American Girl Bikini

I have an American Girl Today doll who I have named Hermione (she used to look just like me, but things changed).  My cousin Jason got me some yarn for my birthday.  One color was called "Bikini."  It would be impractical for me to knit a swimusuit for myself, so instead I made one for Hermione.  It's really cute and it doesn't use that much yarn, either.  Enjoy!

 Materials:
-US size 8 (5 mm) straight knitting needles
-Red Heart Super Saver yarn in Bikini
-Size G-6 crochet hook (optional)
-Scissors

Size:
Will fit any 18-inch American Girl Doll.

To make bottom:
CO 18 sts.
Row 1:  Knit all sts.
Row 2:  Purl all sts.
Row 3:  k1, k2tog, k to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1
Row 4:  Purl all sts.
Repeat rows 3 and 4 until you have 6 sts left, ending on row 4.
Work straight in stockinette stitch (starting with a knit row) until piece measures 4 inches, ending on a purl row.
Row 1:  k1, inc 1 , k to last st, inc 1, k1
Row 2:  Purl all sts.
Repeat these two rows until you have 18 sts, ending on row 2.
Knit one row.
Purl one row.
Bind off all sts.

Top:
CO 7 sts.
Work in stockinette st until piece measures 4 inches from the beginning.
Bind off.

Finishing:
Single crochet around both parts (optional).
Tie strings at corners of both pieces to make the swimsuit.
You're all done!