Children's Sweaters and Hats Knitting Seamless Raglan Top Down: Step by Step Patterns and Photos (Richdesigns) [Paperback]

PULLOVERS & HATS SOLID COLORS, FAIR ISLE DESIGNS AND
TEXTURES
Patterns allow for various sizes and sleeve length.
Basic information on yarns colors, weight, fiber content and types of needles.
Instructions on how to read and follow a pattern.
Graph paper and guidelines for developing one's own patterns, and other practical tips.
Glossary, Abbreviations, Index.
12 national supply sources with address, phone number, web site, and email address.
Author provides her address and email and will answer general or technical questions.
Mary Goodwin has knit over 2000 sweaters and beautiful seamless raglans are everyone's favorite.
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Introduction, Notes on Patterns, Abbreviations, Yarn, Yardage Chart,
Yarn Gauge, Needle Conversion, Gauge, Needles, Casting On, Increase Stitch, Adding Colors,
Stripeless Stripe, Markers, Sizing, Ribbing, Short Rows, Button bands, Binding off, Blocking.

Patterns
1. Homespun Cardigan knit with soft bulky yarn, simple and warm.
2. Ring Around the Cardigan Rolled edge with a checkered ring around the neck in contrasting
colors.
3. ZigZag Two colors knit alternatively in the yoke and cuffs.
4. Wacky Waves Bright stripes on a dark background with increases and decreases for wave
appearance.
5. Little Fair Isle Hood Fair isle band through the front of this pullover, topped with a hood.
6. Bright Heart Sweater and matching hat with bright motifs on a dark background sweater.
7. Crayon Bright bold elongated colors intermixed in the yoke of this pullover.
8. Circumnavigate A solid knit pullover with a fair isle band through the middle of the body
and sleeves.
9. YumYum Greens A base of a tan sweater topped with different shades of green and yellow. 
10. Rapunzel A solid colored pullover with cables flowing from the neck down, embroidered
with small flowers on the front.
11. Strawberry Twist A solid colored pullover, knit with twists and yarn overs for a textured
sweater
Design Challenge
Stitch Glossary
Yarn Sources
Index

I explain various techniques and the reason and explanation for the different needles. I also provide helpful tips, a stitch glossary, and a design section with ideas for designing your own motifs, plus a sample of knitting graph paper for you to use. The patterns I enjoy knitting the most are the top down seamless raglan, which I worked and changed until I had the proportions just right. It is like magic cast on so many, work the neck ribbing, divide for sleeves, front and back, and viola, a sweater. The pattern seemed to work for any size sweater knit the yoke longer and the sweater is larger. Once you have the process down, I encourage you to use the basic sweater and try designing for yourself. Branch out and change colors, designs, add stripes or textures and create your own original sweater.

Mary obtained her teaching degree in Health Education in 1980 from BYU in Provo, Utah, a Masters Degree in Education in 1988, and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership in 1994. She has taught Junior High for 19 years, and has written curriculum for her school district.
She married in 1980. Her six children, including five boys and one girl, have been the inspiration for many of her designs. When they were young and money was tight, knitting sweaters was not only fun, but economical. Mary explains that her life has been extremely busy and hectic and she firmly believes that knitting is an excellent form of therapy.
She is also an advocate for and has participated in humanitarian efforts throughout the world. As a result of donated knitting projects, leapers have comfortable knitted and crocheted bandages, premature babies have caps, and many babies have Afghans and booties. Mary encourages others to become involved, saying that there is nothing more satisfying than to give a handmade gift to someone who really needs it and know that you are giving it from your heart.