Omena Vest
November 20 2015 – Holly
Cold and blustery weather doesn't have to be all doom and gloom, for knitters it just means it's time to get started on winter projects! If you're all stocked up on hats and mittens, maybe it's time to try your hand at knitting a garment?
Knitting a jumper or cardigan can seem a bit intimidating, or maybe it's just that you want something that will be off your needles and over your shoulders as quick as possible. Omena by Jill Zielinski is an excellent example of just that: a quick, easy, and oh-so-wearable layer that is sure to keep you cozy against the chill. It's clever shape means no complicated construction, the armholes are even self-finishing - it really doesn't get easier than that.
Omena truly is a great transition into garment knitting; if you're ready to adventure beyond scarves and hats, this pattern is the perfect introduction. The pattern calls for worsted or aran weight yarn, which means it knits up quickly. Done in the round, it requires no seaming or special techniques, just some basic decreasing and increasing. The fit won't be a problem, either; being a loose and flowy vest, it is universally flattering and easy to wear. It's circular shape makes for the ideal layer to wrap up in!
Here's our shop sample, knit using three shades of Ella Rae Superwash Classic for a gradient effect. For our version, 2 balls each of colours 117, 119 and 132 were used. As with all our shop samples, feel free to pop in and try it on. This project also looks great in just one solid colour, as you can see from some of the gorgeous versions on Ravelry.
What patterns are in your winter knitting queue? What was the first garment you ever knit?
Knitting a jumper or cardigan can seem a bit intimidating, or maybe it's just that you want something that will be off your needles and over your shoulders as quick as possible. Omena by Jill Zielinski is an excellent example of just that: a quick, easy, and oh-so-wearable layer that is sure to keep you cozy against the chill. It's clever shape means no complicated construction, the armholes are even self-finishing - it really doesn't get easier than that.
Omena truly is a great transition into garment knitting; if you're ready to adventure beyond scarves and hats, this pattern is the perfect introduction. The pattern calls for worsted or aran weight yarn, which means it knits up quickly. Done in the round, it requires no seaming or special techniques, just some basic decreasing and increasing. The fit won't be a problem, either; being a loose and flowy vest, it is universally flattering and easy to wear. It's circular shape makes for the ideal layer to wrap up in!
Here's our shop sample, knit using three shades of Ella Rae Superwash Classic for a gradient effect. For our version, 2 balls each of colours 117, 119 and 132 were used. As with all our shop samples, feel free to pop in and try it on. This project also looks great in just one solid colour, as you can see from some of the gorgeous versions on Ravelry.
What patterns are in your winter knitting queue? What was the first garment you ever knit?
2 comments
I have never had a fear of knitting garments; maybe because I started very young? I remember having to crochet a tank top in primary school….And a poncho… When I was 14 or 15, I knit my first jumper because I saw beautiful purply-blue mohair in my LYS window and had to have it!
So for years and years I have been knitting jumpers, cardis, skirts and only very recently have I started knitting accessories!! I think in the past I saw knitted accessories as a waste of my hard-earned cash…Anyway, nowadays I knit anything and everything…
It’s a great approach to have Fiona! I wish we could all hang on to some of that youthful enthusiasm and confidence :) There’s definitely no reason to fear garments – they’re just about more persistence than accessories really…