Evening Skies Vest

Evening Skies Vest by Therese Chynoweth

What is Being Made

The Evening Skies Vest is a knitted waistcoat featuring a classic V-neck design. This intermediate-level knitting project is available in six sizes ranging from XS to 2XL, with finished bust measurements from 31¼ inches (79.5 cm) to 51½ inches (131 cm) and lengths from 26½ inches (67.5 cm) to 29 inches (73.5 cm). The vest is designed as a standard-fitting garment, with sizing guidance recommending a bust measurement 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) larger than your actual bust for optimal fit.

Knitting Techniques and Construction

This knitting pattern employs intermediate-level techniques suitable for knitters with foundational skills. The V-neck construction is a key design feature that requires shaping and careful stitch management. The pattern is written for the smallest size (XS) with larger sizes provided in parentheses throughout the instructions, allowing knitters to customize their project to their preferred fit. The design demonstrates how to work with gradient yarn sets to create visual interest and depth in the finished garment.

Yarn and Materials

The Evening Skies Vest is designed to be worked in fingering weight yarn, also classified as Super Fine #1 weight. The project showcases two coordinating yarn components:

• Main Color (MC): Sun Valley Fibers Heavy Fingering Weight MCN-F in the colorway Pinnacle, composed of 80% merino wool, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. This yarn yields 400 yards (366 meters) per 3½ ounce (100 gram) skein. Yardage requirements for the main color range from 1 skein for the smallest sizes (XS, S, M) to 2 skeins for larger sizes (L, XL, 2XL).
• Gradient Set: Also Sun Valley Fibers Heavy Fingering Weight MCN-F in a gradient color set, featuring the same fiber blend of 80% merino wool, 10% cashmere, and 10% nylon. The gradient set provides 780 yards (713 meters) per 6 ounce (170 gram) set, with individual color portions yielding 130 yards (119 meters) per 1 ounce (28 gram) unit.

Total yardage requirements vary by size, ranging from 292 yards (267 meters) for the smallest size to 492 yards (450 meters) for the largest size, allowing knitters to select appropriate needle sizes and manage their yarn efficiently throughout the project.

Fiber Content and Yarn Qualities

The merino wool, cashmere, and nylon blend used in the Evening Skies Vest creates a yarn with excellent elasticity, warmth, and durability. Merino wool provides breathability and temperature regulation, cashmere adds softness and luxury, while nylon contributes strength and wear resistance—making this an ideal fiber composition for a fitted waistcoat that will maintain its shape through regular wear.