Harvey Wallbanger Vest

Another Harvey Wallbanger!

Now, a vest.

Less yarn, less time - and still the same fun motif!!

I cannot emphasize how much I love this stitch pattern, but the fact that I'm designing more things in it must give you some idea. It's fast, it's easy, it's absolutely addictive, and pairing colors together is an amazing way to use up much loved yarn leftovers.

My favorite thing about this fabric might be the way it scallops - first, it knits up into "waves" due to the increases and decreases in each lace repeat - and then, the color change within each stripe creates a delicate little curve centered perfectly on the waves. This subtle combination of color, texture, and lace has me at hello.

The Harvey Wallbanger Vest is shown worked in Magpie Nest Worsted, with a deep navy background (Twilight Dark) and a deep brown (Twilight Beaver) accent. I then paired these with a subtly variegated shade of Spincycle Yarns Dream State called Salty Dog. The combination of browns and yellows here gives my vest a really wonderful 70s vibe, but using another color combination will give your vest its own personality.

The vest is mostly about texture and color, but small details play off the design beautifully and give the garment lovely finished touches. The ribbed hem plays right into the texture, and the neckline is perfectly centered in the pattern when you split for the V. Shaping around the V-neck opening is outlined distinctly as you work to shoulder, and both armholes and V-neck have garter stitch edges to make pickup smooth. A panel under each arm is outlined with knit ribs, and shoulders are seamed intentionally for a neat and uninterrupted line.

When designing the vest version, I used a more fitted silhouette than I did on the pullover, so measurements around neckline and armhole are more tailored, and the overall shape is less boxy. As noted in the pattern, fit can be adjusted if desired.

The body is worked in the round from hem upwards, and then split into front and back pieces at armholes. These upper body pieces are worked flat to shoulder and seamed. Stitches for the collar and armholes are picked up and worked in the round to end along the seamed openings.

As on the pullover, there are narrow side panels under each arm where you can adjust sizing if needed. Notes are in the pattern for modifying the fit as needed, and the lace pattern is both written and charted. I've also included a second lace chart to assist anyone who needs guidance when decreasing in a lace pattern.

Scroll down for more details.