Jennifer

Recovering attorney and emigree from 7th Avenue, I now combine my technical and creative passions to design knitwear. My design viewpoint is all about making simple, attractive garments and accessories, using a bit of interesting construction or an intriguing detail.

PatchRib Loop

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Dec 292022
 

Choose the PatchRib Set ebook, and make the matching collection of scarf, hat and infinity loop.

Create a patchwork infinity cowl using fluffy, two-color Fisherman’s rib. The fully reversible stitch pattern allows a different color to dominate on each side, while the shifting color blocks provide plenty of visual interest. Loop it once or twice, wear it twisted or straight; this neckwarmer presents so many styling options.

Construction: Worked back and forth from one end to the other, the PatchRIB Loop is cast on using the provisional method, and grafted closed. Using just one color per row, the fluffy Fisherman’s rib stitch pattern is a four-row repeat, in which two RS rows are worked with alternating colors by sliding the stitches to the other end of the circular needle, then the work is turned and two WS rows are worked similarly. Slipped stitch edges keep the color changes invisible and create a sophisticated appearance.

Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, knit/purl, working into the stitch below, grafting. This pattern contains written instructions, with links to my tutorials for the provisional CO and working into the stitch below.

Size: one size; 8” wide and 40” long, measured flat.

Yarn: Lion Brand Yarns Heartland (100% acrylic; 251 yards/230m/142g); approximately 45 yards each of 5 colors, or 225 yards total of worsted weight yarn. For the sample, I substituted in a sixth color on one side of one colorblock; sample shown in Yosemite (orange), Wolf Trap (pink), Kings Canyon (green), Kobuk Valley (purple), Grand Canyon (beige), and Voyageurs (light blue).

Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) 16” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Scrap yarn; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 12 st and 34 rows/4” in Fisherman’s rib st, lightly blocked and measured flat; 14 st and 28 rows/4” worn looped. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished loop, and different yardage requirements.

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PatchRib Hat

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Dec 292022
 

Choose the PatchRib Set ebook, and make the matching collection of scarf, hat and infinity loop.

Accessorize with this slouchy topper, worked in Fisherman’s rib with two colors that swap places partway through. Fold up the brim, or wear it long and loose; the fully reversible construction means you’ve got two new hats!

Construction: Worked in the round from the bottom up, the PatchRib Hat is cast on using the tubular method with MC for a smooth, infinity edge, then continued with the addition of CC for the Fisherman’s rib colorwork, which is worked using just one color every round. At every color change, make sure to bring the new color from under the color used in the previous round.

Techniques & Skills Used: tubular CO, knit/purl, working into the stitch below, decreasing, working in the round, optional pompom. This pattern contains written instructions, with links to my tutorials for the tubular CO and working into the stitch below.

Size: S (M, L, XL) to fit approximately 20 (22, 24, 26)” head circumference; 16 (18, 20, 22)” brim circumference and 9.25 (10.75, 11.25, 12.25)” height, measured flat and unstretched. The Fishermen’s rib stitch is super stretchy; samples shown in size M.

Yarn: Lion Brand Yarns Heartland (100% acrylic; 251 yards/230m/142g), samples shown in MC Grand Canyon (beige) or Kobuk Valley (purple) with CC Voyageurs (light blue) or Yosemite (orange). 1 skein of each color, or approximately 70 (75, 80, 85) yards each for MC and CC of worsted weight wool yarn.

Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) 16” circular needle and dpns, or 32” circular needle for Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; US 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needle for CO; Scrap yarn; Stitch markers (3); Yarn needle; optional pompom maker.

Gauge: 12 st and 34 rounds/4” in Fisherman’s rib st, lightly blocked.

See it Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.

PatchRib Scarf

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Nov 142022
 

Choose the PatchRib Set ebook, and make the matching collection of scarf, hat and infinity loop.

Two colors interact in a fluffy reversible Fisherman’s rib, dominating and receding to create an overscale patchwork effect with a different appearance on each side. Add fun pompoms and fling it about your neck for a fashionable frosty season.

Construction: Worked back and forth from one end to the other, the PatchRib Scarf is cast on and bound off using the tubular method for a smooth, infinity edge. Color 2 is introduced after the CO for the Fisherman’s rib colorwork, which cycles through the color progression. The fluffy rib stitch pattern is a four-row repeat, in which two RS rows are worked with alternating colors by sliding the stitches to the other end of the circular needle after the first row, then the work is turned and two WS rows are worked similarly, using only one color at a time. Slipped stitch edges keep the color changes invisible and create a tidy and sophisticated appearance.

