The October homestead sweater is knitted top down in Shetland wool held double for extra durability but can be knitted in any yarn that meet gauge for example a worsted weight yarn.
For more sensitive skin a merino wool will definitely be more comfortable than the Shetland wool and I find that the detail of the collar and double moss stitch still stands out in a softer wool.
The October Homestead sweater has an offset open collar that makes it great in fall and on warmer winter days or for kids who likes to have their neck free. The pattern also has the description on adding in button holes that allow the collar to be buttoned up and compensate for a scarf making it a perfect sweater for play.
Since it is a top down construction it is easy to custom fit the sweater between the sizes as knitted and also adjust the length of the body and sleeves. The sleeves ends in a long single rib that is folded double that naturally allows the sleeves to extend longer for fast growing kids.

The sweater uses between 150-350 gr. or 675-788 meter of worsted yarn or double length in meters when yarn held double. Gauge for pattern is 16x23 sts on needlesize 5mm (US #8).

Sizes in years ½-1 2 4 6 8 10-12
Circumference: 56cm 66cm 71cm 79cm 84cm 89cm

Pattern gives traditional length for sleeves and body but can easily be adjusted longer or shorter as knitted