Mardi (a.k.a. the rainbow dress/tunic/tank)

note: I'll be updating this post with some new photos later in the week. I was just so glad to finally have it typed out that I thought I should put it out here!

I finally typed up the pattern for my one-size-fits most 6 months-6 years, grow-with-me dress-tunic-tank (it also looks adorable when worn as a jumper or sweater vest). More photos and information can be found here and here.

I think that for a larger child, going up a needle size, using thicker yarn and adding a bit of length should do the trick. If anyone tries this, let me know how it turns out! As is, it fits up to a 24" chest quite comfortably.

I've decided to call it Mardi, after the friend that sent me the yarn to begin with!

Mardi

Materials needed:
Size 2 circular needles
dk weight yarn
stitch markers

Gauge:
6 sts= 1"

Straps:
CO 125 stitches, join round
*Round 1: knit
Round 2: purl*
Repeat from * to * 3 times
Round 9: knit


Front Shaping:
Row 10: K15, bind off 35, k25
*You will now work back and forth in stockinette (knit one row, purl one row) on these 25 stitches, working the first and last 2 stitches in garter stitch (knit every row)* for 4 rows.
Row 5: k 2, kfb, k to last 2 stitches, kfb, k2*
Repeat from * to *
Break yarn

Shoulder strap shaping:
Join yarn and bind off the next 35 stitches

Back shaping:
Work as front shaping for a total of 3 sets (note that you will be working across 30 stitches instead of 25). Remember to keep the first two and last two stitches in garter!


Joining:
Cast on 10, place marker (this is the new beginning of a round), cast on 10
K across front, cast on 10, place marker, cast on 10, knit across the back to join the round.

Body:
*Kfb, k to 1 stitch before marker, kfb, slip marker, kfb, k to last stitch before marker, kfb*

Repeat from *to* until front measures 13” or to desired length

Trim:
*K one round, P one round*
repeat from * to*
Bind off all stitches

As always, I'd love to see it when you're done!