Galena
Have I raved about the garments in Doris Chan’s book Everyday Crochet before? I often look through this book and admire the beautiful yet practical garments she has designed. Finally I have completed one, the Galena vest. If you are on Ravelry you can check out other people’s versions of this vest here.
I actually completed crocheting this vest in September last year but only blocked it a week or so ago. And blocking makes such a difference to the final shape and appearance!
It’s still a fraction shorter than I’d like, but I’ll be wearing it in winter layered over other garments. The shape of the neckline is lovely after blocking, and I enjoyed the process of crocheting a garment from the top down. There are no seams!
The shell stitches expand beautifully to fit around the body. The yarn I used was divine – it’s handspun and handdyed alpaca from Charly who is the amazing woman behind Ixchel fibres and yarns. Not only does she dye and spin the yarns herself, she even grows many of them! I squeezed some of her camel/yak yarns (no, I don’t think she grows those ones) last week at the Sunday Arts Centre Market and they were so, so lovely.
If you are on Ravelry it’s worth taking a look at Doris Chan’s other designs – distinctive and so very wearable! There are plenty more in my queue.
The vest is so beautiful! Love the colour and shell stitch. I’ve been looking for a vest pattern for a long time and this really speaks to me. I can see that this vest can be knitted in a summer yarn and worn with a tank top underneath. Versatile design! Love it.
That’s so beautiful Lara – the yarn is amazing, and the shape of the top is very flattering. Nice job 🙂
I think I just ordered that book, goodie. Love the lace effect with the colours!
Lara – you are so winning with me – first the A-line and now NO SEAMS! It’s gorgeous.
PS. Following on from your ‘revelations’ comment, my new official mantra is ‘just say no…just say no…’ Angels are singing.
Love everything about it. Have since raced off to my local library and now have a copy in my hot little hands. I can see my crochet is about to take a big leap :).
I like the colours you’ve used and it fits wonderfully on you. I’m sure it’ll look lovely in winter layer over other garments.
So gorgeous Lara. I see those and think I really need to get into that crochet – perhaps Caleb in gymnastics?