Spring Knit Vest | 2020 Knit-along with Yarnspirations
Welcome to the 2020 Spring Knit-along with Marly Bird and Yarnspirations. This year we will be making My First Knit Summer Vest! I am so excited about this project, the yarn that we are using and the techniques we will be able to learn along the way. Learn more about the event and I hope you will join me for this exciting new project. NOTE: See all five Marly Bird Spring KAL patterns here.
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What Is A Knit-along
A knit-along (KAL) is a community event where we all get together (virtually) and work on the same project, at the same time. This allows us to work together as a group and ask questions and share out inspiration from the pattern.
There are two different types of knit-alongs. One is a mystery knit-along and the other is where you know what you will be making before you get started. Both knit-alongs can be a lot of fun and in this case you will know what we are making, a beautiful spring knit vest.
If you are a slower knitter or can’t start on the start date don’t worry, the pattern will always be available on Yarnspirations website for you to come back to.
NOTE: You can only get the pattern during the event through the Yarnspiration KAL email list. Even if you already get the Yarnspiration emails you will need to sign up for this special event. Once the KAL is over you will be able to get the FREE PDF on the Yarnspirations website.
CLICK HERE GO TO RAVELRY AND CHECK IT OUT!
Queue it up and Like the Pattern on Ravelry
How Do I Participate
First, you will need to head over to Yarnspirations and sign up for their special KAL email. THIS IS A DIFFERENT LIST THAN THEIR REGULAR EMAIL LIST! You must sign up for their KAL email, it is the ONLY way to get the pattern.
Be sure to join us in the exclusive Facebook Group just for the KAL. There you will be able to share where you are in the project, ask questions, and hangout with friends.
Use the hashtag #MarlyBirdKAL to share your projects throughout our four week knit-along.
Picking My Knit Vest Size
Now that you have fallen in LOVE with the pattern, want to be part of a group, and want to spend time learning with me let’s pick what size you will need to make.
Below in the chart you will find the measurements of each size. The “To Fit Bust Measurement” you will match to the actual measurement of your bust. The “Finished Measurement” will be what the garment circumference is when finished.
For this pattern there is a very little ease figured into the calculations for the body without the collar. What does that mean? It means that the finished sweater body should be/can be/will be slightly smaller than your natural bust. But I want to add that the collar adds about 2″ (5cm) to each side of the front of the body and can be worn overlapped, therefore you will have a sweater front that covers the breasts and not just stay wide open.
So how do you know what size to make?
Start by taking a measurement of yourself (it is always easier if you can get help) or of your favorite cardigan. Then use that number to figure out what size you want to make. If I am measuring 34″ I have the choice of going with the small or medium.
Picking a size small will give me a tight fitting sweater to my bust. Picking a size large will give me some extra room in my sweater since the finished measurement is 36″ in for the large, meaning 2″ of positive ease (and that doesn’t include the added 2″ (5cm) on either side of the collar).
NOTE: It is better to go with the smaller size because this is made with cotton. Over time and with washing it will stretch a little.
What Materials Do I Need
• 3 balls (4 balls for size 2X & 3X) of Red Heart® It’s a Wrap Rainbow™ in the shade of your choice — sample used Nautical
• 3 balls (4 balls for size 2X & 3X) of Red Heart® It’s a Wrap Sprinkles™ in a contrasting shade — sample used Cupcake
• Size U.S. 8 (5 mm) circular knitting needle 29″ long
• Tapestry needle, stitch holders, and cable needle
Optional but highly recommended
Yarn management is very important when making this vest. I use the Erin Lane Bags Twofer bag to help manage my yarn. It is so USEFUL to me.
What Is The Gauge
20 sts and 26 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in stockinette st.
This is an average gauge for a worsted weight yarn. When the two yarns are held together the thickness of the yarn is a little lighter than worsted. It is recommended that you work up a gauge swatch to get the correct size needle for you to achieve 20 sts and 26 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in stockinette stitch.
To do a 6″ x 6″ [15.24 x 15.24 cm] gauge swatch, cast on 30 stitches and work the piece until it measures about 6 inches.
Picking My Colors
Not sure what color you want to use for your knit vest? Try some of these suggestions that I have put together for you. Pick whatever you like and mix and match! I can’t wait to see what you picked!
Cupcake
Blueberry Tart
Peach Cobbler
Confetti
Plum Pudding
Red Velvet
French Macaron
Sundae
Learn More About the 2020 Spring Knit Vest KAL
Marly did a video announcing the spring knit-along where she shows all the colors available and offers suggestions. She also discusses what to do if you want to change yarns.
Week 1 Video and Helpful PDF
As stated above, you must sign up for the emails from Yarnspirations to get the weekly section of the pattern sent to your inbox each week during the knit-along. The PDF below is a spreadsheet Marly has made to help you with week 1 of the pattern.
