This is a very warm, sleeveless pullover with similar lines to The Winter Tree Vest, but worked in a chunkier 12 ply wool. It features wide shoulders, slightly cropped length (which can be lengthened) and a little waist shaping. It is designed to be a classic fit. The vest is a quick, easy knit. It is knit flat in two pieces and seamed, with neck and armhole 2x2 rib edgings which are picked up and also worked flat.

The blackberries and leaves are knitted separately and then appliqued to the completed vest, and the stems and branches are worked in chain stitch and backstitch. I wanted it to look like old faded country embroidery, very bucolic and rustic - but still cute. I think a variety of background colours would work well.

The applique is simple to achieve. Techniques used in the vest are 2 x 2 rib, increasing and decreasing, picking up stitches, chain stitch embroidery, backstitch embroidery and seaming, and whip or hem stitch for the applique. With patience, this is an achievable beginner’s project.

Sizes: To fit 75cm/30”(85/34, 95/38) bust measurement. Choose the size closest to your own measurements. The model in the pictures is wearing the 85cm/34” size and has a 33” bust measurement.

Overall length: approx. 50cm/19½” (51/20, 52.5/20½)

Materials:
2 x 5mm (US 8) needles (the neck and armhole ribbing are worked flat, but you may find a circular easier to use)
2 x 6mm (US 10) needles
2 x 3.75mm (US 5) needles to work applique (short needles or dpns are easiest.)
2 x stitch holders
Darning/tapestry needle

Yarn and Yardage:
Bendigo Woollen Mills Rustic 12ply, 100% wool, 270m/295yds per 200g ball
All sizes: 2 x balls col. Earth, shade 905.
Pattern uses approximately 360 (400, 460) metres/ 394 (438, 500) yards

Applique: DK yarn, preferably wool.
2 shades of green, 1 medium and 1 dark
2 shades of purple, 1 medium and 1 dark
1 shade of dark cherry red

You can use whatever DK you have in your stash for the applique. This is what I used:

Dark green: Cleckheaton Country Vintage Blends 8ply Col. 2319, approx. 50m/55yds
Medium green: Cleckheaton Country Naturals 8ply Col. 1841, approx. 30m/33yds
Dark purple: Cleckheaton Country 8ply Col. 2310, approx. 5m/5½yds
Medium purple:Cleckheaton Country 8ply Col. 2181, approx. 5m/5½yds
Dark cherry red: 2m/yds of scrap DK wool.

Gauge:
13.5 sts and 15 rows over 10cm/4” in St St using Rustic 12 ply on 6mm (US 10) needles