By Melissa Mall

Model: Melissa Mall
Photos: Melissa Mall, ‘Max’

Once a chill is in the air, I always feel a good bonfire is in order. The smoky orange warmth, the smell of burning pine, the spiraling sparks sweeping up into the night sky – who doesn’t love a bonfire? Of course, it can get chilly sitting far enough away to keep the smoke out of your lungs, especially on the side facing away from the flames. A good thick vest is just the thing for keeping your back warm while still letting you enjoy the warmth of the fire!
Difficulty: Intermediate

Sizes: XS (S, M, L, XL, 2X) – shown in XL

Finished Size: Chest circumference (closed) – 28.5 (31, 34.5, 39, 41.5, 46) inches around

Materials:

• Lion Brand Hometown USA [100% Acrylic, 81yds/74m per 5oz/142g skein], color: Grand Rapids Green 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5 skeins)
• P (11.50mm) hook
• Yarn Needle

Gauge: 5.5 sts/7 rows = 4″ in patt.

Directions:

Row 1: Ch 83 (85, 89, 95, 101, 105); turn. Sc in 2nd ch from hook, *ch 2, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * across. Turn.

Row 2: Ch 1; sc in 1st sc, sc in ch-sp. *Ch 2, sk next sc, sc in next ch-sp. Repeat from * until 1 ch-sp remains; ch 2, sc in last ch-sp, sc in last sc. Turn.

Row 3: Ch 1; sc in 1st sc. *Ch 2, sk sc, sc in next ch-sp. Repeat from * across, ch 2, sc in last sc.

Repeat rows 2-3 alternately until work measures approximately 5.5 (6, 7, 8, 8.5, 9.5) inches from start, ending with a repetition of row 3.

Work next row in patt, leaving 41 (42, 44, 47, 50, 52) stitches unworked.

Continue in patt. until total length from beginning is approximately 12 (13, 13.5, 15, 16, 17.5) inches from start, ending with a repetition of row 3. Ch 42 (43, 45, 48, 51, 53).

Sk 1 ch, sc in next ch. *Ch 2, sk 2 ch, sc in next ch. Repeat from * across to end of chain. **Ch 2, sk sc, sc in next ch-sp. Repeat from ** across. Ch 2, sc in last sc.

Continue in patt. until second side matches first side.

Finishing

Fold on front down onto back, wrong side out. (The fold will be the shoulder seam.) Sl st through the ch-sp at the bottom of both sides (as one), ch 1. Sl st through next ch-sp (front and back together again), repeat up side for approx. 15 inches or to desired armhole size. Finish off. Repeat on other side, turn right side out.

Edging: Join at bottom corner of front. Ch 2, dc in same st. *Ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc in sc. Repeat from * up side, around neck, and down other side of front. Finish off, weave in all ends.

About the Designer
Melissa Mall is an at-home mom with four sons and a new baby girl! They have settled in to a quiet (or “quiet,” if you like) rural life in Missouri and are enjoying doing things like gardening and keeping chickens in the backyard. You can keep up with their ordinary adventures over at her blog, or take a peek at her crochet patterns and tutorials at Inner Child Crochet.

Pattern & images © Melissa Mall. All rights reserved.