Vest Adaptation Excites Millions

Or, at least, me!

I’m very happy with how this vest came out. It may be the best, most well-fitting vest I’ve made. Especially, I like how the garter-stitch running in different directions gives the heathered Mushishi even more texture and dimension. I’ve said it before, EZ’s generally blocky and dated designs (60s, 70s) can really benefit from a) short-row or other shaping, and b) using zippers rather than buttons for a sleeker, more modern look. Behold my proud creation:

Will try to replicate in another yarn. I took notes as I went and it actually is a pretty simple hack on the EZ ASJ.

Has a bit of an ancient Japanese armor vibe, no?

Adult Surprise . . . Vest?

Many of you have made the Elizabeth Zimmermann Baby Surprise Jacket. Many of you, like me, have gone a step further and made the Adult Surprise Jacket. See my Ravelry page. Love the architectural design and the simple beauty of the garter stitch. I am finishing up my adaptation of this theme with an . . .wait for it . . . Adult Surprise Vest! I wanted the same look as the jacket, knitted in one piece with just shoulder seaming, but without the sleeves.Iin addition, I wanted to emphasize the shoulders (to make mine look broader) and to shape the waist in. My simple adaptation was to increase the angle of double-decrease turns much more sharply (every row) and simply not knit the sleeve stitches. Here is a pic of it almost finished but still on the needles. Have already seamed the shoulders.

Actually, I have now cast off and am installing the zipper. Yes, I have often put zippers on EZ’s sweaters to update the style.

And I like zippers :)..   Stay tuned for the finished product. I think it will look good on me i.e. hide flaws, flatter assets.