I have no less than 5 friends having babies by the end of 2014: my pediatrician, my daughter’s best friend’s mom, my sister…one friend is even having twins! I have to knit every new baby I know something, too. I consider it a good luck charm. With two babes of my own, time is short so I’m always in need of a go-to baby knit. It only took THIS Pinterest post, and THIS Ravelry page (you have to be logged in to see it) to have me casting on for Marching Elephant Vests. Perfect for either gender and wearable in so many climates, I think these vests are just the cutest (and quickest) knitted items ever.

The Milo Vest is the perfect base, and comes with a variety of cute cable options on its own. I chose Knit Picks Swish DK (colors Marble Heather and Carnation) for the gray one and used (the now discontinued) Stroll Sport (colors Hollyberry and Mustard, from my stash) for the red. Both are Superwash, which makes it easier on parents. I knit the second size, which took a tiny bit more than one skein of the main color, and half a skein for the elephants. At under $15 for the yarn, these vests are not only quick to make but economical to craft, as well.  The chart, a repeat of 9 stitches, can be found HERE, and you can find my pattern modifications, to fit the chart, on my Ravelry page for this project. I think I’ll make a reverse of the red vest for the second twin, or maybe two completely new colors. I could put together combinations all day, and why not – I know I’ll be making many more of these vests in the future, as the babies in my life keep marching right in!