Knit an Easy Hooded Vest

I have probably said this before, but I went through a phase when I really didn’t like knit vests. But I’ve come to appreciate them as a perfect transition garment, a layer that gives a little warmth where and when you need it but that’s easy to take off (and maybe even toss in your bag) when you don’t need it.

Vests are a fun way to play with color and pattern and somehow feel less serious than knitting a whole sweater. And they’re a great practice for people who aren’t ready to knit garments with sleeves (though I promise sleeves aren’t hard!).

I love vests with fun details like the Mila Hooded Vest from Irene Lin. It has the hood, as mentioned, but it’s also a cardigan style vest with big buttons that add a design element and fun patch pockets because everything is better with pockets.

This vest could double as a jacket over a sweater or sweatshirt, or wear it all day over a lighter layer.

It’s worked from the top down, with the fronts and back worked separately until they are joined at the underarms. The pockets are added after the rest of the knitting is done.

Mila uses worsted or aran weight yarn and comes in six sizes. The actual body circumference of the garment ranges from 40.25 to 63.25 inches, or 102 to 161 cm. It’s shown worn with about 7.5 inches/19 cm of positive ease, but you can determine how much ease you want depending on what you might wear it over.

I love how the darker brown buttons provide a little contrast on the lighter brown version shown here, but on the pattern page there’s also a black version with black buttons if you don’t want them to stand out as much. Or pick a totally contrasting color for extra whimsy.

You can find this pattern on Ravelry.

[Photo: Irene Lin]

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Sophie’s artistic journey is a fusion of two worlds: photography and embroidery. As an artist, she captures beautiful, thought-provoking photographs that evoke emotion and capture life’s fleeting moments. But Sophie doesn’t stop there. She then takes those images to the next level by adding her signature embroidery to everyday objects, creating a piece of art that is both striking and meaningful. These embroidered prints aren’t just photographs—they are a intricate interpretation of her vision,

This evolution of art, where photography and embroidery meet, is not just innovative; it’s a testament to the evolving ways in which artists are reimagining the classics and experimenting with new techniques. Sophie’s ability to seamlessly blend these two mediums shows just how far the art world has come—and it’s exciting to think about where it’s headed next.

Among the many stunning pieces in Sophie’s collection, her embroidered rose prints stand out as personal favorites. There’s something so striking about the combination of delicate flowers and bold, empowering words. The roses themselves are beautifully photographed, with intricate stitches capturing the softness and elegance of each petal. But it’s the juxtaposition of these gentle flowers with words that encourage strength and confidence that makes them so powerful.

Her rose embroidery prints feature sayings that resonate with many of us—quotes that inspire, uplift, and make us reflect on the importance of self-worth and empowerment. These aren’t just pretty flowers; they’re symbols of resilience, independence, and beauty, much like the women they represent. Every time I look at one of her pieces, it’s like a visual reminder of how we all need to embrace our inner strength and beauty.

What Sophie is doing with her embroidered prints is so cool because it’s a perfect example of how artists are adapting to and evolving with the times. She takes the age-old art of embroidery—something traditionally viewed as delicate and reserved for traditional or vintage works—and reinvents it. By combining it with photography, she breathes new life into both mediums.

Sophie’s work is proof that art doesn’t need to stay stagnant. It’s an ever-changing, ever-growing process that can take on new forms and new meanings. Through her embroidered prints, Sophie is showing the world how art can evolve and how we, as viewers, can continue to be surprised and inspired by these innovations.

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