- Pattern: Textured Vest by Rosemary Drysdale for Tahki Terra 3rd Ed
- Yarn: Tahki Sky (Biofil cotton), 730 yds
- Gauge/Needles/Size: 5 spi on US 7, 2nd size at smaller gauge for 34″=0 ease
- Time to knit: 10 months in 09/10 (obviously with lots of hibernation!)
So, aran weight cotton isn’t the sort of thing I normally go for… I saw this yarn (and pattern) on sale at Elann last year and succumbed. Quite honestly, the allover stitch pattern, which is basically a 1×1 rib, was a bit of a slog. Now that it’s done, I think it’s pretty cute and I’m pleased.
The pattern is fine, pithy and simple. The pieces are basically rectangles; the semi-rib fabric has a nice cling that provides a natural shaping. I had to alter the pattern because I was knitting at a tighter gauge. I accounted for the stitch gauge in the sizing (more on that below) but I had to knit more rows, and then even more rows, as the original design is quite cropped. After binding off the 1×1 ribbed collar it was doing a weird flare thing at the front(s), so I redid the bind off while decreasing the first six knit/purl (pairs) on each side. I affixed the tie(s) to my preferred spot at center front.
The yarn is organic, naturally dyed cotton, 4 plies and slightly splitty, reasonably comfortable to knit though without any elasticity. I got pattern gauge (4.75 spi) on size 8 needles as suggested, but I thought it looked terribly loose. So I went down to size 7 needles, knowing that my stitch gauge (5 spi) would give me closer to 34″ while knitting the second size, 36″. The dark brown color bled like crazy with handwashing; I did 2 vinegar rinses which worked well- no dye transfer to the blocking towel. After the soak/spin, my sweater was 30″ around; it was easy to gently stretch the bust and hip area to 34″.
I’m glad this is finally out of the WIP pile and into my wardrobe. It’s a nice layering piece to combat a cool breeze or overzealous air conditioning. I don’t have many brown sweaters, and this dark neutral with go well with other clothes.
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