ANNIE'S SIGNATURE DESIGNS: Neptune Circular Vest Crochet Pattern

I own this pattern and I'e made one vest and am on my second one. The first one I made with #4 weight yarn and used a smaller hook and smaller size, checking gauge for my true size and it turned out lovely. I am making my 2nd one with #1 weight yarn and correct hook to meet gauge. The only problem I'e had with the wording on the pattern is round 2 of the armholes. Its very confusing how and when to work in the chains made in round 1. After many hours of fiddling with it, I was able to complete the pattern the first time but I can't find my notes from a couple of years ago and find myself fiddling all over again. I love the look of the vest and will continue to try to remember how to figure it out so it's finished by the end of summer.

The vest is beautiful and I could not wait to start, but I have never be so disappointed in my life. The instructions are not clear (I have been knitting and crocheting for more than 40 years), and even when I follow the pattern to the letter I never end up with the same number of stitches. I have made unnumerous attempts and used different yarns, downloaded the review of row 7 provided on the site, to no avail. I wish the designer would take another look at the pattern and try to rewrite it differently so we could understand the instructions better.

The vest is absolutely beautiful...but, this is the hardest pattern I've ever tried to make. I've been crocheting for 59 years so I'm not a beginner. I wish the designer would have a tutorial or either a diagram. My granddaughter loved the vest and I sure wanted to make it for her. After many attempts I've given up.

I absolutely love the yarn this pattern requires! The instructions were not easy to read, but I ploughed through it. I used the right gauge, but my finished work ended up nothing like on the picture - it was way too short. So, I pulled it all up, became creative and added my own touches to the instructions, and I ended up with a vest that looks very similar to the one on the picture, and I am very happy with it.

I ordered the correct yarn as shown for the vest and couldn't wait to get started. After several attempts at round 1 - 5 I can now understand the pattern. It helped to write it out myself in large letters. The only problem I have now is working with the fine yarn and the size 6.5mm hook. Would it be better with a different size. Also working with the dark color to begin with is a problem as the stitches are hard to find. Given up for now as I am getting frustrated with it.