You Are My Sunshine baby Vest

Thanks for visiting!  You might also be interested in visiting my new blog, www.threadandladle.blogspot.com for this baby sweater pattern:

Introducing... my first ever knitting pattern.  While I often 'wing it' with knitting, this is the first time I've actually written one down to share.  Please send me edits, photos, comments, etc.!

You Are My Sunshine Baby Vest Pattern

Finished Size: 6 month 20" chest, 10" tall at shoulder strap
Gauge: 4.5 stitches per inch on size 8 needles in stockinette stitch
Yarn: Quince & Company Lark
Needles: Size 8 circular needle, 16 " (or size needed to obtain guage)

Body
Cast on 96 stitches.  Place marker and join to knit in the round.  Work in pattern:
Rows 1-3: *pearl 1, knit 1, pearl 2, knit 4, pearl 2, knit 1, pearl 1. Repeat from * 8 times.
Row 4: pearl 1, knit 1, pearl 2, k2tog, yo, yo, skpo, pearl 2, knit 1, pearl 1.
Repeat rows 1-4 until piece measures 7 inches.

Armholes-Back
At marker, place 48 stitches on stitch holder. 
Begin pearl 6 stitches both sides of right side rows, working in pattern in between.
Cast off 4 stitches next 2 rows.
Cast off 3 stitches beginning of next 2 rows.
K2tog both sides next 2 right side rows.  30 stitches remain on needles.
Knit remaining rows in garter stitch.  Knit 8 rows, casting off on right side row.

Armholes & Shoulder Strap-Front
Pick up stitches from stitch holder.
Begin pearl 6 stitches both sides of right side rows, working in pattern in between.
Cast off 4 stitches next 2 rows.
Cast off 3 stitches beginning of next 2 rows.
K2tog both sides next 2 right side rows.  30 stitches remain on needles.
Knit remaining rows in garter stitch.  Knit 6 rows.
On the right side, knit 6 stitches onto stitch holder, cast off 18 stitches, knit 6. 
6 stitches make up each shoulder strap.  Work each strap separately in garter stitch for 14 rows.  Work a 3 needle bind off with last 6 stitches of each side of back of vest (or cast off and sew straps to back of vest). 

Finishing
Weave in ends.  Wash with baby friendly detergent or soap and block.