Elise always has something on her needles. Watch her progress on models for The Busy Needle, as well as on her own projects and designs.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Berroco's Americano Vest

Wow. I can't believe it's been over two years since I posted on this blog! Shame on me! Well, the past two years have been quite busy (not an excuse, just fact.) Just since the first of June I've had Mother (83) at the emergency room twice and at the doctor's office for tests or blood work six times since; and I'm in the process of moving the entire contents of The Busy Needle to the online store.

But this blog is supposed to be about what's on my needles, and NOT a personal commentary on my life. So.....

At the moment I'm working on Americano, a vest in Berroco's new Vintage Chunky. The pattern is published in Berroco book 203, released for the Fall 2010 season. I've selected a lovely orangey-rust color. I started this on Sunday, put about 2 hours per day on it, and already have the back and left front finished.

Right now I'm working my way up the skinny pieces (over the shoulder) on the yoke and expect to finish that tonight or tomorrow morning. If the right front goes as quickly as the left front did, I should have this ready to block and put together this weekend.

It has gone far more quickly than I anticipated. The Berroco Vintage Chunky yarn (at 14 sts in 4") is soft and a bit drapey; lovely to work with. The vest, however, is VERY fitted, with 2+ inches of NEGATIVE ease.

I spoke with the great folks at Berroco this morning and they said that this is correct; it is a very close fitting vest. Hmmmm......

Most of the women who will be taking the Americano Vest class on October 2nd don't like close fitting clothing. (We aren't ALL a size 2!) So I'm making this vest in the Size 42 (the sizing goes from 30"-50" and this is the Women's Large size) so the class members can try it on and see how they like the fit. If it's too tight for them, I'll recommend going up a size (or two) to fit their body circumference, but using the length for their correct size.

We're definitely going to be changing the cast on edge. Even correctly blocked it rolls upward because of the negative ease.

I'm also going to teach two different buttonholes that they use in the pattern, and I'm doing this for two reasons: 1) most already know how to do a k2tog, yo buttonhole so this will be something new for them to learn, and 2) I really don't like yo buttonholes as they don't look as professional as they could. (Somewhat opinionated, aren't I!)

When I get this vest put together I'll post a photo. Must find some fabulous buttons for it!