Penny Vest: 3 Ways

 When a new knitting pattern catches my eye, one of the first things I do is try to imagine how I would wear it. What would it go with? Dress up? Casual? Professional? How will this piece fit into my life--and my wardrobe? If I don't have any good answers, then I probably won't knit it, even if it's gorgeous.

It's little wonder that the new trend of designers "styling" their handknits has caught my attention. Seeing a knit worn in several different styles can be quite eye-opening. The right skirt can really dress up a sweater, or jeans and boots can make a lacy shawl more casual. But sometimes you need a little help to imagine the possibilities.

So without further ado, I present Penny Vest: 3 Ways.

Spring is in the air! No, it's really not. Tomorrow's high is 17. But I have it on good authority that spring IS coming. Eventually.

Wear Penny as a camisole, with a girlie pink skirt, denim jacket to give it a rough edge, and simple flats. A chunky bracelet finishes the look.

Penny can work in a professional setting (assuming your office isn't too stuffy). Try a dark gray pencil skirt, strappy heels in a matching shade, and rose gold accessories for a dressy finish.

 

And then before you know it, it's fall again. Before you have to really bundle up, try layering Penny over a button down. Jeans and riding boots keep it casual, and a light infinite scarf fends off any early chill.

(Click through any of the photos for more details on the featured clothes and accessories.)

So what do you think? Do you like the "styling" trend? Would you like to see more of it here?

Delayed Bind Off: Pembroke Vest

Sifting through my posts, I realized I never told you guy about this little gem.

Since I didn't finish our matching sweaters in time for our family photos, I decided to have JJ wear another handknit, which was primarily intended for Christmas Eve mass.

Of course, now it's been so long since I knit it, I'm not sure what I have to say.

 
Pattern: Pembroke Vest by Kirsten Kapur
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish Tonal in Pearlescent, about 250 yards 
Size: 12 months
Mods: none, but I have a "shoulda, coulda, woulda."

This is a free pattern (yay!) and was fairly straightforward--knit flat in 2 pieces, lots of cabling, buttons at the shoulder to get it over giant baby heads. My "shoulda coulda woulda" is that both front and back are cabled--and who looks at the back? No one, that's who. If I knit this again, I would make the back plain. It would make this a much faster project.

Otherwise, smooth sailing, and a great baby project.

These photos, meanwhile, were taken by Ashley Dougherty, a local photographer who did an amazing job. And by happy coincidence (no, really!), we're featured in her latest blog post, so you can stop by and see a few different photos, should you be so inclined.

Pattern Debut: Penny

It's finally here!

My very first adult garment is hot off the presses! Introducing, the Penny Vest:

Penny is part of the brand new Knit Picks Gloss collection, 6 new designs featuring Knit Picks' Gloss yarn, a lovely soft blend of merino and silk.

Penny, a sleeveless vest that can be worn alone or layered during cooler months, features lace columns and an inset lace panel at the neckline.

Just a hint of cabling decorates the arms:

Shown here worn loosely as a sleeveless top, Penny works equally well worn with less ease and layered over a white button-down for a preppy look. True story: the original inspiration for this vest was Penny's Cheesecake Factory uniform on the Big Bang Theory, which features a tightly fitting vest with a deep V-neckline!

However you decide to wear it, this piece will add a subtle cozy touch and a hint of lacy elegance to any outfit.

You can pick up the entire Gloss DK collection right now for just $8.99, buy the Gloss DK e-book for $9.99, or purchase Penny as a stand alone pattern for $4.99!

I also invite you to preview the collection and check out the Penny pattern page over on Ravelry, because hearts = love!