This is a top-down pattern utilizing saddles for the shoulders. Although it is a simple pattern, it is labeled “Intermediate” because it isn’t the usual top-down raglan. Instead, the knitter is instructed to create two saddles for the top of shoulders, and to pick up and knit the Back and Fronts from these saddles down to the underarms, after which the vest is connected in the round and worked down toward the hem.

See http://www.knitandtonic.net/knitandtonic/2009/02/crisp.html for yardage.