Named after the painter, Pat Lipsky, this statement vest is inspired by her use of bold colors and geometric forms. However, it is also inspired by the joyful color play of the 1980s. While vests have traditionally been worn in more preppy or minimalist fashion, the Lipsky vest is quirky and contemporary. It incorporates the resurgence of trends such as color blocking and checkerboard patterning yet remains a versatile essential in your wardrobe. Layer it over a tee, dress shirt, or don’t layer it at all – just have fun with this graphic piece.

The Lipsky vest provides an opportunity to dip your feet into a variety of colorwork techniques including simple stranded colorwork, intarsia worked flat, intarsia worked in the round, and stripes. Don’t be intimidated – each technique is implemented in a way that’s a breeze to execute and it’s a great building-block project that surely won’t bore you.

This vest is knit using plump, bouncy Fibra Natura Dona. This DK-weight yarn boasts superb stitch definition and a palette of lively, saturated colors. The soft, 100% extra fine merino makes this piece so pleasant to knit with and is light enough for trans-seasonal wear. Select five exciting colors to make this piece as unique as you!

SIZES
XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X)
shown in size Small, modeled with 3 inches / 7.5 cm ease

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust: 32.7537, 41.5, 45.75, 48, 52.25, 56.75, 61, 65.5 inches / 8394, 105.5, 116, 122, 132.5, 144, 155, 166.5 cm
Length from Shoulder: 21.7522.25, 22.75, 23.5, 24, 24.5, 25.25, 25.75, 26.25 inches / 5556.5, 58, 59.5, 61, 62, 64, 65.5, 66.5 cm

MATERIALS
Yarn
Fibra Natura Dona (100% superwash extra fine merino wool; 126 yds/115 m per 50g);
Color A: 102 Daffodil: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) balls
Color B: 119 Clear Day: 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) balls
Color C: 127 Real Teal: 1 ball (all sizes)
Color D: 114 Camellia: 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5) balls
Color E: 135 Buttercup: 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3) balls

Yarn Characteristics:
Dona is a DK weight, S-on-S plied superwash extra fine merino wool yarn. The construction creates a plump, bouncy yarn that retains a lightweight feel. The yarn is smooth and provides excellent stitch definition, making the changes in colors crisp.

Recommended needle size
always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed below - every knitter’s gauge is unique
Needle A: US #6/4mm circular, 30-48 inches / 80-120 cm length
Needle B: US #7/4.5mm, 30-48 inches / 80-120 cm length
Needle C: US #5/3.75mm, 30-48 inches / 80-120 cm length (for Hem)
Needle C: US #5/3.75mm, 16 inches / 40cm length (for Neckband and Armhole Edging)
Note: For working the body in the round, choose a circular needle with a cord length that is smaller than the finished Bust measurement for your chosen size.

Notions
stitch marker (one unique stitch marker to denote beginning of round)
removable stitch markers
stitch holders or waste yarn
yarn needle

GAUGE
22 sts x 30 rows/rnds = 4 inches / 10 cm in Stockinette Stitch with Needle A
22 sts x 26 rnds = 4 inches / 10 cm in Checkered Stripes patt with Needle B

PATTERN NOTES
This sweater is worked seamlessly from the top down. It begins with the Back shoulders and is worked flat to the underarms, then stitches are placed on a holder. Stitches for the Left and Right Front are picked up from the Back shoulder stitches and worked flat to the underarms. Short rows are used to shape the shoulders. At the underarms, the Back and Fronts are joined together, and the remainder of the vest is worked in the round. Stiches for the Neckband and Armhole Edging are picked up and worked in the round.

This pattern features a sampling of color play and incorporates the following techniques: intarsia worked flat, intarsia worked in the round, stranded colorwork, and stripes.

Working intarsia “in the round” is a somewhat deceptive description. Although the piece is joined in the round, it is actually worked back and forth in rows, in the same manner as working intarsia flat. The distinction is that at the beginning of each row, there is a yarnover that is then worked together with the first stitch on the opposite side of the beginning-of-round marker, ensuring the piece is joined. Specific instructions for this method are provided in the pattern.