These are crochet projects that were actually finished back in March, but are only being blogged now because the pattern has just been released.  I was lucky enough to be chosen to test crochet these Scooter vests designed by Deanne Ramsay.  The pattern is especially good for highlighting self-striping or variegated yarns.

Both vests were crocheted in Bendigo Woollen Mills Murano, an 8 ply wool that is dyed so that it self-stripes. Each colourway striped a little differently.

I made Clare’s vest in size 5, as per her chest measurement. It really is important to measure before you hook! Stella’s vest is in size 2-3.

This vest is worked in the round until you get to splitting for the armholes. Then the upper front and upper back are worked separately. I wound off yarn to make sure that I would pretty much match the colourways on the front and the back at that point, and it worked out quite well. I really like the texture of the stitches too.

These are toasty warm vests, being pure wool. Murano does felt easily, so I have to keep that in mind for washing. Otherwise, I’m very pleased with how these turned out.

I’ve become quite a fan of Deanne’s patterns, and hope to crochet up a few of the top patterns before summer hits. I have
Ravelry project pages with more details for Clare’s vest here and for Stella’s here.