Pousse Cafe
I loved the idea of an airy, light vest with just a touch of detail, and wanted an excuse to play with a few colors I had sitting in my stash. This silk and mohair yarn knit up on large needles in absolutely no time, and the little bit of detail around the hem was fun to work and adds some interest to an otherwise simple wardrobe staple. I've also always been a fan of contrasting bands at collar and armhole, but don't often use that - so I did!
I really love the deep blue against the khaki. The combination reads as neutral, but it's got a bit more sophistication than my usual combos.
My vest is short and boxy, but this is a very simple design to modify for just about any fit you'd like. Notes are included in the pattern for altering length or width of the body, as well as for tweaking the neckline or adjusting your armhole depth.
Pousse Cafe is worked from the bottom up in the round, split at armholes and then worked flat to shoulders in two pieces.
Once shoulders are seamed, collar and armhole stitches are picked up and worked in the round to end. It's a great beginner knit, or a wonderful palate cleanser between more detailed projects.
Scroll down for more details.
Yarn: Biches et Buches Le Gros Silk & Mohair (28% silk, 72% kid mohair, 162yds/148m per 50g skein). Shown in Dark Blue Turquoise, with accents in Dark Gold and Dark Khaki.
If substituting yarn, another light and lofty silk and mohair yarn or combination of yarns worked to gauge on larger needles should give you the same type of airy fabric shown. For a more substantial fabric, a heavy worsted or aran weight fiber should give you gauge on the same needle sizes. Swatch to be sure you like your fabric and contrast.
Gauge: 16 sts and 24 rounds/rows per 4”/10cm on larger needles. Ribbed gauge on smaller needles at armhole only, 18 sts and 24 rounds per 4”/10cm.
Needles: US#9/5.5mm for body. US#8/5mm for rib around armhole and neckline.
Sizes:
36(39,42,45,48)(51,54,57,60)(63,66,69)”
91.5(99,106.75,114.25,122)(129.5,137.25,144.75,152.5)(160,167.5,175.25)cm
For fit shown, I suggest 4”/10cm of positive ease.
Yardage:
Main Color:
350(400,450,500,550)(600,650,700,750)(800,850,900) yds
320(365,415,460,505)(550,595,640,685)(735,780, 825)m
Accent Color A (hem, collar, armholes):
100(100,150,150,150)(150,175,175,175)(200,200,200)yds
95(95,140,140,140)(140,160,160,160)(185,185,185)m
Accent Color B (above hem):
25(25,25,25,25)(25,50,50,50)(75,75,75) yds
25(25,25,25,25)(25,45,45,45)(70,70,70)m