This cool vest, designed by Linda of Knitwise Design, goes by the idiosyncratic name of Bumpa’s Vest. “Bumpa” is Linda’s children’s name for her dad (their grandfather). Linda designed this garter rib and garter stitch vest as a birthday gift for her father.

I am a huge fan of garter stitch. Working the body of the vest in garter rib is a great touch. And, of course, no guy’s vest is complete without pockets. Although this was designed as a man’s vest, I see it as unisex. In fact, the next one off my needles may be for me.

The front edges and armholes are trimmed with I-cord. Extra rows of unattached I-cord form the button hole loops. In my original version, the buttons were straining too much against the I-cord. But a switch to shank-style buttons solved that issue quite nicely.

My version is knit in Harrisville Designs WATERshed, in the Barn Door colorway. Such a great rustic-style worsted!

Stay tuned for a Long Lake Yarns first: a profile of a designer. I’m a huge fan of Knitwise Design’s growing collection of patterns. Watch for my post about Linda Courtney a/k/a Knitwise Design coming up soon.