Who needs flowers when you can knit a vase cozy?

This pattern, designed especially for EtsyFAST’s July Challenge, gives step-by-step instructions on how to knit the vase cozy featured in the pictures above. The cozy will fit a small vase with the following measurements:
Height = 8.5 inches (21.5 cm)
Diameter at top of vase (directly below the lip) = 4.5 inches (11.5 cm)
Diameter at the widest point of base = 8.875 inches (22.5 cm)

The pattern gives the knitter the option of either knitting back and forth on straight needles or knitting in the round. The latter option has the advantage of no seams. After binding off, there is nothing left to do except weave in the loose ends and pull the cozy over the vase. On the other hand, knitting back and forth has the advantage of not having to use double pointed needles. A short seam will be necessary to turn the finished flat cozy into a tube. The knitter may choose whichever option s/he is most comfortable with.