“Peter Lorre, the Mysterious” is part of The Sanguine Gryphon’s Fall 2011 “Film Noir” pattern collection. With the restructuring of the company at the end of 2011, the pattern is now available through Patternfish and my Ravelry store.

From Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Moto to Charlie Chan and The Thin Man, I grew up with the classic mystery movies. (Thanks, Mom!) The detective characters were always our favorites, especially when they had a sense of humor and personality to spare. With this vest, I wanted to design something that wouldn’t be out of place in the wardrobes of Nick Charles, Archie Goodwin, or Sam Spade, but would still have something a little unexpected. The traditional argyle pattern becomes subtle and modern when it uses varying textures instead of colors. The base diamond pattern is easy and intuitive, with the surface chain-stitch applied after knitting and before seaming. The vest could as easily be worn by a gentleman of today as by a noir detective.

Construction Notes: The vest is worked flat in two pieces, then blocked. Diagonals are embroidered onto the surface, after which the pieces are seamed together. After the sewing is complete, stitches are picked up and neck and armhole ribbing are worked in the round.

The pattern allows for two inches of positive ease. It is written with straight sides to be flattering on your favorite gentleman, but it could easily be worn by a woman. Choose the size according to your bust measurement and add your favorite method of waist shaping if you want a more structured fit.

Peter Lorre, the Mysterious is part of the P.L. Argyle Family, which also includes Petra Laurie, the Faithful and Pete or Laurey, the Precocious.

Errata: In the newest version, there is a correction in the diagram - Right Front and Left Front are from the perspective of the knitter rather than the wearer. The instructions have not changed.