I could not knit to the gauge and almost gave up on this cardi.
Then after reading comments that sock yarn would work just fine, decided to give it another try. I saw this sock yarn and even though it is slightly stripe, purchased 7 skeins of it.
Suggested yarn is nice, but…. There is no way I would knit with expensive yarn for my lil’ Tomboy that grows like a weed!
I am knitting size 6T, since my daughter is quite tall for being 5.

8/13/12 Started on the sleeves. Two at a time.
It is easier this way to keep the tension even.
Love the edging!
8/15/12 Sleeves are done.
I was thinking about incorporating machine knitting into the body of the cardi. Since it is way faster. Made a few swatches. Trying to determine which one is going to work better with hand-knitted part.
8/16/12 Pocket linings are done.
Started on the body. Wish I did pockets part differently. Too late now. They are done!
Like that directions on length knitting are given in inches/cm.
8/23/12 All parts are done, washed, and blocking!
Surprise - after yarn got wet, it stretched slightly. Lesson learned - have to knit a bigger gauge swatch next time. Small swatch didn’t do the justice on the gauge change after blocking.

Fits my daughter very well!
Sleeves a bit on a tighter side.

I was not pleased to have to go to my computer in the middle of the TV show.
Make sure - before getting down to business in front of TV, go to suggested web site and dissipate all the Abbreviation on the chart!

Glitch
- After dividing for fronts and back, I had only 78 sts for the back. Could be that I miscalculated my sts.

My Changes

• I knitted cable twists (on the bottom of the pockets) - as mirror image
• Bobbles - k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, turn and loosely purl 5, turn k7tog
• BO the pockets with yarn doubled
• For the back, I used short-rowing to create a neck curve
• Bind-off shoulder seams. I will graft them after blocking
• Shoulder seams - grafting
• sleeves to armholes - back-stitch seaming
• Since my yarn is lighter, I had to make neck and button bands double. I used machine knitters technique here. With #3mm needles, picked up 81 sts on the sides, WS facing. Knitted stockinette for 7 rws, 1 garter ridge, 7 more rows of stockinette.

9/10/12
Yay!
The cardi is complete and pictures are taken!
Thank you, Mrs. Alana!