Chain Mail for a child's play clothes?

[rincaro]

I'm a newish knitter, but this is a project I have in the back of my mind.

I'd like to make "chain mail" for my 5 yo son who is obsessed with all things to do with knights. I think I could find patterns for hoods and simple vests etc. easily enough, but I'm not sure what type of yarn to use.

I'd like something silvery gray of course, but I'd also like it to be able to stand up to moderate play (i.e. him donning it and running around the house trying to rescue me from the dragon).

Any ideas on what I should be looking for? TIA!

[starlings]

there's a pattern here that uses cotton twine that is "dyed" with acrylic paint once the pieces are complete.

I've never made it, but it has dwelled in the back of my mind for a while.

[rincaro]

Oooh thanks! The twine would probably hold up nicely. Adding that to my pattern folder.

[beatnik_chik]

that is so adorable!  It makes me wish *I* had a little knight to rescue me from the dragons! 
I hope he wears it well!

[rincaro]

Yep, I get to be adorned with flowers and crowns while he slays the evil dragon. I know he'll grow out but damn it's sweet while it lasts.

[pickledkitty]

You could knit it with a small gauge wire. Then it would be pretty indestructible, and if you made a front and back attached at the shoulders, he should be able to use it for a long while. You can always add on more wire to make it bigger;p

[lisascenic]

The Elsebeth Lavold book "Embraceable You" is actually inspired by armor from around the world.  I thought the coif was particularly cute.  There's even a sweater inspired by the Klingons on Star Trek.
http://www.fuzzymabel.com/patterns/lavold/el_niella.shtml

I seem to recall that some of the sweaters are in kid's sizes. I saw this book at my local yarn store, and had a real struggle not to buy it on the spot. (I've got enough projects at teh moment, thank you...)