The Layette cont.

In this second part of The Layette, we will begin with making two styles of vests, a pink and a blue. The first is knitted sideways in rib and the blue vest in knitted in the round on double-point needles. They are typical Victorian baby patterns and are tiny. They are lovely practice projects for layettes of the time (use pure wool and silk ribbon). The outer layers of the set will become more lace-like. Perhaps you have two preemie baby dolls you can make the outfits for and display them in an antique pram or bassinet.

INFANT'S FIRST VEST PINK

1X50g ball 3ply soft baby wool

Three double-point needles 3.00mm

Pure silk satin ribbon for neck edge

Matching pink cotton or silk thread for seams

Cast on to one needle 100 stitches. Knit two rows, Purl two rows, Knit two rows. Work 40 sts and with the third needle continue to work on these for 22 rows. Leave these sts on the needle. With the third needle cast off 20 sts for the shoulder of the 60 sts left on the first pin. Knit on the remaining 40 sts 22 rows for the back the same as for the front. In the 23rd row, cast on 20 sts for other shoulder, and knit them on one needle with the 40 sts left from the front (100sts). Knit 6 rows as at the beginning. Cast off the stitches, and sew up the sides under the arms, leaving the armholes open.

A crochet edging is worked around neck and shoulders: Row 1: One slip stitch crochet into edge of knitting, two chain, miss 1, one slip stitch into next. Repeat. Row 2: One double crochet (USA single crochet) under two chain of last row, three chain, one double under next two chain. Repeat. Thread satin ribbon through the first row of crochet around neck and tie into bow at centre front.

INFANT'S FIRST VEST BLUE

1X50g ball 2ply soft baby wool

Set 4 double-point needles 3.00mm

Crochet hook 3.00mm

Cast on 104 sts (52 on one needle, and 26 on other two). Work in the round. Knit 8 rounds of K1, P1 ribbing. Knit 6 rounds plain. One round K1, K2TOG, K46, K2TOG, K2, K2TOG, K46, K2TOG, K2Tog, K1. Knit 24 rounds plain.

Front: Take the 50 sts on first needle and place on holder 2sts at each end. Knit 48 sts in one row plain and one row purl for ten rows. Then K10, K1, P1 for 28 sts, P10.

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