My giant, asymmetrical, two-color shawl Sundry is one of my most popular designs. It’s so over the top, I had no idea what sort of reception it would get once released. But people seem to like it, which is always great. I think it’s the opportunity to mix and match colors, and to customize their placement. A look at some projects on Ravelry shows all sorts of beautiful choices:
One of the reasons I love the sample so much is the yarn I used; Selku by String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn. It’s a wool and silk sportweight blend with excellent drape, and the gorgeous colors for which Karen and Tanis are known. I was fortunate to see their lovely yarns in person at out tiny, local sheep and fiber festival at the beginning of September, and inspired to create another design using Selku. I was looking for something to pair with the purpley-blue Viola colorway I had been hoarding, and found a deep raspberry that was perfect.
For fans of Sundry, my new shawl Vary will be out in a few days.
Originally published in knit.wear Fall 2013, this sweater pattern is now available as an individual pdf download from The Knitting Vortex with expanded instructions and slightly tweaked sizing.
This sophisticated pullover is knit side to side as an oversized rectangle with minimal finishing. A comfy and easy silhouette, the ample body proportions are balanced by the slim ribbed sleeves and turtleneck, with the added detail of an asymmetrical faux front opening. The lower fronts are free to swing open, enhancing the relaxed attitude and uncomplicated style of this outerwear layering piece.
Construction: In this sideways sweater, row gauge determines circumference, while stitch gauge determines length; measurements are ample, providing plenty of ease for your desired fit. Tortue is knit sideways in stockinette stitch with a knit-in narrow rib hem. The underlapping left front is cast on first and worked to the edge of the neck opening then placed on hold; the right front and back are cast on and worked to the neck, with the back placed on hold while the overlapping right front is finished. The center back is then worked until joined with the left front and knit to the other sideseam. Overlapped fronts create the closed neckline, with stitches picked up all around and worked seamlessly in K2P2 rib for a tall turtleneck which can be worn scrunched or folded over. Front and back sideseams are sewn below the narrow armscye, with stitches picked up around the armhole and worked seamlessly in K2P2 rib skinny sleeves. Minimal finishing is required, including tacking down the front bands at the upper chest with added decorative buttons.
Size: 49 (54.5, 57.5, 59, 61)” bust circumference. This boxy pullover is designed to be oversized by 4 – 20” or beyond, depending on preference; shown in smallest size, worn with about 14” of positive ease.
Yarn: HiKoo by skacel Kenzie (50% New Zealand merino, 25% nylon, 10% angora, 10% alpaca, 5% silk noils; 160 yards/50g), shown in #1009 Oceana; 10 (11, 12, 13, 14) skeins, or approximately 1550 (1750, 1900, 2000, 2100) yards of DK or light worsted weight wool or wool blend yarn.
Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) 40” circular needle or size to match gauge; Stitch markers (4); Stitch holder; Yarn needle; 7/8” buttons (3); Matching sewing thread and needle.
Gauge: 17 st and 26 rows/4” in stockinette stitch, 24 st and 26 rows/4” in K2P2 Rib slightly stretched, after blocking.
See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.
