BTS Vest Help

I've started this pattern twice, now and am having problems with the gauge and pattern reading. The bottom border just seems too big. I'm in between sizes and need to decide which size to knit on my third attempt.

First question is regarding the yarn. I'm using the recommended Cascade 220. After this is washed and does any "blooming" (whatever that is), would that make the garment larger or smaller? This will help in deciding which size to knit.

Question two regards the pattern. I'm not sure if I understand this correctly. If I decide to make the finished bust size of 41", the picture shows 23" for the bust. This means the bust will be 46", right? My second attempt using a gauge that was "slightly" larger than the recommended gauge. I'm about 4-5 inches bigger than my belly. I know a little off over so many stitches means alot, but I don't know if I understand the pattern/picture correctly.

Does the 5 inches mean the pattern gives that much room for wearing a shirt underneath the vest? Isn't that a bit much? I know the ribbing section will be smaller because of the stretch and will hug the body, but I didn't think the bottom border (alternating stockinette and reverse stockinette) should be that much bigger. Help me knitting gurus.

Heather

Comments

[Rose]

I just made this vest the last week. Please note that there are two errata for this patten. The bottom portion stretches a lot because of the ribbing. I actually used the smaller needles for this, but used the larger ones to cast on and do the bumps so that it could fit over my bust.
I'm assuming that you mean the extra 5 inches on the front of the garment. This accomodates the bust. Since this is done in the round you can try this on as you go. I made my bust section longer so that the bumps were not half way over my bust. The waffle stitch in this garment stretches a bit so it is up to you as to how much ease you want. I like a snug fit so I made mine with negative ease. It really is a nice garment and can fit you properly if you pay attention as you go.
I do not have any answers to Cascade 220, but you should make a swatch and wash it as if you were washing the garment to see what happens. Take before and after measurements.
Good luck! It is worth the effort for this vest.
Rose

[Terri]

I'm 75 percent done with mine. The border seems large, but, when tried on, it's fine. I've made mine in my bust size of 46 which means it's 51 1/2 inches around. I've tried it on over a shirt, and the fit is perfect. As was mentioned, don't forget to the check the errata.

[Robin]

The Cascade 220 grows in length and width after washing. Mine relaxed significantly after washing, and I didn't even block it. On this project, I'd say err on the smaller side. You don't want it to be really baggy in the shoulders either - check those measurements as well. And like the other commenter said, the front is actually larger than the back on this one.

[Rose W]

Hi. This is my first KAL and I'm a novice sweater knitter. I, too, am knitting the back-to-school U-vest and need help. I'm done with the ribbing and am on the front dart shaping. I'm confused where it says '(Work to marked st, RLI, knit marked st, LLI) twice, work to end. Does this mean to work to the first marked stitch, do the increase, knit a stitch and do the left lifted increase. Then, work to the NEXT marker and do the same? I would really appreciate some expertise! Thnx