From hats and scarves, I wanted to move on and try knitting an actual item of clothing, so I started on a jumper from my beginner’s knitting book. However, I realised that summer was quickly approaching and it might be more fun and useful to try something like a tank top or vest. So, I opted for this super easy, but with a few elements I would need to learn, Classic Vest pattern.

It was definitely an education.

Firstly, I’m really impressed with the result, it looks pretty smart!

The initial rib was fun, knitting up the main body of the piece was easy, and I quite liked the decreasing to make sleeves and v-neck at the same time. I learned about 3-needle bind off to do the shoulders which blew my mind but was such an impressive result. Sewing up the sides wasn’t my best work and I still need more practice on better stitching.

Then it came to the circular needle edging for the sleeves and the neckline. I hadn’t done any circular knitting before so it took some getting used to, and I found it really frustrating - almost ready to give up. Until I realised I was using the wrong length of cable. You can see the sleeve in the left of the picture is way baggier than the one to the right, as soon as I’d finished that first one I picked up a smaller length circular needle and started racing through the rest in much neater, and more importantly calmer, fashion.

There’s one major problem with this vest though. I tried it on before getting to the circular needles and that was fine, but then once the fancy ribbed neckline was added, well… it doesn’t fit over my head anymore. That’s why I haven’t finished off some of the trailing yarn, because I can’t decide whether to remove the neckline and be able to actually wear it, or leave it unwearable but looking so good. (I do know the answer to the question, I’m just in denial about it.)