Inspired by the textiles of the Bushoong people of the Kasai River region of Africa, this vest features a pattern inspired by a woman’s ceremonial skirt from the Cotsen Collection in the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The front band shapes the garment by being shorter than the front opening as knitted.

Except for the bottom border facing, vest is worked circularly up to the shoulders in stockinette stitch using two-color stranding technique. Steeks are made for the front opening and the armholes. Front band may be knit flat or in the round. Charts are provided for colorwork.

Sizing Notes: The size of the vest is determined by the needle size - the larger sizes are made using larger needles. For this reason, doing a gauge swatch is very important!

Measurements:

Size A: 41.5” / 105.5 cm chest; 19.25” / 50 cm length
Size B: 44.5” / 113 cm chest; 21” / 53.5 cm length
Size C: 47.5” / 120.5 cm chest; 22.5” / 57 cm length

Yarn: (All sizes) Color A - 900 yds / 822 m. Color B - 450 yd / 411 m. Note: Recommended yarn has been discontinued.

Gauge:

• Size A: 28 sts and 34 rows = 4” / 10 cm
• Size B: 26 sts and 32 rows = 4” / 10 cm
• Size C: 24 sts and 30 rows = 4” / 10cm

Needles:

• Size A: US 3 / 3.25 mm, 24” / 60 cm circular needles; US 2 / 2.75 mm, 16” / 40 cm circular needles.
• Size B: US 4 / 3.5 mm, 24” / 60 cm circular needles; US 3 / 3.25 mm, 16” / 40 cm circular needleds.
• Size C: US 5 / 3.75 mm, 24” / 60 cm circular needles; US 4 / 3.5 mm, 16” / 40 cm circular needles.

Notions:

• One 1 3/8” / 35 mm button
• Stitch markers
• Stitch holders

Techniques: (included in book)

• Two-color knitting
• Steeks
• Backward loop cast-on
• Pick up stitches by knitting
• Three-needle bind-off
• Twisted cord