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!