The pattern was inspired by the paintings of undergrowth that Vincent van Gogh made in Paris, Saint-Rémy and Auvers, from 1887 through 1890. The effect of the light and shade produces many shades of green and brown which van Gogh paints in short brushstrokes across the canvas.

Trees and Undergrowth is knitted from the top down, seamlessly in the round, holding two strands of lace weight yarn. The yoke is shaped with short rows to raise the back of the neck. Sleeve stitches are set aside, underarm stitches are cast on and the body is completed. Sleeve stitches are then picked up and knit down to the cuff.

It’s a fast knit, worked with large needles, and the result is light as a feather.

Bust circumference
32 (38, 44, 50) (56, 62, 68)”
81 (99, 112, 127) (142, 157, 172) cm
Shown in size 38” (99 cm) and modeled with 2” (5 cm) of positive ease.

Yarn
Lace weight yarn, approximate amount:
1550 (1700, 1880, 2100) (2250, 2450, 2700) yards.
1420 (1555, 1720, 1920) (2060, 2240, 2470) meters.

Shown here in Malabrigo Yarn Lace, 100% Wool Merino; 470 yards (430 meters)/ 50 grams (1.76 ounces): 4 (4, 4, 5) (5, 6, 6) skeins in Autumn Forest (224).

Needles
US 8 - 5 mm

• 16” (40.5 cm) and 32” (81 cm) circular needle.
• set of dpns or longer circular needle for magic loop in small circumferences. US 6 - 4 mm
• 16” (40.5 cm) and 32” (81 cm) circular needle.
• set of dpns or longer circular needle for magic loop in small circumferences.

Gauge
17 sts and 26 rows 4”/10 cm holding 2 strands of lace weight yarn together on US 8 (5 mm) needles in Eyelet Stitch.

Notions
Markers, stitch holders or waste yarn, and tapestry needle.

I want to thank 4mama2008, anneswolle, bigsnakes, nbacon, and WeeSandy for testing this pattern. Your comments and corrections made all the difference. Please check their amazing projects for tips and inspiration.