The deep arm holes and the ablity to vary the size of the back makes this pretty much a one-size-fits-all pattern.
It uses 20 independent colors plus 13 blends. Ours was stitched using Paternayan Persian yarn, and the particular yarn numbers are provided in the instructions.
| 1 | Downloading the instructions | This instructions are in three major parts, each an Adobe Acrobat pdf document. The download for the materials and color chart is on the Materials Page, while the other two documents, a chart for each side of the vest is on the Charts Page. You'll need the Acrobat Reader to view and print these pages, available from the Charts Page. You may also want to print some of the web pages, such as this page. |
| 2 | Obtaining the Materials | You will need to assemble the materials required to stitch the vest, including canvas, yarn, needles, a frame (highly recommended), scissors, hanger (to keep the yarns organized), masking tape, and sewing needle and thread. |
| 3 | Preparing and Organizing the Materials | Each side chart has the center point marked, which you can determine by folding your canvas in half in each direction. Mark it with some thread or a canvas marker. Prepare the canvas and mount it on a frame, organize your yarns and bind your instructions together. |
| 4 | Stitching | Now the fun part! The entire design is tent stitch except for a Spider Stitch at the center of each poppy. |
| 5 | Finishing | When both sides of the vest are complete, it's time to purchase the back and lining fabric, block the pieces if necessary, and construct the vest (or take the needlepointed panels to a tailor). |