Lots of changes :)

The issue I had was the tension for the wool I used, as the yarn label suggested 4-5mm needles.
However, as this garment was made for charity, I didn’t have a certain size in mind, but something that would fit a child, let’s say b/n 2yo-5yo (see below the final measurements). In the end I followed the instructions for size 2T.

Inspired by the notes of eLoomanator that the “neckline is big enough and has enough stretch to pull over the head of a toddler”, I, too, recalculated the numbers for the neckband to eliminate the back opening. Therefore, for the yoke:

• I started with 4mm needles and just 84 sts and after increases I ended up with 124 sts.
• I further divided these sts using the general rule of 35% front, 35% back and 15% for each sleeve. So I concluded with: front-42K, 20BO, Back-42K, 20BO.

As from many other knitters’ entries and suggestions for this project (and changing to 4.5mm needles), I used the same calculator to position the increases:

• for back from 42->67sts+2sts(edges) which equals for 8 lace pattern repeats (8x8 +2r+1l) + 2 sts for edges and

• for front from 42->74sts+2sts(edges) which equals for 8 lace pattern repeats (8x8 +7increase+2r+1l) + 2 sts for edges.

Same as many other, I also joined for working it in the round:

• Changed it after I worked flat for 4 repeats for back and 3 repeats for front.

• As I already added 2 more sts for the edges (on the 1st rows of front & back), when it came to join in the round (at 97sts x 2=194sts/rnd) I didn’t need to add any extra sts for the underarms to complete/balance the lace pattern around.

I made myself a chart to work easier and accomodate the gradual increases for the lace pattern to a final of 208sts/rnd. I found a good representative tutorial for creating your own ‘V eyelet lace’ charts here (used just three vertical eyelets, not four).

I finished it up with 12 front and 13 back vertical repeats, which I hope will allow the recipient of this garment to wear it as a 3yo dress as well as a 4yo top, as I had a different tension than the pattern suggests, mine being of 18 sts/26 rows/10cm on 4.5mm needles.

When it came to bind off I used this video tutorial for Suspended Bind Off that gave a nice stretchy finish especially when it comes to the Garter ridges.

Used the buttons at the back also just to hide the poor seam I made :)

Overall a truely enjoyable project/knit that I recommend to anyone and definitely will make more!