This was a fun project to work on while we were on vacation. Easy to take along and get in a few rounds here and there while the kids were occupied!

I crochet tightly, so I usually have to size up 1 or 2 hook sizes (or more!) but to my surprise, I had to size down to a 4.0 to make gauge, which is very unusual for me! I’m guessing most people will have to size down even more than me.

I’m making this for my almost 5 year old who is on the petite side (in size 5T now with some room to spare), so I’m following the directions for 3-5 year olds.

Many thanks to loopysue, whose project notes and measurements were extremely helpful!

I had 60 stitches at the end of the red portion. The armholes seemed small, so I modified the pattern as follows (you can see in my close up photo how it turned out too):

Armhole Modification - Orange Section:

• Rnd 1 - as written

• Rnd 2 - DC in each st, including a DC in last st before ch 2 space. Ch 4. Then do a standing DC in the st right after the next ch 2 space to join and make the 1st armhole. Continue to DC around and repeat the process at the next ch 2 space to make the 2nd armhole.

• Rnd 3 - 2 DC in each st, except: 1 DC in st right before ch 4 space 1 DC in each of the 4 chains 1 DC in the st right after the ch 4 space (124 DC)

• Rnd 4 - 1 DC in each st (124 DC)

• Rnd 5 - 1 DC in each st, except place one DC dec in the armhole area on each side (122 st)

• Rnd 6 - repeat round 5 (120 st)

Now I ended with the same number of stitches (120) as if I hadn’t modified the armholes.

Each color section is turning out about 2.75” long. At the end of my 5th color, it’s measuring 15. 75 inches from the top of the sleeve, or 13.75” from the top of the body portion.

Cloud Pockets:

• Cloud applique pattern purchased from Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1676774326

• Crocheted with a double stand of worsted weight cotton from my stash, using a 4.0 mm hook

• Instead of sewing through the tops of the stitches as usual, I sewed it a little behind/under the top of the stitches, so it didn’t look so smushed down. I liked the texture of the edges curled up a bit. I left about 9 stitches at the top that weren’t sewn down as the opening for the pockets.

Other modifications :

• Used Moogly’s chainless DC to start each round.

• Used this technique to get a mostly straight seam: www.designsbyphanessa.com/single-post/Crochet-a-Straight-... (Had to count my stitches at the end of each round since this was a new technique for me).

• Added an extra color to make it longer, for a total of 7 colors