THIS PATTERN IS ONLY AVAILABLE AS PART OF A STITCH IN TIME VOLUME 3, THE COLOURWORK EDITION.

Peggy is the third pattern released from A Stitch in Time Volume 3, The Colourwork Edition and was originally published in the 1940s as a single size pattern to fit chest size 32-34 inch (81-86cm).

This classic vest, called a jerkin in the pattern, was originally constructed in two separate pieces - the back and fronts knitted separately with purled wrong side rows. A small amount of shaping was also worked at the side seams to create a fitted look.

I have provided two sets of instructions for Peggy - the first set, like the original, provides instructions for knitting the vest flat on straight needles and in separate pieces which are then sewn together. Increases are worked at the side seams after the welt has been worked creating a nipped-in waist and a fitted shape. The neckband and armhole bands are also worked on straight needles and sewn up after completion.

The second set of instructions for Peggy provide directions to knit the vest in the round from the bottom up without additional shaping. Steeks are added at the armholes and front neck in order for Peggy to be knitted in the round throughout. Both versions are designed to sit on the waist and have shaped armholes.

Both versions of Peggy come in 12 sizes to fit from 28-64 inch (71-160 cm) chest with full colour, full length charts to work from.

Peggy is knitted using a combination of two favourites from my yarn range, Byre and Wold 2 Ply fingering weight to provide the perfect blend of natural and hand-dyed shades. Undyed Byre in Dry Stone Wall is used as the background shade throughout with Night Sky providing the darkest shade in the palette. Two shades of Wold 2 Ply fingering are also used - hand-dyed in two bold vintage shades - a rich red and a vibrant yellow.

The companion pattern to Peggy - Chester - will be published shortly, providing a traditional ‘man’s’ fit as seen in the Wartime Farm Sleeveless Pullover with a longer straight body and without additional armhole shaping. Two options will again be available, both for knitting flat and in the round.

YARN
Susan Crawford Byre 100% British wool, a unique blend of Jacob, white Shetland and black Shetland fleeces.
Fingering weight (400m / 436yds per 100g skein approx)
2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins, shade Dry Stone Wall – Yarn A

Fingering weight (100m / 109yds per 25g skein approx)
1 skein, shade Night Sky – Yarn C

Susan Crawford Wold 2 Ply Fingering weight 100% British wool, 50% Southdown, 25% Bluefaced Leicester, 25% white Shetland (87m / 95yds per 25g skein approx)
1 skein, shade Ladybird – Yarn B
1 skein, shade Genisteae – Yarn D

GAUGE – KNITTED IN THE ROUND

30 sts and 34 rounds = 10cm (4in) over stranded colourwork and stocking stitch, worked in the round. We obtained this gauge using 3mm needles.

If necessary use an alternative needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

GAUGE – KNITTED FLAT
30 sts and 34 rows = 10cm (4in) over stranded colourwork and stocking stitch, worked flat.
We obtained this gauge using 3mm needles.
If necessary use an alternative needle size to obtain the correct gauge.

SUGGESTED NEEDLES
In the Round Version
Small needles:2.5mm (US 1 / 2) circular needle (80–100cm in length)
2.5mm (US 1 / 2) circular needle (40–50cm in length)
Large needles:3mm (US 2 / 3) circular needles (80–100cm in length)
Flat version
Small needles:Pair of 2.5mm (US 1 / 2) straight needles
Large needles:Pair of 3mm (US 2 / 3) straight needles

NOTIONS

Waste yarn or stitch holders
Spare needle for grafting shoulders (in the round version only)
Tapestry needle
Scissors