Mountain Memories

Mountain Memories Waistcoat by MaryG Knits

What Is Being Made

Mountain Memories is a hip-length cardigan vest designed by Mary C. Gildersleeve for independent knitters seeking an advanced colorwork project. This waistcoat showcases intricate stranded colorwork knitting across the body, combining eight coordinated yarn shades to create a sophisticated mountain-inspired design. The pattern is available in five sizes ranging from XS to XL, making it adaptable for various body measurements and proportions.

Techniques and Construction Methods

This advanced knitting project incorporates several sophisticated techniques that elevate it beyond basic colorwork:

• Steeking: The pattern employs steeking, a traditional technique where knitters work colorwork in the round and then strategically cut the knitted fabric to create openings for armholes and front edges. This method allows for seamless colorwork integration across the entire garment.
• Stranded Colorwork: The design utilizes true stranded colorwork knitting, where multiple yarn colors are carried across rows to create the patterned design. The designer specifically recommends pure wool rather than superwash or wool-blend yarns, as pure wool fibers bloom and fill in stitches more effectively for a polished colorwork appearance.
• Inset Pockets: The pattern includes optional inset pockets, allowing knitters to customize their garment with functional design elements worked directly into the fabric.
• Top-Down Construction: The waistcoat is worked using circular needles, enabling seamless construction and the ability to try on the garment as it progresses.

Stitches and Stitch Work

While the complete stitch dictionary is not detailed in the provided materials, the pattern centers on fundamental knitting stitches executed with precision across multiple colors. Stranded colorwork requires consistent tension management across both the main color and contrast colors to ensure even fabric and proper stitch definition. The designer emphasizes that pure wool's natural blooming properties help compensate for minor stitch imperfections common in complex colorwork.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

Mountain Memories calls for fingering weight wool in eight distinct colors. The sample photographed in size Medium utilized Jamieson & Smith 2-ply Jumper Weight, a true Shetland wool renowned for its quality in colorwork applications:

• Main Color (MC): 82 Mix – 6 x 25g skeins (7 x 25g for XL size)
• Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 65 – 3 x 25g skeins (4 x 25g for XL)
• Contrast Color 2 (CC2): FC34 Mix – 1 x 25g skein
• Contrast Color 3 (CC3): FC24 Mix – 1 x 25g skein
• Contrast Color 4 (CC4): 66 – 1 x 25g skein
• Contrast Color 5 (CC5): 91 – 1 x 25g skein
• Contrast Color 6 (CC6): 202 – 1 x 25g skein
• Contrast Color 7 (CC7): FC41 – 1 x 25g skein

The pattern requires US size #3 circular needles in both 16-inch and 37-inch lengths to accommodate the various stages of construction, from ribbing and yoke shaping through the full body width. Additional supplies include stitch markers for tracking pattern repeats and color changes, and sharp scissors for the steeking process.

Designer Notes and Customization

The pattern includes comprehensive notes on customizing the design to suit individual preferences and body shapes. This advanced project was originally designed for a Ravelry KAL (Knit-Along), making it part of a community-driven knitting experience. The copyright is held by designer Mary C. Gildersleeve, with all rights reserved as of 2020.