Man´s vest by Hélène Magnússon

Man´s vest

Knitting
Aran (8 wpi) ?
18 stitches and 20 rows = 4 inches
in stocking stitch
US 8 - 5.0 mm
S, M, L
English French

Pattern is from the book Icelandic knitting using rose-pattern. The book preserves old Icelandic knitting tradition that had almost been lost. First half is a study of traditionnal rose-pattern insert knitting in Iceland. Inserts or rose-pattern inserts are knitted insoles that were worn in soft shoes made of fishskin or sheepskin. Second half are contemporary designs all based of old shoe-inserts. The author has tried to remain true to the original color schemes of the inserts she chose, and the traditionnal methods used in making them (Icelandic intarsia, i.e. intarsia knitting with garter stitch or in some cases Fair Isle in the round).

Pattern is in Icelandic, English, Russian (soon) and French.

The sweater is inspired by old Icelandic shoe-inserts decorated with a rose. The motif is repeated several times to make a continuous pattern. The hood is decorated with an entrelac of the same motif in different sizes. The vest is knitted in the round in Fair Isle and cut. White pattern is embroidered. The red zipper and yellow borders remind of the stripped inserts. They were for everyday use, where as rose-patterned inserts were Sunday-best.

Read the review in Knitter´s review