So, I admit, this sweater is a tad over-the-top exuberant. It’s got one or two colors too many in it. Probably. But if a little one is testing a parent, I’m thinking the tot will look so cute and happy in this that it will sort of take the edge off grumpy. There’s something about the bright orange that does it, I think.

It’s Doreen Marquart’s “Shoulder-Button Pullover” from her book, Grammy’s Favorite Knits for Baby. I’ve knit it in Schachenmayr Merino Extra-Fine Color 120, in the Stockholm mix yarn for sweaters, hats, and caterpillars. I’ve knit with it often enough, and recently enough, that I could be accused of starting a fan club for this yarn. Honestly, I’d say it’s meant for socks…or possibly hats. But little kids are pretty much stuck with wearing what we put them in. At least at the start. So why not dress them in our most exuberant hand-knits?

This was a fun, quick knit. I decided to make the 12-month size.

Marquart’s book includes a number of grandmother-tested patterns that are definitely worth checking out.