No matter how long I have been a mother, there are moments where my breath catches at the sight of my children. Moments where I cannot quite believe they are mine, entrusted to my care. Their sheer innocence stirs in me a gentle ache that seems to freeze time. A cold dread runs through me at the thought of sending them out into the world. But I cannot be with them always, so I knit for them. When they wear a piece I have made for them, infusing my love and care into every stitch, they carry my embrace with them. In this way, we knitters can add a little protection to what is most precious. In this way, we can always be with them.

Mother’s Embrace is a top-down raglan dress with a light, twirly skirt. The fit is loose and comfy, and the slip-stitch stripe pattern can be worked in as many or as few colours as you desire, for a dress that is anywhere from subtle to wildly colourful. Send your little girl out into the world in a knitted embrace as unique and special as she is. This pattern was designed as a tribute and memorial to my dear knitting friend and mentor Elena Nodel, who has been responsible for so many knitted embraces.

Suggested Yarns: Colour Adventures Dia Twist DK (100% merino, 250 yd/229 m per 4 oz/115 g), shown in Tender (CC1);
Martin’s Lab Comfy DK (246 yd/225 m per 3.5 oz/100 g), shown in Stormy (MC);
Colour Adventures Sweet Merino DK (100% merino, 250 yd/229 m per 4 oz/115 g), shown in Amethyst (CC2) and Fresh Leaves (CC3);
or other DK weight yarn that knits up to a gauge of 22 sts per 4”/10 cm.

Sizes: 2 (4, 6, 8, 10) to fit a chest circumference of 21-22 (23-24, 25-26, 27-28, 29-30)”/53.5-56 (58.5-61, 63.5-66, 68.5-71, 73.5-76) cm.
Choose a size based on your child’s actual chest circumference and your desired amount of ease. See the schematic on page xx for finished measurements. The intended fit is an average fit, and the pattern includes 2-3” of positive ease.

Yardage:
Total: 700 (800, 900, 1050, 1170) yd/640 (732, 823, 960, 1070) m;
MC: 315 (365, 390, 410, 480) yd/288 (334, 357, 375, 439) m; CC1: 175 (200, 230, 265, 315) yd/160 (183, 210, 242, 288) m; CC2: 160 (180, 215, 250, 275) yd/146 (165, 197, 229, 251) m; CC3: 50 (55, 65, 75, 90) yd/46 (50, 59, 64, 82) m.

Suggested Needles:
US 6/4.0 mm; 20 or 24”/50 or 60 cm circular needles and DPNs, or size needed to obtain gauge;
US 5/3.75 mm; 20 or 24”/50 or 60 cm circular needles;
US 4/3.5 mm; 16”/ 40 cm circular needles and DPNs.

Gauge: 22 sts/30 rnds = 4”/10 cm in slip-stitch pattern in the round on largest needles; 22 sts/28 rnds = 4”/10 cm in stockinette stitch in the round on largest needles.

This pattern was originally available exclusively as part of the New Beginnings ebook. The ebook idea was created when our dear friend and mentor, Elena Nodel (aka Anadiomena) was going through cancer treatment.