Inspiration for this pattern “Summer With Love; Hugs & Kisses” came from my participation in a Design Along forum on Ravelry.com, the theme was “Summer Romance.”
This pattern in my mind represented the theme elements of “Summer Romance” from a child’s point of view by the selection of stitches that I used.

Picot edging with beading – represented the broken shells you may find along the beach.
Rib lace - the pattern of ripples found in the sand left by the ocean.
Eyelet – those hugs we give/receive.
Ladder to the Sky - where the horizon shows ocean meeting the sky.
Smocking – all those kisses we give/receive.
Seed Stitch – seeing a child carefree at the beach, playing in the ocean, and in the sand.
Crab stitch (crochet) – sand crabs, digging in the sand to find one.

This pattern has many options allowing the knitter to take creative license to claim this pattern as their own each time it is knitted. The pattern has multiple children sizes from 3 months up to size 10.

Options: As a sleeveless summer top that goes to the top of the hips and can be worn over shorts or a soaker for the little ones.
This pattern also allows you, if your wanting to make a dress for the fall/winter to be worn as a jumper over a long sleeve top than can be worn with pants.
Whether as a Dress/Top/or Jumper – the pattern allows you to explore your creative side and be the designer, as you make your choices.
Smocking – with beading or without.

Cast on options: Cable Cast On, knitted Picot cast on or Picot cast on with beads.
Optional finish: crochet crab stitch as and edging, as well as any embellishments that you might want to add.

The yarn used was a #3 light weight yarn Caron Naturally Spa using #6 US & #3 US needles, But during testing a DK yarn was used with needle changes that are given within the pattern (#7US and #4 US).

The pattern includes both text & charting, closeup pics to display stitches, and instructional links for those stitches used.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/155912891/Summer-With-Love-Hugs...