Talia, by Sweaterbabe

From the pattern description on Knitty.com:
The resulting fit is ultra flattering whether it’s worn casually open or closed like a fitted corset. I love this vest with a flirty blouse and dark skirt for a night out, or over a long-sleeve tee and jeans. It’s the perfect go-to piece to fill the void in my closet. -- Katherine of SweaterBabe.com
 I actually picked this pattern before I read that description.  It goes to show that Sweaterbabe really knows her stuff.  You guys already know I'm all over the deep necklines and cinched waists, but here's a design with those features built in to intentionally create a flattering garment.  But enough about that.  Let's see what YOU did with Talia.  I'm going to change up the format a little here, let me know if it works.

 This is: Michelle

Also known as: Mishabomb

(Not to be confused with Sandra Bullock's arch nemesis, Michelle "Bombshell" McGee, who I refuse to link to because she is rank.  But that's a different Michell and a different bomb.  We like this one!)

Needle: US 8 - 5.0 mm

Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash Worsted

Charcoal

Size: M

Michelle had a great idea for those of us who hate knitting buttonholes.  She sewed up the front of the vest and added dummy buttons.  Since the neck is so wide, she just slips it on like a t-shirt.  I really like the Talia teamed up with the short-sleeved blouse and jeans.  This could easily go to work or fit in in a more casual setting.

This is: Katie

Also known as: Iftimeexists

Needle: US 9 - 5.5 mm

Yarn:  Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted

Jaded Dreams M-190

Size: L

I love that Katie went for a bold color here. There's no reason to stick to black or dark colors just to try and look slim.  If the garment isn't flattering, it could be invisible and still look bad (I'm pretty sure.  Let me know if you try this.)

The turquoise looks great on Katie, whereas a darker color would have washed her out and made her look like she had the flu, which I'd bet is NOT a look anyone is going for.

This is: Kirsten

Also known as: KirstenM

Needle:  US 9 - 5.5 mm

Yarn: Araucania Nature Wool Chunky

Green

Size: M

Let's shake it up with a little modification.  Ok, a lot of modification.  Love Talia, but need something warmer? Add sleeves!  Not comfortable with a plunging neckline: A broad yoke will draw attention to your face just as well.  Kirsten decided to keep her secret modifications to herself, but I'd encourage you to try and shake things up on your own.  It's only yarn, people!  If you mess up, just frog or tink back until it's agreeable.  That's why knitting is so much more forgiving than sewing.  The fabric you create is never permanent, you always have the option of making changes.  Great job, Kirsten!

This is: Susan

Also known as: Shamby

Needle:  US 9 - 5.5 mm

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Wool

Midnight Heather

Size: s/m

Susan knit this sweater while evacuating from Hurricane Ike.  I feel her pain.  I'm in South Louisiana and these hurricanes lately are wearing me out.  Let's just pretend there isn't an oil leak eating away at our marshland, which is our only natural defense against future storms, but I digress.

Isn't "Midnight Heather" a great color for this vest?  If you are one of those people convinced you need a dark color in order to try and hide yourself away, let me suggest a deep navy blue.  Of course, Susan here has nothing to hide, but the blue looks great on her.  She's also working the short-sleeved blouse and she's making me want to go out and buy one.  

This is: Ansley

Also known as: PinkPorcupine

Needle: US 9 - 5.5 mm

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool Merino

Dark Grey Mix

Size: 1x

Sometimes I wonder if you guys are lying about your size, or if the pattern is really that good?  If I had to guess, I'd put this at an M, but Ansley says it's a 1x, so I believe her.  The best part is it's not black!  See guys, slimming can be neutral too!  I know the yarn is technically grey, but it looks brown in the photo (to me).  And how good does it look, anyway?!  Ansley also sewed up the front band.  She was concerned about gaping, and her buttons are open spirals- a nightmare for knits. All things to consider when planning your garments.  Or, you can just dive in and hope for the best- like me!

This is: Agelbelle

Needle: US 8 - 5.0 mm

Yarn:  Ella Rae Classic Solids & Marls

Brown

This Talia is really brown.  It looks almost like the same color as the one above.  I think the neutral color really understates the vest, and I mean that in a good way.  Not everyone shares my love for bright, bold color (I KNOW!) The tame color and looser fit give this version a more casual look than the others. I can't get over how versatile this pattern is. She could just as easily throw this over a maxi dress with gladiator sandals and be ready for summer.

This is: Michelle
Also known as: Sheepmademedoit

Needles: US 7 - 4.5 mm

Yarn: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Solids & Heathers

Black

Size: L at smaller gauge

I think all of these projects use similar weight yarns.  I'd like to see this in a lighter yarn, in a looser gauge.  Michelle, here, has used the suggested weight yarn, but knit a tighter gauge.  I think this gives the vest even more of a "corset" effect than the designer planned for.  I think the gauge and the pattern/texture of the vest make it very slimming in this instance.  I'm also willing to give 5% of that effect to the black color, although I think it would be just as slimming in, say, forest green.

This is: Marina (not really, it's her daughter. Hi There!)

Also known as: quiltnut

She's got over 200 FOs on Ravelry.  The woman's a MACHINE I tell ya!

Needle: US 7 - 4.5 mm

Yarn : Mission Falls 1824 Wool

Gray

Size: xs

At first I thought those were fleur de lis on her shirt, but then I realized they were skulls and crossbones.  Ah, a girl after my own heart.  I LOVE skulls and crossbones!

What this project shows is the versatility of this pattern.  While Agelbelle was channeling Martha Stewart a few paragraphs up, this cutie is rocking out with skulls and crossbones. (Marina says her daughter won't actually wear the vest, but I think that's more a function of mom making than the vest itself not looking great.  My kids won't wear my creations either.)  Also notice how she's got enough negative ease to button only one button and bear a little midriff, but I'm sure mom doesn't want to hear about that...

Conclusions:

This pattern is great for any size, shape, and age.  Super-versatile and amenable to mods, you can go with a wide variety of bold colors or let the pattern /texture speak for itself.  Also great for dressing up or down.

Speak Up: 

Have you knit this pattern?  How do you feel about bold color vs. darks/neutrals? Have you knit this in a lighter yarn? Have you tried some crazy mods? Send me a photo and we'll share your experiences.

Katjab Revisited

I promised you guys I'd explain why the Feb Lady in my last comparison garnered an unenthusiastic "meh" in the case of Katja, or Katjab on Rav. I invite you to examine exhibit A, below:
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!