Inspired by a crocheted dress in Jen Kao’s über-hip runway show, this intricate vest adds a touch of fabulous to a chic night on the town or an elegant day at the office. Wear it open and flowing, or flatter your figure by cinching it under the bust with your favourite button or pin!

Based on square motifs of pineapple lace that are joined seamlessly with slip stitches “as you go,” the vest’s modular construction gives you many options to create your own masterpiece! Make the full 9-square thigh-length design, a shorter 6-square hip-length vest, a 3-square bolero, or a 4 or 5-square shawl!

Roomy hip and thigh increases are included for a comfortable, flattering fit, and the beaded edging ups the ante with a beautiful sparkle.

This pattern was written for Inside Crochet magazine, using UK crochet terminology. A translation of UK terms to US terms is included in the back of the magazine.

The designer has carefully tested and edited the text instructions to ensure that they are free of errors. However, a few errors are present in the magazine’s charted stitch diagrams. In any place where an inconsistency exists between the written pattern and the charts, follow the text. The designer has also uploaded 32 step-by-step photos at this link to illustrate every stitch of the shoulder wedges and help folks crochet a perfect fit.

Camissonia is the genus name of the Sun Cup, a lovely four-petaled wildflower not unlike the four-pineapple motif in this vest. Kristen dedicates this pattern to the California Native Plant Society (www.cnps.org), helping to protect the mountain habitat of Camissonia and other wild plants.