I don't personally consider myself a knitwear designer, but I do have designs ideas of things I want for myself or for my kids. This sweater/tee was a result of wanting a simple piece for my daughter's wardrobe that would transition from season to season, and be could worn as she girl grows.

I made the first one for my daughter when she was about 6 months old, and it was immediately one of my favorite things to put her in. I could put it with jeans, over dresses, with skirts and under/over jumpsuits. It was warm but soft. It cleaned up well, and stayed pill free and like-new after dozens of wearings.

I made it over and over again, perfecting the proportions and making different sizes. I'm really happy with the result, and I hope you will find it as useful in a girl's wardrobe as I do! I just finished a third version for her and I know I'll make it many times over.

The yarn I used is O-wool balance, which is a 50/50 cotton merino wool blend. It has a range of beautiful tweedy colors, and is a yarn I've used over and over for children's knits. It withstands a lot of wear, but it is soft without having to be overly processed like superwash yarn. It can be machine washed on cold/delicate cycle.

This design only takes 2-3 skeins, and with each skein $7.25, it's also a very affordable project! It's seamless, with the shoulders grafted together. If you haven't tried grafting/kitchener stitch before, it seems intimidating but it's very simple and I find it easier than seaming!

My talented cousin and photographer Lesley captured these beautiful images of her stunning daughters modeling the tee and I love that it is a design that looks just as modern on older girls as it does toddlers and babies. Kate (age 2) is wearing size 2, and Ella (age 8) is wearing size 6. Ella's measurements corresponded to the size 6 and it fits her beautifully. You can also easily add length for long torsos or other customization for fit. The pattern is sized from 6 months to 8 years old. Available very soon!

all images by Lesley Colvin