Worked from the top down in one piece, with the button bands and neck added on as picked up stitches, this sweater has two versions: one with knitted edging and one with crocheted. One is a bit more tailored and one a bit more girly; both are decidedly feminine. The sleeves are designed to look nice long and, as your girl grows, as 3/4 length.

Version I has knitted edging and Version II had crocheted edging. Crochet hook is only needed for Version II. One skein of the contrast color will be enough for at least two sweaters.

Five of my eight children are girls. Though the older ones will no longer cooperate, I have loved dressing them in clothes that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. From this desire came the inspiration for a pair of sweaters that are similar but different enough that each girl can show her own style. The choices you make in the edgings, colors, buttons (how many and where you place them) will determine just how alike or different the sweaters will be. Sister sweaters? Cousins? Best friends?

This sweater is named for my fourth daughter, who was named for my grandmother, Lydia Mitchell Farrall Barchers. She taught me to knit when I was seven and I will always be grateful.