FO: Vest-uary Marigold

Only a week past the goal, my Vest-uary project is complete. I'm super pleased with it, and it was worth the extra week. I just finished weaving ends, and I can already tell I'll get use out of this one.

Details: Ms. Marigold, by Zephyr Style
Yarn: KnitPicks Elegance, just short of four skeins, Lilac
Needles: Size 3, size 5 circular
Time: 5 weeks
Recipient: me!
Thoughts: I really thought the pattern was enjoyable, and the yarn is so silky soft. I am excited I have an extra ball of it to make an accessory/gift. I can see myself wearing this often to work, which was the idea, so, mission accomplished!

Not quite

This month flew a little faster than I expected, and I'm not going to finish my Vest-uary Marigold in time for the Vest-uary KAL. I hope to get it finished early in March, though. Here's a recent progress shot, although I'm definitely at least a couple of inches past this point.

It is fitting well, and I think I'll enjoy wearing it once it's done.

Vest-uary, another KAL

Due to my sense of accomplishment for completing the January 3-hat Puck This! KAL, when Lolly posted about a February event, Vest-uary, I was all over it. I'm feeling some vest love, based on last month's completed Back-to-School vest, and I've had Ms. Marigold in my Ravelry queue for months. At the beginning of the year, I intended to finish all three of my large WIPs before moving on to a new one (at least I finished one of them!), but the idea of the knit-along is really inspiring to me. Although I haven't uttered this aloud, I feel like I could sign up for one every month this year, and feel quite productive.

I'm using the recommended yarn, KnitPicks Elegance in Lilac. The color is gorgeous, and the yarn is silky smooth. I cast on yesterday, and I've worked through the first two sections of the pattern (a little further than this picture). It's my first Zephyr Style pattern, and so far, I'm enjoying it.

I'm also trying to wrap up a couple of small gift knits this month.

Tomorrow, another knit night with my group. This time, we're having Thai food. Yum.

Major FO: Heathery Back-to-School Vest

May I present to you, the first wearable garment I've completed:

I don't mean to be dramatic, but the other two garments I've made, the Two-Toned Shrug and Something Red, while they're certainly accomplishments, I really don't wear either one, because there are things I would like to change about them. But this vest, oh, how I adore it! It fits me well, it's cozy without being too ridiculous for Houston winter weather, and the heathery yarn is divine.

Details:



Back-to-School U-Neck Vest, by Stefanie Japel, from Fitted Knits
Yarn: Cascade 220, just under 2 skeins
Needle: Size 7 circular, size 5 circular for neckline
Time: 3 months
Recipient: ME!
Thoughts: I love it. The following is a list of my modifications.
I lengthened the ribbing section. I made the neckline lower, and only purled four rows of neckline trim. I didn't pick up any stitches around the armholes, and I was a little concerned that the armholes would roll, but I love the way they turned out. I decreased more for the arm straps. I didn't increase the bust very much; frankly, I don't really need the room, and the waffle stitch is pretty stretchy. Speaking of waffle stitch, I love it!! It's so fun, knits up quickly, and really makes a lovely fabric.

This is my second pattern to complete from Fitted Knits. I love the book, and find myself returning to it regularly when I think about new projects. I wouldn't mind having another of these vesties in another color. It's just my style for work.