Have you guys watched Miss FIsher’s Murder Mysteries yet? If you haven’t, go watch it now. I’ll wait. For real. Go watch it. The first two seasons are available on Netflix, and you 100% need to watch them. Do it.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is a show about Phryne Fisher, a lady detective living in Melbourne, Australia in the 1920s. She is a “thoroughly modern woman” (read: she carries a golden gun, fights for what she believes is right, and entertains a series of “gentlemen callers”). With her faithful sidekick Dot, and the help of the charming Detective Inspector, Jack Robinson, Miss Fisher kicks butt and takes names, taking down dozens of Melbourne’s worst murderers. And she does it all with a smile on her face and a sassy quip on her tongue.
And, her outfits.
Oh God, her outfits.
I mean, honestly.
Just look at them.
But, while Miss Fisher loves her fur, silk and feathers, she doesn’t wear a lot of knitting. So, I haven’t been able to bring her up on the blog. Until, that is, a friend of mine pointed out a beautifully knitted vest in Season 2, Episode 11 “Dead Air” (Thanks, Jenny!)
In this episode, Detective Inspector Jack Robinson goes undercover to find a serial arsonist who’s targeting local radio stations. He “lets his hair down,” which in his case means a tweed jacket and fair-isle vest instead of his usual three-piece suit.
They even oblige us with a close-up of his fantastic sweater. (I suppose they’re really showing a close-up of some evidence, but we can pretend.)
I’m usually against knit vests, but this one might have me changing my mind. I might even make one for myself (or my husband, though I don’t think he’d wear it). Let’s look at some Jack Robinson-inspired patterns.
Vaila Slipover by Ann Feitelson
This one’s super classic, and based on a pattern from the 1910s. I always enjoy historical accuracy in my knitwear. (Yes, I know that makes me a dork. I am OK with that.)
Abbey Mill Farm Vest by Anne Podlesak
I love the color scheme on this one- rich browns, cinnamon reds and sage-y greens. So pretty!
Luke’s Diced Vest by Mary Jane Mucklestone
But this one might be my favorite. I like the buttons, and the use of three different fair-isle patterns across the front and back. The styling-not so much. Why would you wear a knit vest with a T-shirt and jeans? Come on.
Now, go get your fair isle yarn and turn on Miss Fisher. I’m not even joking. Do it. You’ll thank me.