Techniques & Skills Used: tubular CO, knit/purl, working into the stitch below, tubular BO, grafting. This pattern contains written instructions, with links to my tutorials for the tubular CO and working into the stitch below.

Size: one size; 6.25” wide and 81” long, measured hanging as worn; customizable to any length.

Yarn: Lion Brand Yarns Heartland (100% acrylic; 251 yards/230m/142g), sample shown in Color 1 Yosemite (orange), Color 2 Wolf Trap (pink), Color 3 Voyageurs (light blue), Color 4 Kings Canyon (green), Color 5 Kobuk Valley (purple), and Color 6 Grand Canyon (beige); 1 skein or approximately 45 yards of each color, or 270 yards total of worsted weight yarn, plus additional 140 yards for optional pompoms.

Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) 16” circular needle, or size to match gauge; US 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needle for CO and BO; spare US 5 needle for BO; Yarn needle, optional pompom maker.

Gauge: 12 st and 34 rows/4” in Fisherman’s rib st, measured flat; 16 st and 24 rows/4” measured with scarf hanging as when worn. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished scarf, and different yardage requirements.

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Chunnel Warmers

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Oct 272022
 

The Chunnel Leg Warmers have fitted rib cuffs with an optional heel split opening, and deeply textured legs which can be scrunched down or worn up straight. The half fisherman’s rib makes a fluffy and warm texture perfectly suited to artful rumpling. Weave the ends in neatly, and the legwarmers are completely reversible, showing a slightly different but equally attractive pattern on the reverse side.

Construction: Worked in the round from the top down, the Chunnel Warmers are cast on and bound off using the tubular method for smooth, infinity edges. Cuffs are worked in K1P1 rib on smaller needles, then continued on larger needles in opulent scrunchy half fisherman’s rib for the leg section. To adjust for different amounts of yardage, in addition to the size range in the instructions, the length of the rib cuff and leg sections may be easily customized by knitting more or fewer rounds, depending upon your yardage and fit preferences.

Techniques & Skills Used: tubular CO, alternate cable CO, knit/purl, working into the stitch below, working in the round, tubular BO, grafting. This pattern contains written instructions, with links to my tutorials.

Size: XS (S, M, L); 10 (12, 14, 16)” circumference and 15” or 19” height, measured flat and unstretched. The half fisherman’s rib is extremely stretchy and fits many sizes and shapes; choose a size with 1 – 2” of negative ease at calf. Sample shown in second size on a 13.5” calf/ 9” ankle.

Yarn: Purl Soho Worsted Twist (100% merino wool; 164 yards/150m/ 100g), shown in Artemisia Green; 2 (2, 3, 3) skeins, or approximately 275 (325, 390, 450) yards of worsted weight yarn. See Designer’s Notes for suggestions to adjust for differing yardage.

Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) dpns or 32” circular needle for Magic Loop, or size to match gauge for leg; US 5 (3.75mm) dpns or 32” circular needle for cuffs; spare US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle for tubular bind off; Stitch marker (1); removable stitch markers (2); Scrap yarn; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 14 st and 30 rounds/4” in half fisherman’s rib stitch pattern, unstretched and unblocked.

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Rivelley

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Sep 302022
 

A one-skein shawl for that special luxury yarn, Rivelley is a long stole that forms a plane of smooth stockinette with a textured valley of garter rivels that emanate outward diagonally from the center line. With a gradual slow shift in shape, and a subtly nuanced texture from the decorative rimples, this sophisticated stole is perfect for an elegant solid or tonal semi-solid yarn.

Construction: Rivelley is cast on at the pointy tip, and worked on the bias in a long sweep with shaping at both the edges and the center. As the stole grows, the subtly textured central rivels expand slowly and move gently with the overall shape of the shawl. To adjust for different amounts of yardage, work more or fewer repeats within any section after the setup. The sample yarn is discontinued, some suggested substitutions include Seven Sisters Arts Apex, Magpie Fibers Swanky Sock, Dream In Color Smooshy Cashmere, or 400 yards of any cashmere/silk and wool blend fingering weight yarn.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing; instructions for this pattern are fully written.

