Mellifera by Kelly van Niekerk

Mellifera

Knitting
June 2015
DK (11 wpi) ?
22 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches
in knotted flower stitch (blocked)
US 3 - 3.25 mm
US 6 - 4.0 mm
219 - 930 yards (200 - 850 m)
16 sizes: 35cm - 72.5cm chest circumference (approx newborn to 10y)
English
This pattern is available for $5.00 USD buy it now

One of my favourite childhood stories was about a bright wee girl, taken in by a sweet and caring teacher. This vest is a tribute to the wonderful lady that made Matilda so happy!

CONSTRUCTION
Mellifera is constructed from the hem upwards, and worked in the round.
The body is worked in a simple knotted flower stitch motif to the armholes. Front and back are separated and worked back and forth, before rejoining on top of the shoulders.
The neckline and armholes are finished with an applied i-cord edging; stitches will need to be picked up to do this.
Sizes 35cm-52.5cm have a buttoned neckline, secured to the upper back of the vest.

SKILLS REQUIRED

  • applied i-cord (for sleeve and neck opening)
  • kitchener stitch or 3-needle bind off (for shoulder)
  • knitting in the round
  • picking up stitches (for edgings)
  • provisional cast on (for seamless i-cord)
  • reading your stitches

If you are not familiar with these techniques you may need to reference a knitting guide book, or view videos on the internet.

YARN
8ply/dk weight yarn (200-250m/100g)
This pattern is suitable for yarn with good elasticity and memory – a wool or wool blend.
Suggested yarn:
Red Riding Hood Yarns Belle (434m/200g)
sizes 35cm to 47.5cm – up to 0.5 skein
sizes 50cm to 62.5cm – up to 1 skein
sizes 65cm to 70cm – up to 1.5 skeins
sizes 75cm – up to 2 skeins