This simple all-over Moss (Seed) stitch waistcoat was inspired by the sensational Farrah Fawcett in her role as Jill Munroe in Charlie’s Angels. I watched Charlie’s Angels as a child and I remember being dreadfully disappointed when the gorgeous Farrah left the show. I loved the Katherine Hepburn-esque nonchalance that she brought to clothes, an effortless elegance. I envisaged this waistcoat worn by her with a sheer chiffon floral blouse with floaty bell sleeves and wide legged pants with a high waistline. So Farrah, so timeless.
Farrah is worked in three pieces, knitted flat. A small number of increases are worked at the side edges to create the distinctive waistcoat shape before the armhole and front neck shaping is worked. Farrah is designed to be significantly narrower at the front than at the back and is not intended to close at the front. Patch pockets are knitted sideways then sewn in place onto the waistcoat fronts to further add to the 1970s vibe of the waistcoat. The front pieces are sewn to the back at the side seams and shoulders and that’s it – you’re ready to solve your next case!

Farrah is knitted using Ghyll, 100% Lonk wool, from my lovely neighbour’s rare breed flock of Lonk sheep – a native sheep of the Lancashire hills. Their strong, slightly crisp wool is perfect for textured stitches such as Moss (Seed) stitch and its firmness provides the waistcoat with the structure it needs to hold its shape.

The pattern contains written instructions and a clear schematic diagram and includes instructions for 12 sizes to fit from 28-62 inch chest.

A very straight forward pattern suitable for all knitters. Our model is shown wearing the 3rd size suitable for a 34in (86cm) chest.

Yarn kits are available on the Susan Crawford Vintage website.

Yarn
Ghyll, (Sportweight)
100% British wool, 100% Lonk
(300m / 328 yds per 100g skein)
3 (3, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8) skeins, shade natural

Gauge
23 sts and 42 rows = 10cm (4in) over Moss (Seed) stitch worked flat, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 3.75mm needles.
If necessary use an alternative needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

Suggested needles
1 pair 3.75 mm (US #5) needles

Notions
Tapestry needle

Techniques
Moss (Seed) stitch
Sewing up a garment knitted in flat pieces
Attaching patch pockets