The newest addition to Sam’s growing collection of vintage vests. I couldn’t resist the shaping and styling of this 1942 vest, with its prominent Vs all over the fronts. This is a slip-stitch pattern, which is a very thrifty way to knit in two colors (makes perfect sense for wartime knitting). Once I finished the huge expanse of plain brown knitting for the back, the fronts went quickly as the pattern was fun and easy.

There is a lot of finishing in this project. I tried to be as patient and exacting as possible and stuck to the pattern very closely. I’m really proud of the result. The buttonband/front border is knit in one very long piece (close to 70” for me) and backstitched to the edges, which are finished with single crochet in advance. Single crochet is also used along the back edge and arm holes. The pocket linings are knit into the front pieces while the outer bands are finished later in 1x1 ribbing.

Mods: I lengthened the vest by several inches, but otherwise didn’t change a thing.