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GAN
{Irish: without}


What does it mean, when we define a thing by something it lacks?

In many languages, including Irish and Russian, the term for vest translates roughly as ‘without sleeves.’ I still remember how, as a child, this turn of phrase made me feel sorry for the humble sleeveless garment! But later I found this idea - of something being missing - quite evocative. It was as if the focus on the sleeves’ absence became almost a presence in itself. 



When it comes to this vest design, the ‘without’ is not a drawback; it is an invitation. Ask yourself: What can I wear this garment with? And let the possibilities ignite your imagination.

Designed as a ‘trend-neutral’ vest, Gan is infinitely adaptable to accommodate a variety of aesthetic preferences and body proportions. The main pattern instructions will produce a classic, semi-cropped vest with a scoop neckline, standard-depth armholes, and edgings that end just beyond the shoulders. A choice of plain or eyelet ribbing is provided for the finishing. The Appendix offers additional instructions for adapting the pattern to current trends, including: a tall neckline, extra-deep armholes, tunic-length bodice, split hem, ‘winged’ armhole edgings, and more. You can make a collection of quite different-looking vests according to this one pattern!

Note: This is an updated re-release of a pattern which was originally published in March 2018 by S-Twist Wool under the name San Fhoraois, and again in January 2020 by Yarn Vibes. As the designer, I have now published it here independently.

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MATERIALS & INFO

Sizing
Size 1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
measures as follows around chest circumference:
84.5cm/ 33.75” (91cm/ 36.5”, 102cm/ 41”, 111cm/ 44.5”, 120cm/ 48”, 129cm/ 51.5”, 138cm/ 55”, 146.5cm/ 58.75”, 153.5cm/ 61.25”, 162cm/ 65”)

Gauge

main fabric: 18 sts x 24 rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4”
in stockinette

edgings: 20 sts x 28 rows = 10cm/ 4” x 10cm/ 4”
in 2x2 rib, blocked flat

Yarn

suitable for DK to Aran weight yarns,
approximately 150-200m/100g (164-220y/3.5oz) 

requires: 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6) 100g skeins

Needles 

Needle A: circular needle, 4.5mm (US 7) in diameter
or as needed to meet gauge for main fabric

Needle B: circular needle, 3mm (US 3) in diameter
or as needed to meet gauge for edgings



Notions

stitch markers, tapestry needle, scrap yarn, (optional) 2 stitch holders

Special Techniques

provisional cast-on, picking up sts from selvage edge, (optional) basic lacework

Construction
Worked seamlessly, from the top down, with contiguous shoulder construction; bodice is worked in the round. (Note: what appear to be seams in the photos are faux seams; this is not a pieced garment).

This pattern includes a schematic with measurements.

This pattern includes a chart for the optional eyelet rib edgings.

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SAMPLES INFO

The green sample with plain edgings and the pink sample with eyelet edgings were knitted with Höner och Eir Nutiden, held double.

The mauve sample with ‘winged’ edgings was knitted with Studio Donegal Aran Tweed. It was made by the woman modelling the garment.

The dark tweed tunic-length sample with tall neckline was knitted with Studio Donegal Aran Tweed. It was made by the woman modelling the garment.

All samples are Size 3, modelled with 10-15cm/ 4-6” of ease.