Chunky Alpaca Baby Jacket

I want to knit a baby jacket in chunky alpaca, but cannot find any patterns. So as I am going to have to make it up I thought I'd blog it :) It is knit from the top down on circular needles, for a seamless finish.

I took One 100g skein of Chunky Alpaca (100 yards) (Available from my store) A pair each of size 6.5mm/10.5US, and 8mm/11US circular needles. I had two smaller circular needles to use as stitch holders. 4 stitch markers. Gauge/Tension - 6st x 8 rows = 2 inch square

With the 6.5mm/10.5us circular needles and longtail cast on 32 stitches.

Row 1 - k4, place marker, k6, place marker, k12, place marker, k6,  place marker, k4.

Row 2 - K row increasing one stitch before and after each stitch marker. (40 stitches)

Row 3 - Knit

Row 4 - Change to size 8.mm/11.us needles. Knit row increasing one stitch before and after each marker. (48 stitches)

Row 5 - K3, Purl to last 3 stitches, K3

Repeat rows 4 and 5 until you have 96 stitches. (12, marker, 22, marker, 28, marker, 22, marker, 12)

Divide row - K 12, slip next 22 stitches onto a spare needle, K28, slip next 22 stitches onto a spare needle, K12

1st  post divide row - K3, purl to last 3 stitches, K3.

2nd post divide row - Knit

Repeat last two rows until work measures 4 inches from the divide row to the bottom of work.

Work 4 rows garter stitch (Knit) Cast off. Sew ends in.

Sleeves - **Slip one lot of the 22 stitches held on a spare needle back onto your larger circular needle. You will have a gap between the last stitch and the first stitch, Pick up a stitch here to close the gap. Continue to knit in the round until your sleeve measures 2 inches from where you have rejoined. Work 2 purl rows then cast off. Sew ends in.** Repeat fromm ** - ** for second sleeve.

Make a twist tie for each side of the jacket fronts and attach securely. Voila!, Beautifully warm, snuggly soft Baby Jacket!