Presenting!

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that the pattern for my Double Time Vest is now up in my Ravelry store. I can't believe that I've actually done it! It's been a while in coming (most of the fall, actually) but it's here and it's ready for you to enjoy. I'd like to thank all the people over at the Vestvember group who really encouraged me with all their kind comments on my vest. I'm sure that this vest has a place in nearly every wardrobe - I've worn it more than a few times myself recently. Should you have any questions or comments, need clarification, or find errata, please contact me as soon as possible.

So Proud!

After much ripping and complaining, plus a nearly a week spent pinned to the floor because I was out of town, the Double Time Vest is officially finished!

Pattern: Double Time Vest by ME!
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light in Redwood Mix
Needles: US2 and 3

This vest is meant to be very versatile. Wear it as I have shown it here for a work-appropriate look or with jeans and boots on the weekend. Won't weigh you down, but it will keep you toasty thanks to the alpaca content of the yarn. Vest are wonderful because they aren't bulky, but they do an excellent job of regulating body temperature. For me, a scoop neck is a very flattering look, and this one is just a bit higher than some of the others out there. It's great for those of us with... assets.

I've been needing some work clothes for a while now, and I had virtually no knits that fit the bill. I can see this one will be in heavy rotation for the coming months, along with this very nice and lightly worn grey skirt which I got at the thrift store for $8. I should also mention that Ultra Alpaca Light is very reasonably priced, great for those of us on a tight budget.

I'm still working on the pattern. It's been quite a process, this, however if you are interested in test knitting the vest, please let me know!

Sneak Peek

This is the design I'm working on now. I've been at it for a while. It's a vest, with a low-ish round neckline. The cable panel works up both the front and the back, giving the piece some interest and stretch. The first attempt (in the ubiquitous Buckwheat Ultra Alpaca Light) turned out too small for me, and I gave it to a friend who was thrilled to have it. But I wanted one! So I ordered some more Ultra Alpaca Light in Redwood Mix, which I'm loving. The color is not one hundred percent accurate in this photo, but it's one of those colors that changes a lot depending on the light. I can see this being a wardrobe staple for me this winter - it's definitely work apporpriate (I'm thinking a button down and black pants), but it can be dressed down, too, with jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt.

The second attempt made it to the back shaping when I realized that something catastrophic had occurred in my math and marker placement, and I ripped back to the ribbing on Halloween.

The third attempt is looking good so far.... fingers crossed. It coincides, luckily enough, with the Vestvember movement. I'm upping the ante, and hoping to have the pattern done in enought time to release it for the second half of the month - gotta keep the energy flowing! I've never written up a pattern before, and it's been quite the learning experience. I'm so excited to share it with you!