Last Word
The Last Word is a simple vest with bold lines and open lace. The V-neck is centered at front for crisp detail at the bottom of the opening, and the silhouette is classic. The lace motif I chose is a combination of ribbing and eyelets, and when it's worked in a yarn with a just bit of drape, the fabric subtly skims your curves. Ribbing at the hem blends right into the overall pattern, and panels at the sides allow for easy modifications for any desired fit if you are between sizes or like a different shape.
Last Word was specifically designed to showcase Ashen, a gorgeous natural Wensleydale wool from Ross Farm. If you don't know about Amy's yarns and her commitment to sharing and saving rare breeds, you can learn more here. Her booth is always full of natural fibers, and this is my second design in her gorgeous wool. Last year at Rhinebeck, I picked up these deep smoky skeins and was hooked. Ashen is a soft wool with a gorgeous drape, a touch of sheen, and a deep gray hue. I know this vest will be a classic I reach for again and again.
That said, I know that this special yarn may not be an option for everyone. However, the yarn qualities needed for Last Word are easily substituted if you can't find Ashen. Two of my testers added color by using North Bay Fibers Journey and the Fibre Company Arranmore, and Bare Naked Wools Kent Worsted would be a great match for the Ashen. I plan on trying out a summer version of Last Word next, using Magpie Fibers Equinox Worsted, and will share it once I'm done.
Last Word is knit in the round from hem to armholes, then divided into fronts and back at armholes. These three pieces are worked flat to shoulders and seamed. Once seamed, stitches are picked up around neckline and armholes and worked in the round to end. Lace instructions are both charted and written out. Notes are included in the PDF on modifying the fit in a number of ways.
Scroll down for more details.
The Last Word is a simple vest with bold lines and open lace. The V-neck is centered at front for crisp detail at the bottom of the opening, and the silhouette is classic. The lace motif I chose is a combination of ribbing and eyelets, and when it's worked in a yarn with a just bit of drape, the fabric subtly skims your curves. Ribbing at the hem blends right into the overall pattern, and panels at the sides allow for easy modifications for any desired fit if you are between sizes or like a different shape.
Last Word was specifically designed to showcase Ashen, a gorgeous natural Wensleydale wool from Ross Farm. If you don't know about Amy's yarns and her commitment to sharing and saving rare breeds, you can learn more here. Her booth is always full of natural fibers, and this is my second design in her gorgeous wool. Last year at Rhinebeck, I picked up these deep smoky skeins and was hooked. Ashen is a soft wool with a gorgeous drape, a touch of sheen, and a deep gray hue. I know this vest will be a classic I reach for again and again.
That said, I know that this special yarn may not be an option for everyone. However, the yarn qualities needed for Last Word are easily substituted if you can't find Ashen. Two of my testers added color by using North Bay Fibers Journey and the Fibre Company Arranmore, and Bare Naked Wools Kent Worsted would be a great match for the Ashen. I plan on trying out a summer version of Last Word next, using Magpie Fibers Equinox Worsted, and will share it once I'm done.
Last Word is knit in the round from hem to armholes, then divided into fronts and back at armholes. These three pieces are worked flat to shoulders and seamed. Once seamed, stitches are picked up around neckline and armholes and worked in the round to end. Lace instructions are both charted and written out. Notes are included in the PDF on modifying the fit in a number of ways.
Scroll down for more details.
The Last Word is a simple vest with bold lines and open lace. The V-neck is centered at front for crisp detail at the bottom of the opening, and the silhouette is classic. The lace motif I chose is a combination of ribbing and eyelets, and when it's worked in a yarn with a just bit of drape, the fabric subtly skims your curves. Ribbing at the hem blends right into the overall pattern, and panels at the sides allow for easy modifications for any desired fit if you are between sizes or like a different shape.
Last Word was specifically designed to showcase Ashen, a gorgeous natural Wensleydale wool from Ross Farm. If you don't know about Amy's yarns and her commitment to sharing and saving rare breeds, you can learn more here. Her booth is always full of natural fibers, and this is my second design in her gorgeous wool. Last year at Rhinebeck, I picked up these deep smoky skeins and was hooked. Ashen is a soft wool with a gorgeous drape, a touch of sheen, and a deep gray hue. I know this vest will be a classic I reach for again and again.
That said, I know that this special yarn may not be an option for everyone. However, the yarn qualities needed for Last Word are easily substituted if you can't find Ashen. Two of my testers added color by using North Bay Fibers Journey and the Fibre Company Arranmore, and Bare Naked Wools Kent Worsted would be a great match for the Ashen. I plan on trying out a summer version of Last Word next, using Magpie Fibers Equinox Worsted, and will share it once I'm done.
Last Word is knit in the round from hem to armholes, then divided into fronts and back at armholes. These three pieces are worked flat to shoulders and seamed. Once seamed, stitches are picked up around neckline and armholes and worked in the round to end. Lace instructions are both charted and written out. Notes are included in the PDF on modifying the fit in a number of ways.
Scroll down for more details.
Yarn: Ross Farm Fibers Ashen (100% UK Wensleydale wool, 168yds/153m per 3.5oz/100g skein). Sample shown in natural gray.
If substituting yarn, swatch in pattern to check gauge, to familiarize yourself with the lace motif, and to make sure the pattern shows up well in your yarn. You can substitute either a nice, round worsted or a light aran weight yarn if needed. Last Word works best in a solid, tweed, heather, or subtly shaded yarn that knits to gauge. It was designed to show off a deep color, so this is gorgeous in dark shades. A bright color or a soft halo would give the vest a different personality and also be beautiful. The added drape of the Wensleydale allows the rib of the motif to subtly skim the body when worn with a bit of ease, but you can choose a yarn with less drape if preferred.
Gauge: 18 sts and 24 rounds/rows per 4”/10cm at ribbed hem and in lace texture, 20 sts and 24 rounds/rows in 1x1 rib at armhole and neckline. Gauge based on final blocked fabric.
Needles:US#7/4.5mm needles, or size to get gauge. I suggest long circulars for the body and V-neck ribbing and shorter circulars for armhole ribbing.
Sizes:
36(40.5,45,49.25,53.75)(59,63.5,68)”
91.5(102.75,114.25,125,136.5)(149.75,161.25,172.75)cm
For fit shown, I suggest about 3”/7.5cm of positive ease.
Yardage:
600(650,750,850,950)(1050,1150,1250)yds
550(595,685,780,870)(960,1050,1145)m