Sunny Halter double layer vest slipover knitting pattern. Outer layer is a hip length, a-line halter neck. Inner layer is a slim fit, cropped top with short sleeve.

Introducing the Sunny Halter by Annabelle Drumm

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Finding the inspiration

Whilst designing the collection of Vivacious Vests, I came across this delicious, hand dyed golden yarn on Etsy. To me, it was the ultimate symbol of vivaciousness. I knew I had to do something with it. Sure, there are other brighter colours out there, even glow in the dark dyes. However, this yarn could be flattering to both yellow and blue based skin tones speckled with marvellous low light shades.

The Vivacious Vests collection often uses hand dyed yarns as a feature without expecting you to buy many skeins to make a full garment. I bought 2 skeins of 8ply DK weight and started to play with designs. The idea of the double layer stuck with me and then I realised I would end up with a total of 12 or even 16 ply if I put two layers together. The simplest solution would be to use 4ply Fingering weight for both layers.

I made another order and delegated the DK weight to the stash promising myself to do something fun with those two skeins in the future. They are so bright and happy, they cannot be ignored!

Finding the colour for the outer layer was reasonably easy. I looked deeper into the lowlight colours of the hand dyed yarn and matched the fuchsia pink with Bendigo Woollen Mills rich Luxury “Boysenberry” shade. This will bloom over time (i.e. fluff up and have a softer, less defined texture) making the garment even more cuddly. It will make a nice contrast to the hand dyed inner layer yarn which will likely keep its definition.

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Yarn shops used for my knitting pattern sample

MC: Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 4ply 100% Australian merino 200g 720m, colour: Boysenberry. https://www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au/luxury-4-ply

CC: YarnDreamsHandDyed Etsy store, Merino Yarn 4ply Fingering weight 100g 290m, colour: Sunset Dreams.  https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/YarnDreamsHandDyed?ref=yr_purchases&section_id=29751641

I also used a red DK weight scrap wool from my stash – possibly Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 8ply – to cast on the outer layer and bind off the sleeves of the inner layer. The Classic 8ply is a heavier weight than the rest of the garment making it protrude from the edge and defining a stronger outline.

Having fun with the design

You may be well familiar with knitting in the round on a circular needle. A knitting pattern design might start at the neck and work “top down” or start at the hem working “bottom up”. I asked myself, hey, why not do both? Let’s see what we can do with two layers joined on the stress points for added strength.

For the Sunny Halter, I liked the idea of the a-line outer layer but I do find a million decreases up the sides a little tedious. I wanted to find a way to slowly decrease without interrupting the pattern along the hem. The halter neck and racer back was also interesting to shape. I wanted it to look good on all sizes, keeping it in proportion in terms of width and height. This took a fair bit of tinkering and I am looking forward to seeing your project on line to compare the results in differing sizes.

Alterations

I’ve included Fitting Notes in the knitting pattern if you prefer a custom fit. There are guidelines for a few variations such as wide shoulders / narrow hips or if you want to make a maternity version. If you are struggling to work these calculations out, you can contact me here on the contact page of the website or via Ravelry.

How to wear your Sunny Halter Vest

The a-line outer layer makes the vest or slipover easy to wear, even on fat days. Slip it over a turtleneck when you need to be extra warm or, for more formal occasions, find a floaty, translucent blouse with wide sleeves and a cuff. Make sure your colours are complimentary and either the vest or the blouse is the dominant colour. A cotton slim sleeve, long t-shirt can look great and if you want to use the Sunny Halter in the summer time, you might prefer to knit in a combo of wool/cotton so the layers breathe well.

The a-line silhouette can look good with slim, bootleg or flared trousers, also a knee length pencil skirt or long a-line skirt at calf length. I would suggest avoiding any lower half garment that gathers or pleats at the waist or hips as this may create a lumpy look under the vest.

Have fun with the colours of the Sunny Halter. BE BOLD in your colour choices finding what brings you the most joy.

You can buy the pattern here:

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