Ghost in the Orchard - because it’s almost Halloween, this beautiful silvery gray is the perfect color for a ghostly mist, and because maybe I shot this in a meadow, but it could have been an orchard just as easily….

Plus, the combination of mezcal and apple is one of my absolute favorites! (see recipe below)

The vest features double seed stitch sections on front, back and under arms - bookmarked by densely twisted cable panels at each side of the body. One of my favorite elements of the sweater is how the movement of the cables along the center edges of the panels shape the double seed stitch panels on front and back into elegant curves. Knit-purl ribbing, a deep V neck, and an easy, short fit complete this as a classic piece, with just a bit of a modern vibe.

It’s worked in a gorgeous Cormo Aran yarn from Foxhill Farm in Western MA. This light, soft fiber really allows the textures to shine, allows for an easy fit, and gives the a neutral feel that can be worn with almost anything.

As always, notes are in the pattern for how to modify the vest for desired length or width. I love my sweaters short and a little wide, but as seen in the test knits, this design is easy to modify for fit.
Plus, the design itslef translates well in a number of different Aran weight yarns, and also works beautifully as a unisex piece.

All cable instructions are both charted and written.

Ghost in the Orchard is worked in the round from hem to armholes, then split into two pieces. Front and back are worked flat, separately from armhole to shoulder. Collar and armhole ribbings are picked up and worked in the round once shoulders are seamed.

• Yardage by size:

Sizes
36(40,44,48,50)(54,58,62,66)”
91.5(101.5,111.75,122,127)(137.25,147.25,157.5,167.75)cm
Sizes based on circumference of sweater at chest. Shown worn with 5”/12.75cm positive ease, and a hip length.

Yardage
675(700,750,800,850)(900,950,1000,1100)yds
620(640,690,730,780)(825,870,915,1005)m
Aran weight wool needed.

If substituting yarn, I recommend a wool or wool blend fiber without too much drape or memory. You don’t want your vest to either grow over time or pull in when worked in pattern. I suggest a heather, tweed, or a solid - semisolid color that will allow the textures to show up in when knit in pattern.

Be sure to swatch and check your gauge in pattern to ensure a proper fit. Adjust yardage as needed if modifying sweater.

GHOST IN THE ORCHARD COCKTAIL

You need a short glass with a large ice cube or sphere in it, and a lemon wheel. Use the wheel to rim the glass with lemon, then shake the ingredients with ice in a jigger and strain into glass. Garnish with lemon wheel.

1.5 oz mezcal (the smokier the better, I like Vida for this)
1 oz calvados
2 oz apple cider
.5 oz benedictine
.5 oz fresh lemon juice
small bar spoon’s worth of maple syrup

--------------------------------------------------- Cheers!

** If you look closely at the test knits versus my vest, you will see that the ribbing does not line up consistently around the body on mine. I wrote the pattern for a more perfect match AFTER my sweater was done. The test knits show the rib lined up under cable panels as it’s written.**