“During the early part of the twentieth century, Fair Isle knitwear became a popular trend, first appearing as golfing sweaters and the sleeveless “tank” or “vest” for men. By the 1930s the vibrant multicolored pattern had become more mainstream, fashionable for both sexes. In this pattern, all the traditional techniques of Fair Isle colorwork have been taken into account: the familiar “OXO” pattern, derived from the cross of the Scottish flag is there, but in addition there are abstract patterns inspired by the peaks, thistle flowers, and other naturally ocurring flora and fauna native to the Northern Isles of Scotland. Here, the vest plays with proportions of rib, therefore inserting larger larger areas of plain color into the textured main.“

This pattern calls for 2 to 3 skeins (of 115 yards each) of the main color, and 1 skein each of 8 contrast colors. The yardage listed above is the maximum needed--you will likely need much less. The pattern is charted using large colored squares.

This pattern is in the 1930s section of the book, and has been modernized by using vibrant, contemporary colors & a deep scoop neck instead of a V-neck.

The vest is seamed under the arms and at the shoulders. Stitches are picked up along the neckline and armholes for ribbing. There are 2 colors maximum per row. The stockinette gauge is 28 stitches and 38 rows to 4 inches. Five different sizes are included in the 32 to 50-inch bust (81-127 cm) range.