I’m not sure why they’re so controversial, but in my view a sweater vest is an absolute closet staple. As a lifelong fan of androgyny and tomboy style, I love a vest over a shirt, but love it even more over a sleeveless top or dress. But best of all is its ability to go both under and over things at the same time — it’s a layer-lover’s best friend, in other words. Obviously when it comes to patterns, I feel pretty good about my own Anna Vest (top), which evolved from a vintage British military-man’s pattern. (See my latest favorite FO here. Love how she styled it.) I’m also a fan of my friend Kate Gagnon Osborn’s stockinette Cadillac Mountain (middle) with garter rib edgings. And for a pullover that has that classic borrowed-from-the-boys feeling, I’m into Blacker Designs’ free pattern called simply V-Neck Sleeveless Tunic. Can’t go wrong with any of ’em.
I would even go so far as to argue that a fair isle vest is a wardrobe basic! Even though I’ve never owned on, it’s one of those items that always looks fascinating and timeless, no matter where the trends might take us. I like Ysolda Teague’s Bruntsfield, Mary Jane Mucklestone’s Voe Vest and Yoko Hatta’s #05 Fair Isle Vest, to name just a few.
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Would you please consider issuing the Anna vest as a stand alone pattern. Thanks
Having made both Cadillac Mountain and Anna (and recommended both to many other knitters) I 100% agree – vests forever! And oh my gosh – just realized that’s me in the FO link!
I’m tempted to dip my toes in the vest pool – this one by Sunday knits got my mind thinking about vests.
http://www.sundayknits.com/buy_nancysvest.html
I’ve made Nancy’s Vest by Sunday Knits and it has become a wardrobe staple. The shaping is wonderful and the details subtle and beautiful. I highly recommend it.
I am about to make my second Nancy’s vest. It’s a beautiful design and pattern. In fact, I didn’t think I was a vest person until I made this one.
I have a sleeveless turtleneck made from Fibre Co Savannah that I never wear. I think you’ve just inspired me to frog it and turn it into a vest.
Honestly, my Wood Hollow vest is one of my very favorite and most-worn knits, so cabled vests get my vote. ;) I even have a stash of Cascade 220 that seems to be calling to become another one…
Wow-the fair isle vest with the plaid back! I have this one on my list as it might be more my challenge speed:
http://tahkistacycharles.com/product/patterns/valley-vest-wristers-alden/
When you were doing the anna vest kal I was pretty ambivalent about vests – I don’t know how to style them but seeing the slightest hint of your anna in the woolelujah tote pic CHANGED MY MIND and now I can’t stop thinking about anna!!!!! it will probably be a late winter knit so I can wear it in march
That Yoko Hatta one is so cool!
I have vests on the mind so this is an a propos post. I usually have one that I wear over and under everything all winter long, I agree that they’re indispensable.
It’s possible to knit a sweater vest like those top down?
Love, love, love vests! Anna is on my horizon as soon as I finish a deadline :( and Yoko Hatta is such a cool designer – that Fair Isle one in #16 also has a fab companion in a cabled, hooded vest – a must as well!
I think a certain politician ruined sweater vests for a lot of people, but a Fair Isle rendition? Hmm. Food for thought. :)
I now feel that way about red baseball caps. :-P
Oh, yes, napagal.clare. I know just what you mean!
I’m so in love with the whole vest idea and these vests in particular. I wear vests all the time for warmth but they’re fleece and I want my own knitted versions. Even better, I want my own handspun yarn versions. With that in mind I bought natural black roving from our favorite local sheep farm, Wild Rose Farm on Whidbey Island. Stunningly beautiful wool and easy to spin. So I’ve begun…
Ooh, nice!
I made the Aeon Vest for my Mom and she loves it. Vests are such a lovely layer to add warmth!
I like that plunging neckline of the Anna vest. Do I have to purchase the entire booklet to get the pattern? These cardigan vests will go well with my extensive button collection.
It is only available in the book for now, yes. The rights revert to me at some point, but I’m not sure when. But the book is so worth having!
That book is gorgeous!
Knit and Tonic has a great fairisle vest she just released on her blog. Love them all esp. the Anna!
Sorry–it wasn’t her design, she just blogged about a Maryjane Mucklestone design! Very cute anyway.
I’ve got a greyscale Bruntsfield in the works (eventually) but when I first saw that Yoko Hatta pattern I loved the twist of the plaid back!
Ooh, jealous. Someone posted a blue/black/grey one on IG recently (blanking who at the moment) that I’m dying over.
I would love to knit your wonderful Anna Vest … living in Europe I’m still waiting for an pdf -Pattern
;-);-);-)
For the Fair Isle Vest I’m a fan of the Maggie Pattern
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maggie-12
Thank you Karen for all your Inspiration. I love to follow you.
Mirjam
I coveted a fair isle vest for a long time, and finally made one using MJ’s Craftsy class. Highly recommend! I have the yarn for another one, the Ivy League vest. I also LOVE the #05 vest in the latest VK. I think I might need a plain vest as well, and I love that free pattern that you posted.
I live in Texas and vests are perfect for our weather. Churchmouse Knits came out with a new vest pattern last Saturday called Library vest that I want to try. It comes in both a short or long version.
Oh, I missed that — this is cute: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/library-vest
Love the look, but I end up never wearing sleeveless items. Maybe it’s because I have cold arms? I’m always in a sweater or cardigan these days.
Don’t forget the newest Library Vest by Churchmouse Yarns!
I wish I could like wearing vests. I’m just not comfortable in them. More fabric in the middle of my body with my skinny arms sticking out just doesn’t work for me! I made a beautiful vest (Thea Colman pattern for a BT collection several years back) with beautiful yarn. It fit well and everything but I never ever wore it.
Also I’m always cold and need my arms covered. That’s probably the main reason!
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