get to wear it a few times before it’s too small (or, let’s face it, stained).

That’s why this cute little Sweet Tee pattern from Down Cloverlaine is so great. It’s a pretty straightforward top-down raglan with a placket in the back to make putting on and taking off a little easier. It’s mostly worked in the round in stockinette stitch, with little textured heart embellishments at the center front and above the hem. You could of course leave those out and it would be a great project for a boy, too.

Worked in cotton on size 4 and 6 US needles (3.5 and 4 mm) it will go pretty quickly. This pattern is one-size only, which she says is for a 6 to 9 month old (18 inch chest measurement). The good news is it’s relatively easy to adjust a raglan to another size, just keep increasing until you have the chest measurement you need (and remember to make it longer, too!).

[Photo by Elaine Fitzpatrick/Down Cloverlaine.]

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If you’re a fan of the artist Vincent Van Gogh and of knitting patterns inspired by art, Knitting Van Gogh by Krista Ann is the book for you. The book includes 20 patterns inspired by artwork, as well as the pictures that inspired them and a little information about them.

Patterns are divided into two sections, apparel and decor, and include wraps, scarves, gloves, nesting baskets, a journal cover, a sunflower pillow cover and more.

For some the influence is obvious, such as the red hat inspired by the painting Head of a Woman, or the sunflower cushion inspired by Sunflowers. Sometimes it’s not as obvious, such as the Peach Tree Wrap inspired by the colors of the painting The Peach Tree, or the journal cover that pulls colors from Self-Portrait with Straw Hat.

Some of my favorites include the Wheatfield Brioche Cowl, with colors from the painting Wheatfield and brioche designs that look a bit like grass; Vincent’s Blanket, made from log cabin squares in shades of red based on the blanket in The Bedroom; and of course the Vincent doll.

Four patterns are rated the easiest skill level, with eight each at levels 2 and 3. You can see a few of the patterns on the publisher’s website (as of this writing they are not on Ravelry with photos).

The book includes a glossary and some tips for finishing at the back, as well as a key for abbreviations and a guide to the artworks featured. The book was produced in collaboration with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and purchasing the book also supports the work of the museum, which is pretty cool.

This would be a fun book to knit from for an art lover, or if you just want to enjoy the hidden meaning in your projects if you knit some where the influence isn’t as obvious.

About the book: 144 pages, hardcover, 20 patterns. Published 2024 by Weldon Owen, suggested retail price $29.99.

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