Overall, I’m pretty happy with this project. I’ve actually worn it quite a bit since I finished it in early September, so maybe I’m more than just “pretty happy” with it.
Knitting the Napoleon Vest was enjoyable, although it didn’t go as smoothly as I would have hoped. My gauge was tight (ugh…AS USUAL), so I knit the 40″ size, rather than the 36″…a trick that usually works fairly well for me. After I had knit all the pieces and begun seaming, the vest was HUGE, so I wound up unraveling 1” from each side of both the front and back pieces (eliminating 4” total) before grafting the sides together. I think the armholes would have been a mess if I hadn’t. However, it looks like I could have left a little more room on the sides after all, since I got a more fitted look, rather than the blousey look the tucks were intended to create.
So I guess the only reason I’d say I’m “pretty happy” rather than “thrilled” is because I still like the casual, blousey look of the vest on the model in the pattern. I like it so much that I’m tempted to knit this again, but I don’t think I’m that kind of knitter. Actually, I think the pattern would be really great converted to work with a finer gauge yarn, but I KNOW I’m not THAT kind of knitter!
it’s really cute! i love the original as well but i like the stitch definition on yours.
I actually like the fitted version more than the original. Nice work.
Ooo — I like your version far more than the pattern image depicts! Great job!
I love your version! and, yeah, I’m not the type to go back and knit something again so move along
Looks so pretty on you! And that grey tone will go with almost everything.
That is one gorgeous vest!! I like your version better than the original — it’s nice a little more fitted, I think.
i totally thought, hey! that’s a cute vest. it’s funny what expectations can do.
I think it is very cute.
What a great vest! The edging and little pleats are very nice.
It is a lovely vest! The gauge, the gauge
I had a tighter gauge when I FIRST knit Thermal but continued. It turns out is too tight. And I became obsessed with knitting another one with the right gauge. Yeah, I’m that kind of knitter and since I’m using a new color, I actually enjoy it!
I love your version of this vest even better than the original. I think the fitted sides bring some balance to the worked stitches at the top. If I were to knit this, I’d follow your idea and keep it tight on the sides so that the top really shines. Well done! It’s inspiring to see.
Yomamaknits
I actually REALLY like it!
It is really really beautiful! I love the construction.
I really like the look of yours much better – I headed over to ravelry to see the pattern and I would have passed it right by had it not been for your version of it!
i am so excited to see you post this!
i have thought about it countless times since that coffee cup photo…:)
it looks fabulous on you…
i still want to make it… badly!
The Napoleon Vest looks fantastic. You did a great job.
Annegret
Is that vest knit sideways? Beautiful! You did a great job with this pattern, and I have to agree with your previous comments – I like your version better.
The vest looks great. I may have to follow your lead.
I love the vest! They are both great, but I really like vests, and it fits you great!