CONSTRUCTION
The knit stitch pattern on this vest is made using twisted stitches, which look like one-over-one cables but are simpler to execute. To me, the V’s are reminiscent of little rooftops. This vest, in my favourite colour and with this rhythmic stitch pattern, feels like home to me, so I named it the Villa Vest.

The Villa Vest features garter with a decorative twisted stitch pattern which runs the length of the garment in two panels. This garment is worked flat from the bottom up in two pieces, which are seamed together at shoulders and sides once finished. The collar is picked up from the garment and worked in the round, but inside out so that the twisted ribbing will show on the garment’s right side when it is folded over. There is no shaping involved, except along the neckline and shoulders. Be sure to maintain st patterns as sections are bound off or decreased.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SIZE
This pattern has 6 size options. Using the recipients chest measurement, choose a size that will give 7.5-11.5 inches (19-29cm) of positive ease (the difference between body’s smaller measurements and the garment’s larger measurements at these points). The most fool-proof method is to measure a similar fitting garment in your wardrobe and choose size that matches. See schematic in photos.

GAUGE in 4 inches/10cm after blocking
Garter (knit every row)
16 sts by 32 rows.

YARN
5 (5, 6, 7, 7, 7) hanks of Farmer’s Daughter Fibres Reminisce Worsted, 210 y/100g, 100% non-superwash MT & WY Rambouillet wool, in colour “I’ll Be Your Huckleberry”, or
800 (927, 1050, 1187, 1327, 1467) yards of a substitute wool yarn, such as Haynes Creek Heathers Aran, Briggs and Little Heritage 2 ply, Custom Woolen Mills Mule Spinner 2 ply, or Biches & Buches Le Gros Lambswool.

NEEDLES & CORDS
5mm (US 8) 40 cm (16”) circular needle (or size to obtain gauge).
This is a suggested size; adjust needles as required to obtain gauge.

NOTIONS
Scissors, tapestry needle, stitch markers (4).

SPECIAL TECHNIQUES REQUIRED
twisted stitches, maintaining stitch patterns while decreasing and binding off, Italian Sewn Bind-off.

Photographs by Chantel Scarborough.