This cardigan vest is a great oversized layering piece featuring a textured cartridge rib stitch pattern and a pop of color for some fun (and pockets!) This piece has a bit of a 70s vibe to it, so why not name it after the year I was born? 1979 is cool and cozy and features interesting yet not-intimidating techniques. Knit up in Magpie Solstice, a gorgeous merino/cotton/silk blend that has just the right amount of texture with a soft hand and beautiful drape (and an awesome palette of colors too!).

How to Pick your Size: 1979 is meant to be worn with lots of positive ease for an oversized fit. Choose a size that is approx. 10-14”/25-35 cm larger than your widest circumference (for some that may be your bust and for others it may be your hips).
Shown in size Medium, being worn with 11”/28 cm of positive ease at the hips and 18”/46 cm of positive ease at the bust - my hips are much larger than my bust, so I used my hip measurement as my guide instead of my bust.

Sizes: Small (Medium, Large)

Finished Circumference (when fronts overlap to approx back width):
44 (51, 58)”/ 112 (129.5, 147) cm

Yarn/Yardage:
Heavy DK-weight or light worsted-weight yarn, shown in Solstice by Magpie Fibers (50% Superwash Merino, 25% Cotton, 25% Silk; 100g/300 yds), broken out as follows:
• Main Color (MC): 1155 (1414, 1640) yds, 4 (5, 6) skeins, shown in color Eager Beaver.
• Contrasting Color (CC): 135 (165, 195) yds, 1 skein, shown in color Soiree.

Check out my blog post about yarn options.

Gauge: 23 sts & 35 rows = 4”/10 cm in Cartridge Belt Rib St pattern on larger needles after blocking.

Needles & Supplies:
• US 8/5 mm 32”/80 cm circ needle or size needed to obtain gauge in Cartridge Belt Rib St pattern.
• Extra US 8/5 mm circ needle (either 24”/60 cm or 32”/80 cm) or same needle size used to obtain gauge (to be used during 3 Needle Bind-Off).
• US 7/4.5 mm 24”/60 cm circ needle or 1 needle size smaller than that used to obtain gauge.
• Stitch markers.
• Scrap yarn.
• Tapestry needle.