This unisex vest is knit with colorwork patterning, featuring traditional X and O patterns, with stylized leaf and “green man” motifs. The vest is knit in the round from the corrugated ribbed hem upwards. Steeks are worked for the armholes and V-neckline. Once the body is completed, the shoulders are grafted together and the steeks are then cut open and finished using ribbing to match the lower hem.

This project is worked using a traditional fingering-weight/jumper-weight wool. If choosing to substitute another yarn, choose one with some “grip” to it for ease in working the steeks (or be prepared to use a sewn or crocheted-steek method if using a smoother yarn. Sample used: Rauma Yarn Finullgarn, 100% Norwegian wool; 175 meters/50 g per ball.
Main Color (MC) – 4065 (bronze brown), 3 (4, 4, 5, 5, 6) balls. Contrast Color 1 (CC1) – 432 (darkest green) 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) balls.
Contrast Color 2 (CC2) – 494 (green) 2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3) balls.
Contrast Color 3 (CC3) – 430 (light green) 2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3) balls. Contrast Color 4 (CC4) – 455 (bright green) 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2) balls.

The festival of Beltane was held to celebrate the ancient tradition of
May Day, or May 1st, marking the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. Festival customs included lighting bonfires, celebrating all things green and growing, and the fertility
of crops and animals.