The newest issue of Cast On magazine was just released, and I have two patterns in this issue!
First up is the Everyday Vest. I designed this vest with Level 2 of the MHK program specifically in mind, but anyone can knit and wear this vest! It is a basic V-neck vest, with seamed sides and picked up stitches for the neckline and armholes, which should satisfy all the requirements for a vest pattern for the MHK program. Evenly-spaced increases, stepped shoulder bind offs and seams, properly picking up stitches, and many more skills can be demonstrated here. I’ve graded the pattern starting at about a size 40” bust up to about a 64” bust. There is room for modification of the pattern as well, since waist shaping could be easily added, the neckline ribbing could be made wider, or the length to the hips could be adjusted as needed. Worked in simple stockinette stitch, your knitting and finishing work can shine and be the star of the show with this vest!
Knit in Cascade 220 yarn, it’s a great “staple” wardrobe item!
Next up is the Dryas Mittens. The Fashion Framework focus of this issue is Norwegian mittens, so I designed these Norwegian-inspired mittens to fit that theme. I had a lot of fun designing these. These Norwegian-style mittens feature an 8-petaled flower, thus Dryas (for the Norwegian dryas octopetala flower) seemed fitting as a name. The cuff features a contrasting color in a checkered pattern, which leads into the floral colorwork in the hands. The thumb is a straight thumb, but with colorwork to mimic a gusseted thumb opening. In other Norwegian-style mittens with straight cuffs that I have made in the past, I’ve always disliked the drafts that would breeze in from underneath; therefore, I’ve designed these mittens with a second ribbed cuff layer to keep out those pesky drafts. Worked with a kid mohair/silk lace yarn held together with the working yarn, these mittens are guaranteed to be cozy and draft-free!
These are worked with three colors of Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Sock yarn for the body of the mittens, and one color of their Loft yarn held with the Studio Sock in the cuff lining. (Use three colors of the Loft yarn and hold the mohair together through the whole mitten to have an even cozier pair!!)
What do you think? Do you like one or both of these? I hope so!!
Happy Knitting!!