Despite it being a fairly simple idea/ design using just one basic stitch for the body (Half Double Crochet BLO), it was a bit of a mission in terms of getting it to this finished state. I basically had to restart it several times. The first time being me thinking that I had finally ‘cracked it’ by using the 4.5mm hook. But nope, a few rows in, I decided it wasn’t right and that the 4mm hook would have served better. So the time I actually was assured enough to come to a decision and say ‘yep, this is what we’re doing, the 4.5mm hook is the one’, it turned out that my judgement was in fact, incorrect. So yeah, guess who’s going to become even less confident in their decision making from now on?!
Then, the next time I got it wrong and yep, this is a biggie: I made the whole two panels (sans ribbing), to find out IT DID NOT FIT! To say it was frustrating was an understatement. Luckily, it had only taken around 19 hours to complete, so it wasn’t like I had poured over it for weeks or months, but time isn’t everything in this and it was still a massive blow.
The reason for it being too small was that the bottom ribbing was much too tight. You might be able to tell from the above image that I used a smaller hook (3mm) to create the ribbing, which on my previous jumpers it worked perfectly well and in my opinion, I feel a tighter ribbing has a more aesthetic look. Though the reason it didn’t affect the previous jumpers in the same way was because they were a looser fit than this, which is a more form fitting type piece. I assumed that as that hook worked well on those pieces, then it should be no problem on this vest. But how wrong I was!
I suppose it was a massive learning curve and I doubt I’ll ever make the same mistake again going forwards. I do often forget that I’m only about half a year into crocheting and I am still relatively inexperienced, despite having progressed well with it so far. But the more you make, the more you learn, which is no bad thing. And another excuse to spend more time crocheting!
The rest of the other measurements were fine and I did like how it fitted, but decided to drop the armholes by approximately one inch (5 stitches), as I was concerned that there wouldn’t be quite enough space after adding the ribbing. I feel this decision paid off in the end, because I feel the armholes are pretty much how I want them.
Then we had take 3 which I ended up restarting after 4 rows, because using the 4mm hook as opposed to the 3mm hook for the ribbing, meant it was a little too long for my liking. So it went from 12 stitches in the ribbing to 10. Which looks better. So, take number 4 was the one- at last! I’ll add an image of the pattern below, so I’ll know the measurements for when I decide to make it again.
The yarn used was Women’s Institute DK Premium 100% Acrylic, in this lovely shade of yellow. The total weight of yarn used was 239g (23g of which was the arm/ neck ribbing). And below is how it measures:
I wanted to make this top, because coming off the back of two jumpers, I wanted to try something different and also, I do see quite a few of these sweater vests in the online crochetsphere. Plus, I wanted to make something in practise for the cricket vest I’ve been planning on making, but didn’t want to go straight into that one, without trying a more basic sweater vest first, to enable me to test measurements and hook size etc.
As I’ve never made anything like this before, or knew how it would look on me, I decided to head into some high street shops to try on a few similar garments and note down the measurements, as to be honest, I had no idea what I should be aiming for:
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I did actually really like the style/ fit of the tops I tried on, so I wanted to model mine in a similar fashion. As mine would be crochet as opposed to knit, I was aware that mine would be bulkier though- and I was totally fine with that.
It’s also the first time I’ve ever created something using the ‘side to side’ method, rather than the ‘bottom up’ method I used for my previous garments. I did it this way, as I wanted an upright ribbed effect throughout the whole piece, which would not have been possible if I used the method I was used to. On seeing the full result, I much prefer this look and feel to the piece (it’s sooo soft and textural!) and is definitely something I’d do again, providing the design allows for it- it’s not appropriate for every crochet stitch.
I was slightly concerned that I’d go wrong on the arm/ neck ribbing, due to the construction of the garment. Because the decrease/ increase rows appeared rather ‘jagged’, I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to achieve a smooth curve on those sections. But, I needn’t have worried- thanks to this YouTube tutorial, I learned that I could decrease two together (though she did three together) over the jagged sections, resulting in a smooth curve. Below is a progress image of half rib/ half raw edge:
Think that’s all I’ve to say on this! It’s been a journey creating this piece and a huge learning curve, though proud that I persisted with it and pushed on through, because I absolutely love it! It’s a great spring item to have in my wardrobe and I’m so tempted to make these in all different colours… xo
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