Well, looks like someone had quite a figure hiding under that other sweater.Katja knit this up in the smallest size on US3 and US6 needles. She also used Euroflax Sport, which is the closest thing to spun gold inmyhumbleopinion. Don't get me wrong, it's a challenge to knit with, but oh so worth it.
Anyhoo, this pattern is called Aleita and it can be found in the Summer 2008 Interweave Knits. You might be able to find a copy in the Ravelry Destash Group.
Next up (in my favorite photo evah) (well, so far, anyway) is Gina AKA Knittwotogether. Doesn't she look like she's enjoying life there? And can you blame her? She looks great. Gina knit her Aleita in Plymouth Linen Isle on US5 and 6 needles. She made a size 42, which I suspect is on the middle to right hand side of the size spectrum. I don't have the pattern, so I can't really say how the sizes range.What I can say is the deep v-neck and stitch pattern on the top half of the vest really draw your eyes up to that gorgeous smile (I think I would enjoy going out for Margaritas with you. You look like a fun drinking buddy.) At the same time, the waist shaping and the drape of the linen defines a waist, while keeping the fabric from hugging too tightly.
Our last example by Teri (tpasto) was knit up on US4 and 7 needles in Sublime Yarns Cashmere Merino Silk DK. This yarn seems to be more full-bodied than the linen used in the other two examples, but for Teri, it works great. If this vest were flowy on her, we'd lose her in it. As with Corona, the deep v-neck and stitch pattern here gives the chest area just enough definition and the wool/cashmere blend stays close to the waist, giving more shaping there as well. I can't even write about the color. I don't have words for how beautiful it is.Conclusions:
If you want to emphasize your chest or waist with this vest, go for a yarn with more structure. A linen or silk blend will let the vest skim over the waist/tummy area and can offer camoflauge there if needed. Deep V? Great for the girls as usual. Waist shaping? Do I even have to say it? None of the knitters here mentioned modifying the pattern, so that's always a plus in my book. (Don't forget to make sure you stitches aren't twisted when joining in the round!) My bustier friends might want to use a cami or tee when wearing this as a tank, smaller girls can probably get away with wearing it alone.
Speak Up:
There are over 200 Aleita projects listed on Rav. Is one of them yours? What yarn did you use? Were you knitting it as a tank, or a vest? Is there a difference? Anybody try any cool mods like sleeves, trim around the neckline, changing up the stitch pattern? I'd love to hear from you!
Margaritas sound like fun Shannon!
ReplyDeleteI'm really flattered and wanted to thank you for the many compliments. I wear this top quite a bit - it works both as a vest over a long or short sleeved top and as a tank on it's own. You're absolutely right though, a cami underneath is needed to maintain some public decency when the wearer is ... ahem... well endowed. I highly recommend this pattern and am looking forward to the cardiganized version (Sandrine) based on it as well.