Stepping Out
Introducing Stepping Out, an aran-weight, textured vest – or two vests, it seems, as I knit it twice with different yarns, just to see. This design is worked bottom-up, and in-the-round mostly, up to the armholes where front and back panels are knit separately and flat. Its Garter Rib stitch pattern, comprised of knits and purls, is easy to remember, with rows calculated to ensure an easy transition to the same Garter Rib of its cozy collar. One pattern, two yarns, two personalities – both favorites now, and fun. Enjoy!
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust/Hip: 32½(36, 40, 43¾, 47½, 51½, 55)"/ 82.6(91.4, 101.6, 111.1, 120.7, 130.8, 139.7) cm
Length: 21¼(22, 22¼, 22½, 22¾, 23, 23¼)"/ 54(55.9, 56.5, 57.2, 57.8, 58.4, 59.1) cm
MATERIALS
Yarn (shown knit twice with 2 different yarns)
• EXTRA by Blue Sky Fibers (55% Baby Alpaca/45% Fine Merino; 218 yards /199 m per 150 g skein); color: Fedora #1319; 3(3, 4, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins, approximately 570(625, 675, 730, 780, 835, 880) yards / 522(572, 617, 668, 714, 764, 805) m.
• The Croft by West Yorkshire Spinners (100% Shetland Islands Wool; 182 yards /166 m per 100 g skein); color: Huxter #397; 3(4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5) skeins, approximately 545(600, 650, 705, 755, 805, 850) yards / 500(550, 595, 645, 690, 740, 780) m.
Needles
US8/ 5mm or size to obtain gauge
• 1 24 to 36"/ 60 to 90 cm circular (for lower bodice, choose length shorter than bust/hip measure)
• 1 24"/ 60 cm circular or 1 pair straight (for upper bodice)
• 1 16"/ 40 cm circular (for collar and armhole trim)
Notions
• Stitch markers
• Stitch holders
• Tapestry needle
GAUGE (after blocking)
• 16.8 sts and 28rows = 4"/ 10.2 cm in 4x4 Garter Rib
SKILLS REQUIRED
Long-tail CO, circular knitting, decreasing (ssk, k2tog), short row shaping, 3-needle BO, stitch pick-up for collar and armhole trim, and blocking.
9 page pdf includes pattern instructions, photographs, schematics, tutorial links, and definitions for relevant abbreviations.