The Allikko Vest
July is the month when all of Finland seems to be shut down and everyone escapes to their summer cottages. For me, nothing drastic usually changes, but this year there’s something different happening! Tomorrow I’m heading up the coast to spend the week enjoying Kaustinen Folk Music Festival. To spread the joy of folk music: I’m happy to share the Allikko Vest with the world.
Some designs start with a sketch, and others start with a bigger purpose. The Allikko Vest is definitely the latter. This piece was originally born out of my love for folk music and designed specifically for my band, Allikko. Each of us in the trio sports our own unique colours and features. I wanted to capture that shared creative energy in a garment, and now you can join the ensemble too!
Choosing the palette for this vest felt just like arranging a piece of music: we keep balancing the quiet undertones with bright, energetic notes. The main colour of my own vest is the beautiful Morganiitti on Merino Singles by Nurja, which creates a wonderful, soft foundation. For the contrast colours, I had to bring in some of my absolute favourites. First contrast colour is Neon Coral on Fingering Singles from The Wandering Flock. If you know my wardrobe, you know I consider pink and neon coral to be essential neutrals! It adds that perfect, unexpected pop of brightness. To finish it off, second contrast colour is the stunning Echo on Skinny Singles by Hedgehog Fibres.
I wanted this vest to be a piece you can live in, whether you are playing an instrument, taking care of errands, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home. The Allikko Vest is worked from the bottom up in one piece. The construction is straightforward, relying on simple lines and a clean finish, which makes it wonderfully easy to customise to suit your own style and body. It is designed to be a versatile layer that you can throw on over a dress or a simple long-sleeve tee.
You can find the pattern and all the sizing details here on my website on the pattern page, or in my Ravelry store. I would love to see how you make this vest your own! Share your progress and finished vests using the hashtag #AllikkoVest. Let’s spread the joy and cast on our own little piece of folk history!