Bitty Beekeeper Sweater

This pattern is featured in the book Knit a Little by Marie Greene. I’ve always wanted to be a beekeeper, but my pollinator garden is as close as I’ve managed to get. Maybe it’s wishful thinking, but I’d like to think the neighborhood bees consider it their home away from home. This sweet, top-down yoke-style sweater features rows of bitty bees on the yoke and lower body, buzzing along on a background of reverse stockinette stitch. It’s knit top-down, seamlessly in the round. See the grown-up version here: https://www.oliveknits.com/product/beekeeper-cardigan/ Yarn DK Weight | Sew Happy Jane Delightful DK | 100% superwash merino | 231 yards/ 211 meters in 100 g | 280 (310, 320, 450, 520, 700, 730) yards/ 256 (283, 293, 411, 475, 640, 667) meters Sizes 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) 0-6 mo (6-12 mo, 1- 2 yrs, 2 -4 yrs, 4-6 yrs, 6- 8 yrs, 8-10 yrs) Finished Measurements Chest circumference: 20.6 (22.1, 22.9, 25, 26.9, 29, 31.6) in/51.5 (55.25, 57.25, 62.5, 67.25, 72.5, 79) cm Length of lower body from underarm: 6 (6.5, 7, 8.5, 10, 12, 14) in/15 (16.25, 17.5, 21.25, 25, 30, 35) cm Sleeve length: 6.5 (7.5, 8.5, 11, 12.5, 13.5, 14.5) in/ 16.25 (18.75, 21.25, 27.5, 31.25, 33.75, 36.25) cm Sleeve Circumference: 7.25 (7.6, 8, 8, 9.1, 9.5, 10.7) in/18.1 (19, 20, 20, 22.9, 23.8, 26.7) cm Yoke depth (measured from under the ribbing to the underarm): 4.8 (4.9, 5.1, 5.1, 5.9, 6.5, 6.5) in/12 (12, 12.75, 12.75, 14.75, 16.25, 16.25) cm Needles US Size 5/3.75mm (12 -24 in/30-60 cm) circular needle – yoke and body (use length that is most comfortable for the size you’re knitting, transition to a longer length as needed) US Size 5/3.75mm (12 in/30 cm circular needles or DPNs) – sleeves US Size 4/3.5 mm (12-16 in/30-40 cm) circular needle – neckline US Size 4/3.5mm (16-24 in/40-60 cm) circular needle – bottom ribbing US Size 4/3.5mm (DPNs) – sleeve cuffs Gauge 21 st and 30 rows in 4 in/10 cm with largest needle in reverse stockinette stitch, blocked Use needle size necessary to achieve gauge. Adjust other needle sizes accordingly. Notions Darning needle to weave ends Stitch markers