The RibwarmerHere's a Christmas present that was given early to my mom when she was visiting after Thanksgiving. New York is colder than Washington state, so we both agreed it was a good choice for early gifting.
It's another classic Elizabeth Zimmermann pattern to add to the ever-growing collection I've started.
Pattern: Ribwarmer by Elizabeth Zimmermann Source: Knitting Workshop Yarn: Rowan Scottish Tweed Chunky in "Lobster"; 3 skeins Needles: US 10.5/6.5mm KnitPicks Options Circulars Buttons: 2 black marbled toggles from M&J Trimming
Started and Finished: Late last summer (planning ahead is rare, but awesome)
Modifications: The original pattern is written for worsted weight but I really had my heart set on using this chunky red tweed that I had in my stash. I did some pretty simple calculations to change the counts for a thicker yarn although in retrospect I think the vest would be pretty nice as-written with a chunkier yarn. My mom is a tiny little woman so this fit her perfectly, but I don't think the modifications made a huge difference for the intended size since the chunky yarn needs more ease than worsted anyway.
I trimmed the whole thing with I-cord and tried invisible I-cord buttonholes a la EZ which are really fun. The vest is knit in two pieces - the right side and left side (this was the predecessor of Elizabeth's "Rorschach Sweater") and seamed up the back after knitting (see picture below). All shaping is done using short-row-style mitered corners and as usual its all garter stitch, which means no purls allowed.
This is a quick knit - great for gifts if you've already exhausted someone with hats or scarves over the years. Also, this piece technically fits in the sweater category... so you'll get extra brownie points for that. In true EZ fashion the pattern is so clever that it's sure to keep you interested all the way through, even on a deadline.
I have three days of trials left and then we're hopping on a plane and flying far far away from The Big Apple. Here's wishing you minimal stress over the next 10 days. I'm shooting to have one more sweater for you before Christmas - stay tuned!
¶ 1:08 PM
Comments:
You've inspired me to get on and finish my Ribwarmer which has been half done for months. Thankyou!
it is beautiful. ribwarmers like this one is in all the stores here i copenhagen worn with oversize shirts. i have the pattern and would like to make one for my petite ubertrendy niece. i am looking very much forward to seeing the next sweater.
The yarn truly is stunning and it looks great with those buttons and the invisible buttonholes. Next time you make one consider checking Spun Out #42 to eliminate the back seam, plus other variations ad infinitum (almost).
Another beauty from Brooklyn Tweed!!! You make me wish I were single. I keep telling my husband how sexy make knitters are, but he won't pick up the needles. Got to LOVE EZ, she's smiling down at you for keeping her goodness alive. Enjoy your holiday.
This seals it. As a new knitter I feared that my skills would never be adequate enough to try an EZ project. This Rib Warmer is so awesome, I simply have to try it.
it's too beautiful - any time you make a post, my heart jumps - I love what you do and I'm always excited to see what things my buddy Jared has come up with... your mom looks adorable in her gift - she has to be very proud of you
You continue to be a great inspiration for me, Jared. I love seeing your patterns in mazagines and love your blog. I hope to have ONE sweater done before Christmas. Please don't stop sharing with us. Have a wonderful holiday. Best wishes to you and yours!
Jared, You continue to inspire. Thank you. told you you'd be big! Mazel tov and happy holidays to you and yours. It was very good to meet you this year! Much continued success to you in 08, and beyond! From your not so newbie knitter friend
I tried to e-mail you, but your Inbox is full. Any other way to get ahold of you? I wanted some information on the unspun Icelandic wool you're using for your Pi shawl.
It's beautiful. I totally want one. My mom requested some of my own handspun. Finished it last night, just posted it, now it will go into the suitcase. We are off to Germany tomorrow. Have a great holiday, Jared.
Gorgeous, as always! I think this would make a great project for me since I'll be off from my day job next week (WOO HOO!). I'm a big girl, usually wear XL, so do you think, in your wonderful opinion, that the original pattern made in chunky yarn would be a good fit for me?
Reading EZ pattern, she doesn't stipulate what size needles to us. Also what ply is US worsted wool. I am from Australia so we use ply. Also what is a good brand US for worsted wool that she recommends for the rib warmer. 4 sts to 1" / 20 sts to 4", is what she recommends. What size needles (mm please) to use for this yarn/garment. I hope you can reply before you go on hols. Thanks.
Maybe if you give me more info. about the yarn type she recommends maybe I could find a substitute here in Australia. Also I would appreciate it if you could write your pattern for the chunkier one day, (not too soon) It is just so lovely and oh so neat and tailored. I don't think the pattern calls for 8ply because that is 22sts to 1" that is why I think it may be 10 ply.
That is a lovely piece. I have a Ribwarmer (different pattern though) that I need to finish. This is definitely the season for layers both indoors and out.
Hi. My daughter LOVES the Seattle Library, and would LOVE for me to knit this pattern for her. However, she won't wear hats. She wears scarves and wraps them around her head. But I am not smart enough to figure out how to make the pattern 2-sided. HELP, please. The only thing I can think of is to make a tube and cut it. With a steek. Or if the yarn is lighter and maybe the needles bigger.....? Is it possible to write a "flat" pattern? You do beautiful work. Hope you can help me. Thanks.
Beautiful ribwarmer! Fabulous color & texture. What a lovely gift. I hope she LOVED it! I am sort-of afraid of EZ. I suppose I should break down and buy one of her books and see what I can do. I've been wanting to try a BSJ in the worst way. Lovely stuff as always.
Haven't been tremendously inspired to knit the Ribwarmer up till now, even with my adoration of EZs patterns and ownership of the necessary book. Now that I've seen yours I am revising my opinion.
I love this ribwarmer - the colour is wonderful! I have loaned this book out, and wonder if you could let me have the page that the pattern is on? - I would love to make it (when I get the book back!) Kindest regards, Shirley I.