Annie goes Ivy League!
Katie's notes:
(Katie Himmelberg is assistant editor of Interweave Knits.)
This colorwork beauty, designed by Interweave Knits editor Eunny
Jang, modernizes a Fair Isle classic with its close fit. Using a modest
six colors, this vest is a complete study in Fair Isle; the classic
construction elements include steeks and two-color corrugated ribbing.
View The Ivy League Gallery
When selecting a size, be sure to check all the measurements shown
on the schematic; the stranded fabric is very firm (but flexible) and a
too-tight vest may be uncomfortable in the waist area. The sample I
tried on was a little smaller than my actual measurements, and while
not uncomfortable, was definitely on the tight side! So, if you're
looking for a more relaxed fit, I'd choose the size with a waist
measurement that is larger than your own. For a close fit, choose the
size that is closest to or less than your waist size.
Don't be afraid to switch up the colors to suit your personal
palette; as we discussed with the Bonbon Pullover, the key is to choose
colors with similar values so that you'll have the same balance between
light and dark. Contrast is key; it really makes the patterns pop.
from Winter 2007 Interweave Knits
I
think the Ivy League looks great as shown in the magazine, and it could
be worn with a number of different outfits; over a long, sleek
turtleneck, a v-neck tee that echoes the neckline of the vest, or a
jersey dress.
Sandi's notes:
Note that in the pattern, Eunny points out: "The deep V-neck
accommodates a bust size up to 5" larger than finished size." Thus, the
V-neck is why the finished waist size is a better guide to which size
to knit than the bust size. For example, after a bit of weight loss
this past autumn, I now have a 40.5" bust and a 37" waist. The finished
bust sizes for the Ivy League go up to 41.75", which would give me
1.25" of positive ease (not including the ease added by the V-neck).
However, I would hesitate to make the 41.75" size because the
corresponding waist measurement, as shown on the schematic, is only
35.5".
Freaked by Steeks? If you are in love with the Ivy League
Vest, but are put off by the very mention of the word "steeks" in the
introduction...well, don't be. Eunny has a wonderful, hold-your-hand
tutorial on steeks in the Winter 2006 issue of Interweave Knits (and I checked, back issues are still available if you missed that one). The big fear with steeks
seems to be the fear of the fabric unravelling once it is cut; however,
as Eunny points out in the article, knitted fabric is less likely to
unravel if you cut down through the rounds/rows than if you cut across
a single round/row. Also, garments such as the Ivy League Vest are
usually knit with a "hairy" wool whose little hairs naturally hold the
stitches together. So: Be a fearless knitter, and fear not the steeks.
Good News for Canada!
After reading all the comments asking why Canadians and other
non-U.S. folks couldn't enter the Yarn Spree Contest, I was curious
too. I asked The Powers That Be, and they did some investigating...and
it turns out that there are a LOT of legalities covering international
contests. (Who knew?) However, our research shows that Canada is IN! Whoo-HOO! Here are the official paramenters: Any
resident of the U.S. or Canada can enter; unfortunately, due to the
aforementioned legal issues, the contest is not open to residents of
Quebec, Puerto Rico, or other countries (sorry, Estonia!). Note that
the prizes will be awarded in U.S. dollar-equivalents.
All right, Canada. Go enter the contest!
Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.
What's on Sandi's needles? Six inches of the Gathered
Pullover; a pair of socks on two circulars with partial heel flaps, and
six inches of the hood of my husband's cabled hoodie.