It Works!

 

This vest was finished up the other night, and blocked yesterday.  After giving it a soak, I took it downstairs to lay out on a towel to dry.  I saw the dress form hanging up, and thought I'd try it on.  It was a perfect fit, which is very encouraging!  Even better, I think I've found a way to show off finished objects, without trying to convince Stuart to do a photo shoot of me modeling.  (It can be a long wait, and I get impatient.)

 

The Particulars:

Pattern - Back-to-School U-Neck Vest, from Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel

Yarn - Briggs & Little Regal, in turquoise heather, 3 skeins

Needles - Denise interchangeables, US 7

Notes & Modifications - I thought quite a bit about changing the double row of purl stitches, but couldn't think of a better alternative, so left it as written.  At the bust darts, I only increased three times, instead of five - I just didn't need the extra room, although I love the shaping!  I added about 2 inches in length to the upper body -it was important to me that the double line sit firmly under my bustline, not part-way up or right across the middle.  I may have gone a little too far - the waffle stitch stretched a bit more lengthwise upon blocking than I was expecting.  It looks okay on the dress form, so I'll have to give it a test drive to be sure.  Still, I'm very happy with it, and think it will be a funtional piece of my winter wardrobe.  I was concerned that the yarn I chose (from stash, hip, hip, hooray!) would be a little on the rough side, but it softened  considerably after a Euculan soak. 

Comments

[tiennie]

It's lovely! That's a great dressform. :)

[meg]

That is beautiful! I love the fit & the color- tempts me to make one for myself :-)

[Arianwen]

That is really cute! I really like that pattern.And the dress form is really clever.

[Denise]

Very pretty, but will we see it on you at some point? ;-)

[sue]

It looks great and I love that you can use the dress form now too for pics.

[colleen]

the dressform is great!!! and the vest looks totally awesome. I love the color too and the shaping... oohh so cute!

[Gina]

really really really lovely Charity - gorgeous colour and truly beautifully made.

[Sheri]

Very nice! I like that color. It's funny cuz as soon as I took one look I knew it was Briggs & Little! We had a baby shower tonight for one of our Knit Nite girls. That baby is going to be one well dress little tyke! Anyways, several of the items were bought from where I work, so I name the yarn and colorway instantly. :)

[marianne]

What a Beauty! Colour, fit, beautifully knit, simply gorgeous!
Your dress form is much nicer than mine, yours is much 'neater' (as opposed to 'slap dash' :^)

[Hasbu]

That is absolutely beautiful! I think I'll knit something similar when I get rid of this big old belly. ;)

[Lorette]

That looks wonderful! I love Briggs & Little yarn.

[Carrie K]

The vest and the form both look great! That must have been fun, all that duct taping. :)

I get most of my books from the library myself. They have a pretty good selection and what the local library doesn't have, the county wide system or even intra-library loan is pretty good. Otherwise I'm sure I'd be destitute but have both a fabulous library and stash. ;)

[Sarah]

Yay! That looks fabulous - such a gorgeous colour and I bet it will be a really useful addition to your wardrobe

[Rebecca]

Oh it's gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous. I love the colour, the shape, the neckline, everything and you've done it so quickly too.

[Patty]

Stunning Charity! I was just pointing this project out to a friend after you told us you were making it. Let's hope Stuart might be able to get a little shot of you eventually! Have a great weekend.

[Julie]

It's beautiful, Charity!

p.s. you've received an award; check out my blog for details :-)