Monday, November 30, 2009

FO: Long kimono vest



This is the long kimono vest. I used 4 skeins of Malabrigo merino worsted, one of my favorite worsted weight yarns. Mine is shorter than the pattern's version -- it's about 29 inches from shoulders to hem. I chose this vest because I really liked the stitch pattern, and I wanted to make something that I could wear over leggings. I wanted a garment that was more or less age-appropriate, because even though I love leggings, I'm almost as old as dirt, and I did not want to look ridiculous. I'm very happy with the result.

The pattern is basically knitting 3 large swatches and sewing them together. I did add some 2x2 ribbing to the bottom, and I knitted a shawl collar. My shawl collar starts out as 2x2 ribbing, then changes to 3x3 ribbing, and then it's knitted with needles one size higher for the 1" depth of short row shaping around the neck. It sits nicely flat on my shoulders and back. I added an infinitesimal amount of waist shaping by using smaller needles for a 5" middle section.

On a styling note, I did try wearing this with a wide stretchy belt, but I think I looked like an elf, even without the elf shoes and hat!

7 comments:

robin said...

Love it! It looks perfect with the leggings.

crochetgurl said...

It looks great on you, and I love that shawl pin!

knitseashore said...

The vest looks perfect the way you've styled it! It looks cozy, but still a little glam. :)

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

Betty, that came out so beautifully! I'm sure the belt didn't make you look like an elf - but it did make me laugh ;)

I've heard that yarn makes wonderfully soft toys. That's on my list!

yoel said...

Lovely! I like the shawl pin a lot! Better than elfdom, definitely :)

Anonymous said...

I too have a tendency to look like an elf or other unintended personage, if I'm not careful. So annoying. On the other hand, we both have great legs for leggings and I for one intend to exploit that trait for all its worth for as long as I can. Bring on the mid-thigh tunics!

Knittymuggins said...

I love how this turned out! You are absolutely rocking the leggings and tunic thing (something I could never do!). Great job :)

knittymuggins