Well, looks like I just couldn't help myself.  I had to start another <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/olgas-vest">Olga's Vest</a>.  I love knitting this pattern! It's so versatile.  Below are 4 of the 12 ways this pattern can be worn.  And that's only 12 ways that we know about.... maybe there's more.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://graceakhrem.com/?attachment_id=1494" rel="attachment wp-att-1494"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1494" title="Olga's-Vest-4-of-8" src="http://graceakhrem.com/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Olgas-Vest-4-of-8.png" alt="" width="500" height="200" /></a>

I was at home thinking about what I wanted to make it out of.  "I am going to use up my stash!  Ooooh, <a href="http://www.habutextiles.com/A-174">Habu Cotton Gima</a>,  that would make a really cool lookin' Olga's Vest."  What I didn't really think about was that I only had one skein in my stash!  Bummer, huh?  Oh well, I am still very happy with my yarn choice.  So I swatched up the little skein I had in my stash, first I started with the yarn single and thought it looked a little flimsy, so I doubled it.  It was perrrrfeeeect!  See how pretty it is all blocked?!  Hint, hint - you much block your swatches!

&nbsp;

<a href="http://graceakhrem.com/?attachment_id=1488" rel="attachment wp-att-1488"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1488" title="DSC_0069" src="http://graceakhrem.com/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_0069-500x334.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a>

&nbsp;

So I went to the <a href="http://www.wildfiber.com/">shop</a> the next day and picked my colors, I went with <a href="http://www.habutextiles.com/A-174">color #7 Mustard</a>.  I thought the color I swatched with <a href="http://www.habutextiles.com/A-174">#19 Umber</a> was really nice too, just not the right color for me for this project.  But let me say it made for a wonderful swatch!  So here I am... I am about 1/4 of the way through my vest with my doubled cones, take a look-

&nbsp;

<a href="http://graceakhrem.com/?attachment_id=1489" rel="attachment wp-att-1489"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1489" title="DSC_0073" src="http://graceakhrem.com/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_0073-500x334.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a>

&nbsp;

I love that color!  This particular dye lot of Mustard is a little dustier than usual.  But I still love it, I think I'll wear it a lot.

Now- we all know that I don't follow patterns right?!  So what am I doing different?  Ah, I'm glad you asked.  Well, of course when I cast on I wasn't really paying attention (typical me) and I accidentally cast on 10 stitches too many.  Luckily this pattern is knit side-to-side.... so it wont be too big... it will be too long.  But I don think I mind.  The problem is, do I have enough yarn?

When I started this version of Olga's Vest I knew I wanted to omit the cowl part (I know this part can be a bit confusing for some and I wanted to show that if you feel like leaving it out- it can be done).  So that's a nice chunk of yarn that I don't have to worry about.  Also since you do a provisional cast on, I thought maybe I'll do the button bands in <a href="http://www.habutextiles.com/A-174">#20 Gray Taupe</a>.  Then I have my favorite color combination "Grellow."  Yes!  I was also thinking about putting a grey stripe in the middle instead of the cowl, but someone suggested I put a few stripes.... I am still toying with those ideas.  I have a total of 6 cones and I am still on my first two.... I will see how far those two take me before I decide.  Tell me your thoughts, what do you think I should do?  Stripes?  Bands?  1/2 yellow &amp; 1/2 grey (woah! that might be really cool).

So far these are the only modifications I have made to the pattern, but I am sure there is more to come.... I am thinking about adding a slit on the right bottom edge.... maybe with a little decorative button, like <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jannas-tunic">Janna's Tunic</a>.  We'll see what I come up with.  In the meantime here are a couple more images of my newest <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/olgas-vest">Olga's Vest</a>WIP.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://graceakhrem.com/?attachment_id=1492" rel="attachment wp-att-1492"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1492" title="DSC_0093" src="http://graceakhrem.com/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_0093-334x500.jpg" alt="" width="334" height="500" /></a>

&nbsp;

<a href="http://graceakhrem.com/?attachment_id=1490" rel="attachment wp-att-1490"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-1490" title="DSC_0087" src="http://graceakhrem.com/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/DSC_0087-500x334.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a>

&nbsp;

If you are anywhere near Elk Grove, Ca in the next week and would like to take a look at the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/olgas-vest">Olga's Vest</a> in person, as well as some other samples make sure you visit <a href="http://www.knitiqueayarnboutique.blogspot.com/">Knitique</a>, they are hosting my trunk show.

Also, if you happen to find your self at <a href="http://www.knittinguniverse.com/South/">Stitches South</a>, make sure to stop at booth #516 - In the Making will have both my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jannas-tunic">Janna's Tunic</a> &amp; <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/olgas-vest">Olga's Vest</a> on display.  Happy knitting!