This pattern is currently only available as part of A Stitch in Time Volume 3, the colourwork edition which can be ordered by following the link above

I was inspired to create Chester after completing Peggy – a shorter, much more fitted version of this classic vest/tank top. The simple repeating motif and style lent itself to a more masculine or non-gendered fit and similar to The Vintage Shetland Project, I felt it was important to expand the options in some of the designs to fit a more extensive size range. Chester is the first of those in the collection to do so with a longer, unshaped lower body, deeper armholes and broader cross back measurements than Peggy. Chester is knitted in the round from the bottom up commencing with a deep ribbed welt before commencing the stocking stitch and Fair Isle motif panels on the lower body. The length can be easily adjusted by adding or removing stocking stitch rounds between the Fair Isle bands.

To ensure the pattern remains as simple and pleasurable a knit as possible, I have made the decision to knit the uppermost section of the body in stocking stitch only, avoiding the need to work a Fair Isle band whilst also shaping the front neck; however an additional Fair Isle band can easily be added at the upper body if preferred.

Chester come in 12 sizes to fit from 32-66 inch (81-167 cm) chest with full colour charts to work from.

Chester is knitted in Susan Crawford Byre, a natural soft grey, fingering weight wool, plus three additional shades for the motifs – I have used Night Sky a deep navy blue also in Byre, then two shades of Wold 2 ply – Ladybird, a primary shade of red and Evergreen, a warm vintage green. An elegant, classic colourway to suit this stylish, timeless design!

A yarn kit is available containing all the yarn required to knit Chester.

YARN

Susan Crawford Byre100% British wool, a unique blend of Jacob, white Shetland and black Shetland fleeces
Fingering weight (400m / 436yds per 100g skein approx)
2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 5) skeins, shade Dry Stone Wall – Yarn A

Fingering weight (100m / 109 yds per 25g skein approx)
1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins, shade Night Sky – Yarn C

Susan Crawford Wold 2 Ply Fingering weight 100% British wool; 50% Southdown, 25% Bluefaced Leicester, 25% white Shetland(87m / 95 yds per 25g skein approx)

1 (1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins, shade Evergreen – Yarn B
1 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins, shade Ladybird – Yarn D

GAUGE

32 sts and 39 rounds = 10cm (4in) over stranded colourwork and stocking stitch, worked in the round. We obtained this gauge using 3mm needles.

SUGGESTED NEEDLES

Small needles:
2.25mm (US 1) circular needle (80–100cm in length)
2.25mm (US 1) circular needle (40–50cm in length)
Large needles:
2.75mm (US 2) circular needles (80–100cm in length)

NOTIONS

Waste yarn or stitch holders
Spare needle for grafting shoulders (in the round version only)
Tapestry needle
Scissors