Tot Toppers

Back to school knitalong: Diplodocus

This past spring, the dinosaur phase began.

We were at an Easter Egg hunt and Jesse found an egg with a dino in it.

I shortly learned that it wasn’t just ANY dinosaur, according to Jesse: “Mommy, I got a diploDOCUS in my egg. diploDOCUS is my FAVORITE kind of dinosaur.”   Capitalization to show you his interesting prononciation and emphasis.

Despite the other candy that he got that day, Jesse’s most cherished prize was truly the little tiny plastic dinosaur (which I’m pretty sure was meant to be a brachiosaurus, not a diplodocus). The precious palentological commentary that has since followed was all I needed to work up an inspired design. Jesse wasn’t quite as thrilled with it as he was the plastic toy, but he does love how the sweater turned out!

I’ve been wanting to get a fall knitalong going (well, knitting FOR fall during the end of summer) and I think this sweater is the perfect choice.  The size range is 6 months to 10 years. Dinosaurs are technically a bit more on the boyish side but I saw some very cute girly versions come from my test knitters.  Also, the sweater would work very well with another charted pattern if your child doesn’t have the same love for the creature that mine does!

 There are some short rows worked in the yoke of the sweater, and the colorwork is stranded.  So if you’ve never tried either of these things before, you’ll have a contingency of knitters (me included) standing by ready to help you along.

I’ll also be happy to help with sizing adjustments–this pattern is worked top down so its very easy to add or subtract length to the sleeves and body to make it fit the recipient perfectly.

Official KAL dates: Aug 1-Sept 15

Pattern Info:
Size: 6 months(18 months, 2, 4)[6, 8, 10]
Finished Chest: 18(20.5, 23.25, 25.5)[28, 30.75, 33.25] inches
Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rows per 4 inches in stockinette on larger needles
Yarn: 140(180, 220, 290)[350, 430, 530] yards A, 90(110, 125, 140)[170, 195, 220] yards B and 75(90, 100, 115)[135, 155, 180] yards C worsted weight yarn; shown in the magnificent and droolworthy Bijou Bliss by Bijou Basin Ranch
Tools: Size 5(3.75 mm) 16” circular needles and set of 5 DPN’s & Size 6(4 mm) 16” or 24” circular needles and set of 5 DPNs, stitch markers
Notions: One 3/4-inch button for 6 month and 18 month sizes ONLY

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate or “beginner with access to help” aka this KAL! The only tricky part of this pattern is dealing with some longer floats in the colorwork. Because of the floats, it is not what I’d call IDEAL for a first-time colorwork project. HOWEVER, because we are doing a KAL, there will be loads of help and I would love for you to give it a try. My suggestion for first timers is to work the chart as a swatch several times before starting on the stranding within the actual sweater. There are also short rows worked in the yoke, but those are easy :) Again, I’m willing to help you learn.

To join: All you need to do is purchase the pattern and hop on in. I am offering the pattern for pre-release at a discounted price from now through the end of July. The full pattern will be released on August 1 for $7, and I am offering it now for $4 to KAL participants! Please note that when you make your pre-release purchase, you’ll receive a pdf with the pattern info and NOT the pattern itself. That will come August 1.

The KAL will take place in my Ravelry Group. Hop on over and hear from some of the testers on their experiences, and tell us what color you’ll be making your Diplodocus! You can click here, or on any of the above pictures to purchase the pattern & sign up.  Remember that you have until July 31 to purchase the pattern for $4, and on August 1 the pattern will officially be released for $7.