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Rooibos Vest: Pattern NowAvailable on Knitty
So, as you’ve probably guessed, the main reason Sandra and I went out to do a photo shoot last weekend was for this new pattern, destined to be one of two Surprises on Winter Knitty!
The Rooibos Vest is one of those perfect design projects. What I had in mind is exactly what I ended up with; a fitted and flattering vest to layer with jeans and sleek tops for the winter. I loved it from the second I put it on. I’ve worn it several times in the past few weeks.
But the real surprise was how much I loved this yarn.
The kind gals at Blue Moon Fiber Arts provided me with yarn support for this project. I’d seen just a little of De-vine when Tina knit my Emerald pattern from it late last year. But until I held a skein of it in my hands, I couldn’t really comprehend how awesome it would be to knit with.
De-vine, much like Socks That Rock, is a multi-stranded tightly plied merino yarn. The plies give it amazing elasticity and drape. And it was a dream to knit, especially remembering that it’s a chunky yarn, which can often be tough on the wrists.
You probably know that I tend to love the chunky yarns. I still haven’t gotten over the fact that Sheep Shop Yarn Company went out of business this year. Sheep Two was a rare chunky weight yarn; at once substantial and lofty, and so well wearing! So being able to knit with a new-to-me delight from BMFA was an absolute dream.
But there are challenges for designing with chunky, especially for us curvy gals. For work friendly wear, sleek is the key. Chunky garments need shaping out the wazoo, and slimming details like sharp verticals and rib panels to pull close in all the right places.
Structurally speaking, chunky needs also often need… *gasp*… seams.
I know. We’re so in love with the seamless these days. Top down raglans, circular needles, steeking. We’ll do anything to knit in the round. And don’t get me wrong, I love the seamless sweater. I love how it drapes, how it hangs, how easy it is to sew in those last few ends and just put it on immediately, rather than spend an hour or two on mattress stitch to make it all perfect.
But chunky yarns are heavy. And with a long-ish garment like this, that weight can cause undue stress on the garment and on the wearer. So, a bit of seaming can be a very good thing indeed.
Here, the seams help keep the shape of the garment over time, and continue to help the vest sit in just the right place. After all, who wants pockets at her knees?
Anyhow. I hope you enjoy Rooibos.
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February 11th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Yaaay! I’m knitting it RIGHT NOW. Honestly, I’ve been aching to knit something sweater-like for me, but the yardage requirements for a pullover for me are daunting. Plus, pullovers can just be so finicky, and I don’t know that I have the patience to work with the fit to make it just right. But I love the idea of a vest, and a long one at that — awesome for balancing the curvy bits, not hiding them.
February 12th, 2010 at 1:01 am
AN HOUR OR TWO?!! what crazypants planet are you from, woman, that it only takes an hour or two to seam up a sweater!?!!!!
February 12th, 2010 at 6:28 am
when this first came up, I thought OH! Amy looks GREAT!
Sandra took such fabulous pictures….and now that I have read more about the actual pattern…MUST.make.
February 12th, 2010 at 9:46 am
What a great vest! I have been looking for a longer vest with pockets and this is it! I have put it in my queue behind my knitted quilt and about 4 pairs of socks….hopefully for next winter for me. Thanks for the great pattern.
February 12th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Do you think this pattern would suit a thick and thin yarn? I have one stashed that I think might work. Great pattern! Thanks!
February 16th, 2010 at 9:53 am
Great vest! I love your stuff.