Pattern Description from The Celtic Collection: “Another Pictish Celtic stone from North Eastern Scotland, the Rosemarkie stone, is the source of this key pattern. I have used it for a classic waistcoat that is an ideal introductory project to the Fair Isle technique. Unlike some of my other patterns which use many colours, this design is very easy to work in a simple, but effective, scheme of six warm rosy colours on a light tweedy background.”

Knitted Measurements:

• To fit chest/bust 86-91 (97-102, 104-109) cm/34-36 (38-40, 41-43)“
• Underarm (buttoned) 103 (112, 119) cm/41 (44, 46¾)“
• Length from top of shoulder 57 (60, 62)cm/22½ (23½, 24½)“

Materials:

• Yarn: Rowan Donegal Lambswool Tweed; Fine Cotton Chenille
• A. Rye Donegal Tweed (474) 150 (150, 175)g; B. Cinnamon Donegal Tweed (479) 50 (75, 75)g; C. Oak Fine Chenille (397) 50g; D. Lacquer Fine Chenille (388) 50 (75, 75)g; E. Roseberry Donegal Tweed (480) 50g; F. Cyclamen Fine Chenille (385) 50g
• 1 set of 4 double-pointed or circular needles in 2¾mm (US2) and 3¼mm (US3) needles.
• 3 stitch holders
• Darning needle
• 7 (7, 8) buttons

Needles: The pattern requires one set of 4 dpns or a circular needle in sizes 2.75mm (US 2) and 3.25mm (US 3).

Notions: 3 stitch holders, stitch markers, darning needle, 7 or 8 buttons.

Yarn: Both of the suggested yarns, Rowan Donegal Lambswool Tweed and Rowan Fine Cotton Chenille have been discontinued, but a kit containing Alice Starmore’s Hebridean 2-ply (but not the pattern) is available from Virtual Yarns, ranging from $87 to $120. A pattern amendment is included for four sizes.

If you choose to substitute yarns, note that three colors are used in the Donegal Tweed and another three in the Fine Cotton Chenille.