Bright River

cowl neck vest 

Chic, sexy, and stylish, this is a handknit luxury version of the classic insulated vest. The simple but fetching Cartridge Belt Rib stitch draws in to create a shapely garment that can be worn alone or over your favorite wool base layer. Add a winter coat for comfort in the chilliest weather or wear it with a skirt for holiday get-togethers. It’s worked in the round from the bottom up with waist shaping and a raglan yoke. The cowl neck is picked up and shaped with graduating needle sizes.

finished sizes

27 1/4 (31 1/4, 35 1/4, 39 1/4, 42 1/2, 46 1/2)” (69 79.5, 89.5, 99.5, 108, 118) cm bust circumference and 25 3/4 (26 1/2, 27, 27 3/4, 28 3/4, 29 1/4)” (65.5 67.5, 68.5, 70.5, 73, 74.5 cm) long.

Shown in size 31 1/4” (79.5) cm. 
Intended to be worn with 0–2” (0–5 cm) of negative ease.

Yarn 

843 (939, 1,113, 1,250, 1,442, 1,617) yd (771 858, 1,017, 1,143, 1,318, 1,478 m) Aran weight (#4 medium).

Shown here: The Fibre Company Terra (40% baby alpaca, 40% merino wool, 20% silk; 98 yd 89 m/50 g): color Olive Leaf, 9 (10, 12, 13, 15, 17) skeins.

Needles 

Size U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) 16” and 24” (40 and 60 cm) circular (cir) and set of 4 or 5 double- pointed (dpn). 
Size U.S. 8 (5 mm) 24” (60 cm) circular (cir). 
Size U.S. 9 (5.5 mm) 24” (60 cm) circular (cir). 
Adjust needle sizes if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions 

Markers (m); stitch holders or waste yarn; tapestry needle.

Gauge 

20 sts and 30 rnds = 4” (10 cm) over Cartridge Belt Rib using smallest needle.

This and all other Rugged Knits patterns are only available in the book, not as individual downloads. Buy the book through Amazon or Interweave.