This helpful pdf is to be used in conjunction with the pattern from Yarnspirations to help you easily keep track of what row you are on as you knit the bottom portion of the vest. Click here or on the image below to get the helpful PDF to use along with the pattern for week 1.
Week 2 Video and Helpful PDF
As stated above, you must sign up for the emails from Yarnspirations to get the weekly section of the pattern sent to your inbox each week during the knit-along.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: June 9 @7pm EST there will be a FB LIVE Q&A for the KAL in the Marly Bird Knit-Along Group.
This helpful pdf is to be used in conjunction with the pattern from Yarnspirations to help you easily keep track of what row you are working on the vest. Click on the download button below to get the helpful PDF checklist to use along with the pattern for week 2.
NOTE: If there happens to be a mistake in the checklist please let me know ASAP so I can correct it and upload a correct version. I really have tried my best to catch any errors but I am human, please be understanding.
I always recommend double checking the pattern to the checklist ALWAYS as they should be used together and it is a great way to have a checks and balances.
Anyway, the best way to contact me is via the facebook group or email me: [email protected]
If you watched the video and you want to make a graph chart similar to the one I showed in the video in order to plot out where the stitch pattern repeat will change, I suggest using excel or google sheets to make a graph. Then you can plot the repeats on your graph and work through the changes like I showed you in the video.
I’ve made a blank graph here for you to work with. I saved it in excel format.
- The right front corner is the first row and is a RS.
- Work across the number of columns as they pertain to your size
- You can choose to incorporate the 2×2 rib stitches on this chart or not (the first 20 sts and the last 20 sts of your size). I will suggest adding them as it will help with week 4 when you plot the shaping of the collar.
- If you need help, watch the Q&A video on FB because I will be going over it.
Week 3 Video and Row by Row Checklist PDF
The PDF below is a spreadsheet Marly has made to help you with week 3 of the pattern.
This helpful pdf is to be used in conjunction with the pattern from Yarnspirations to help you easily keep track of what row you are on as you knit the back portion of the vest. Click here or on the image below to get the helpful PDF checklist to use along with the pattern for week 3.
Week 4 Video and Row by Row Checklist PDF
The PDF below is a spreadsheet Marly has made to help you with week 4 of the pattern. There are 3 different checklist for the different parts of this weeks homework. Make sure you get all 3.
This helpful pdf is to be used in conjunction with the pattern from Yarnspirations to help you easily keep track of what row you are on as you knit both fronts, both shoulder shaping, and the collar portions of the vest. Click on the download button below to get each of the helpful PDF’s checklist to use along with the pattern for week 4.
NOTE: If there happens to be a mistake in the checklist please let me know ASAP so I can correct it and upload a correct version. I really have tried my best to catch any errors but I am human, please be understanding.
I always recommend double checking the pattern to the checklist ALWAYS as they should be used together and it is a great way to have a checks and balances.
Anyway, the best way to contact me is via the facebook group or email me: [email protected]
Updated 6-22-20 @ 1:43pm EST
Download
Updated 6-22-20 @ 1:43pm EST
Download
❣️NEW! FREE PATTERN FOR SLEEVES!
You asked for it and here it is! Now you can turn to your beautiful Spring KAL Vest, My First Knit Sweater Vest, into a complete knit sweater with the sleeve instructions. Grab your finished vest and some yarn and work this sleeve pattern where you left off.
Past Marly Bird Knit-alongs
- My first knit sweater-learn to make your first seamed pullover
- My first knit socks-learn how to use DPNs with worsted weight yarn
- Textured Triangle Shawl
- My first knit shawl-garter stitch shawl
What If I Don’t Know How to Knit
NO PROBLEM! If you haven’t knit before you will be able to do this project along with us once you learn how to knit and purl. Even beginners will be able to complete this project easily because every section of this pattern will have a video tutorial with me showing you how to work the section.
Still not sure if you are ready to start with us? Check out the video series that I did where I teach my mom, who had ZERO knitting skills, how to knit! We had a ton of fun making the videos and I hope you have a ton of fun learning to knit.
Start here with lesson 1:
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Categories: Knitting, Make-Alongs, YouTube Video Tutorial
Ok, I’m confused….caption under picture says…“Size Small on 36″ bust.“
Then in your example it says…“ Picking a size large will give me some extra room in my sweater since the finished measurement is 36″ in for the large, meaning 2″ of positive ease.” Huh??? Small and large are both 36”?
I’m a 42 bust but a 44 hip. Do I go for an extra large if I want it looser by the hip, (It looks snug on the model for the small/36” Bust.) wil lthe large be OK?
I think the point of that was to show that the vest is designed to have a little negative ease, giving a more fitted look. It is up to you if you want to go a size up to give the piece more room on you. If you’re not a fan of fitted garments that would probably be a good idea.
Hi Marly, I signed up with Yarnspirations for the emails for the pattern etc… however when I follow the links my browser says that I am being redirected to a site that is not secure and is impersonating yarnspirations, I am at a loss. Any idea what I should do?