Beatrix

This pattern is in one of the vintage knitting books I have, from Columbia Yarns-which was in Philly coincidentally. I'm not sure of the year but there are some clues: There is an interesting pattern for an "Auto Robe" which is a sort of afghan for the backseat of your obviously unheated auto, so there were cars about. But there are no patterns for men in the service, which seem to be included in most WW1-era knitting books. It's hard to say, I guess it could also be from pre-WWI or the 20's, but I have some books from the twenties and the photos have a different quality. Well, in any case there was a pattern for a baby sweater that was really cute and seemed like a good simple pattern that people would really like to knit up. I love love love reworking old patterns, it's like solving a puzzle sometimes. Especially with the really old ones where they don't even include a picture! Also, it's interesting to see knitting has changed. Problem with this one was--as with most old patterns--there was no gauge, no sizing. So, there was nothing for it but to swatch and calculate and cast on with notebook and pencil ready at hand. The sizing is all weird for babies in these old patterns, the proportions are different then we are used to and the armhole depth is always impossible. Who wants to spend 10 minutes shoving a newborn's arm into a tiny hole? But I guess if nurse was doing it who cared?! So I came up with a reasonable approximation with a much looser gauge (who wants to knit at 36sts/10cm?)and sized it for 3-6mos, 12 mos, and 18-24mos. Oh, and I also opted for a button instead of all the ribbons. I don't think there are many people who are able to tie those elaborate bows anymore, and if there are they are probably really into it in a way that would be a little creepy.
The pattern for this little sweater I'm calling "Beatrix" is available at Rosie's and I have formatted it into .pdf (painstaking!) so you can buy it here! How exciting! Check out the link on the sidebar!