Sourdough Vest

The Sourdough Vest was inspired by my favorite salty snack: the classic sourdough pretzel. The result is a richly detailed, button-front vest adorned with pretzel- and heart-shaped cables, framed by panels of knit-and-purl texture. Sourdough is worked in Flying Fibers Seadale, a plump, lustrous blend of Manx Loaghtan and Wensleydale wool. This cozy layering piece is as satisfying to knit as it is to wear. **SIZES** 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) **FINISHED MEASUREMENTS** Chest (Buttoned): 33.75 (37.5, 43.25, 47, 51.75, 54.5, 59.25, 62, 65.75)” / 85.5 (95.5, 109.5, 119, 131, 138.5, 150.5, 157.5, 167) cm Length (at center back, including back neck drop): 21.5 (21.75, 22.5, 23.25, 23.75, 24.5, 25.25, 25.75, 26)” / 54 (55, 57, 59, 60.5, 62, 64.5, 65.5, 66) cm *Shown in Size 3 modeled on Irina (37” / 94 cm bust) with 6”/ 15.5 cm of positive ease. Shown in Size 3 modeled on Rachel (37” / 94 cm bust) with 6” / 15.5 cm of positive ease.* **YARN** Flying Fibers Yarn Company Seadale (50% Manx Loaghtan, 50% Wensleydale; 198 yds/100g) ● Ragwort Bloom – 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7) skeins *Note: Size 8 takes up almost exactly 6 full skeins. I recommend purchasing an extra skein as insurance.* ● Or approx. 568 (645, 757, 840, 943, 1013, 1122, 1197, 1293) yds / 520 (590, 693, 768, 862, 927, 1026, 1095, 1183) m of worsted to aran weight yarn. **NEEDLES** US Size 9 (5.5 mm) 32-40” circular for main pattern, or size needed to obtain gauge US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 32-40” circular and 16” circular for ribbing, or two sizes smaller than the needle used to obtain gauge **NOTIONS** Stitch markers, removable stitch markers, tapestry needle, cable needle, stitch holders or waste yarn, & four 1 to 1 1/4” buttons (buttons shown are Wooden Quilt Block buttons from Haulin’ Hoof Farm Store) **GAUGE** 18-st cable panel = 3” / 7.5 cm wide with larger needle 17 sts x 24 rows = 4” / 10 cm in Texture patt with larger needle 19 sts x 27 rows = 4” / 10 cm in K1, P1 Rib with smaller needle Always use the needle size that results in the correct gauge. Gently wash and block your swatch before measuring. **PATTERN NOTES** This vest is knit flat seamlessly from the top down. First, the upper back is worked top down to the underarms, when stitches are placed on hold. Then, stitches for the left and right front are picked up from along the shoulders and worked separately to the underarms. The fronts and back are joined at the underarms and worked in one piece to the hem. The hem is shaped with wrap-and-turn short rows. Stitches for the armhole edging are picked up and knit in the round. Finally, stitches for the button band are picked up and worked flat. The hem, armhole edging, and button band feature a tubular bind-off. *Choosing a Size* I recommend choosing a size about 2-6” / 5-15.5 cm larger than your chest at the fullest point. This vest is intended to have a relaxed fit and serve as a layer over loosely fitted clothing. See the schematic for more specific measurements.