Ilga's Knitting World

Monday, October 24, 2011

Grasslands

Here is a new pattern in the Landscape Collection: Grasslands.

I love stitch patterns which have movement and this is one of my favourites. As I began working with it, especially in the Amber colour, it reminded me more and more of the swaying stalks of field grasses on a windy day.

To allow the stitch pattern have dominance in this design, I added only the miniumum of shaping: at the neckline and shoulders.

This vest is worked in three separate pieces, one for the Back and one for each of the two Fronts. There is short row shaping at the shoulders and they are seamed using a three-needle bind off. The only seaming is at the side seams.

The rythmn of the stitch pattern makes this piece a delight to work. It is easy to memorize and soon becomes a relaxing knit.

This vest is rather close-fitting. If you would like it to be loose-fitting, just choose a larger size. Wear it loose, with just a shawl pin or brooch for a closure. Here I use a beautiful shawl pin from Perl Grey.

Or choose to wear it belted for yet another look.

Choose a semi-solid or lightly variegated colour in a favourite shade and the Grasslands vest will become  a staple in your wardrobe.