The fortunate thing about baby patterns, is that they never really go out of style. There are still matinee coats and sacques, baby bonnets and bootees. You can find vintage patterns for socks, cardigans, rompers and more... and your baby will look just as cute (if not cuter) than the ones in the vintage pattern books!
Even better, most of the older baby patterns have that heirloom quality look to them. I have lots of lovely handmades that my Mum and Nan made for my kids... and they are hidden away in my closets. I love handmade baby things, and while I know not ALL parents are appreciative of them, that doesn't mean people don't like them!
I think this pattern is for an infant. It doesn't really say. Which means that it is totally possible it will knit up for a larger baby, which is fine, since the baby can grow into it!
It is 8 sts to the inch, which is a totally normal baby pattern. Use baby yarn NOT baby sport as that will knit up too large and you are using very small needles already (US 1 and US 3 - that is 2.25mm and 3.25mm or UK 13 and UK 10). You can also use fingering weight yarn (that would be 3ply or 4ply), but I am a fan of the acrylic yarns for baby BECAUSE they can be washed, even if my sensibilities say natural is nicer ;)
Baby knitting patterns are actually an awesome place to start if you are a relative newbie knitter. These miniature clothes will let you try out some of the more complicated knitting techniques (decreases and shaping) without taking forever to knit. This one also has a cable up the front. If you DO want to make it, I highly recommend learning more about matching increases and decreases. It will give your garment that professional look. The links take you to some helpful videos ;)
You can get the Surplice set here. Happy Knitting!