Size: 68” length and 15” depth.

Yarn: String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn Caper Sock (80% merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400 yards/366m/113g), shown in Moonstone; 1 skein, or any amount of soft wool or wool/cashmere blend fingering weight yarn. The sample as written used almost all of the skein.

Other Materials: US 5 (4.5mm) 32” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Stitch marker (1); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 st and 24 rows/4” in stockinette stitch after blocking. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished shawl, and different yardage requirements.

See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.

Ikinngut

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Sep 212022
 

Friends – you go on adventures with them, knit with them, and sometimes just appreciate them from afar in the comfort of your own private space. Ikinngut is the Greenlandic word for friend, and this modern rustic sweater is the perfect thing to wear for comfortable, casual rendezvous of all sorts with your besties.

Construction: Ikinngut is cast on at the back, the shoulders are shaped with a few short rows, then the back yoke is worked in a textured broken basket rib stitch pattern. The back is put on hold while stitches are picked up for each front shoulder and worked similarly to the armscye depth, with deep V front neck shaping. Back and fronts are united and fullness is added at the empire line with rapid increases creating gathers, then the body is worked in stockinette in the round to the split hem, which is worked back and forth in K2P2 rib. Slim, three-quarter length sleeves begin with picking up stitches around the armholes, then the caps are shaped with short rows, and the sleeves are worked seamlessly to the long textured cuffs. Stitches are picked up around the neck and a narrow garter neckband is worked, with a mitered V to maintain the shape of the neckline.

Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, working in simple pattern, German short rows with link to my tutorial, picking up stitches.

Size: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54)” bust, shown in third size worn with 7” positive ease. I chose an oversized fit; consult the schematic for bust and other measurements, and choose a size that provides the amount of ease you prefer.

Yarn: Green Mountain Spinnery Cotton Comfort (80% fine wool, 20% organic cotton; 180 yards/165m/58g), shown in Storm 8651; 5 (6, 7, 7, 8, 8) skeins, or approximately 900 (1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400) yards of DK weight wool/cotton or wool yarn.

Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 32″ circular needle or size to match gauge, and US 6 dpns for sleeves if not using Magic Loop; Stitch markers (2); Removable stitch marker (1); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 19 st and 24 rows/4″ in stockinette stitch, after blocking.

See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.

Fleet Cardigan

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Sep 192022
 

Everyday, everyway . . . this topdown seamless raglan cardigan is perfect for so many outfits and situations. The cropped and boxy body hits at the high hip to pair well with a dress or high waisted pant, and the roomy full sleeves layer nicely while still being anchored with fitted ribbing at the cuffs. Highly textured seed stitch and a ribbed lapel & collar finished with a rolled edge elevate the style; wear it as a basic or a special sweater every day.

Construction: The Fleet Cardigan is knit seamlessly from the top down in allover textured seed stitch, using raglan construction with a compound rate of increase to ensure a proper fit for all sizes. Stitches are cast on at the neckline, then fronts, back & sleeves are worked to the bottom of the armhole. Increases are made on fronts, back and sleeves every RS row initially, then on fronts and back every RS row and sleeves every other RS row until the correct armscye depth is reached for each size. Sleeve stitches are placed on hold while the lower body is worked without shaping to the ribbed hem. Long, full sleeves are then continued to the matching ribbed cuffs. Stitches are picked up along the front edges and neckline, and worked in single rib with a rolled stockinette edge, ending above the hem.

Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, backwards loop CO, raglan construction, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, working in the round, picking up stitches.

Size: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56)” bust; sample shown in sixth size worn with 5” positive ease.

Yarn: HiKoo by Skacel Simpliworsted (55% merino wool, 28% acrylic, 17% nylon; 140 yards/128m/100g), shown in #051 Raffi; 5 (6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10) skeins, or approximately 700 (750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1125, 1225, 1325) yards of aran weight wool or wool blend yarn.

Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 32” circular needle or size to match gauge; US 8 (5mm) 60” circular needle for ribbed edging; Stitch markers (8); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 16 st and 24 rows/4” in seed stitch, after blocking.

See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.

New Dune

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Aug 302022
 

A light-as-air tank top, New Dune offers an updated sleek and cropped silhouette for the high-waisted modern moment. The laceweight yarn creates a whisper soft garment, perfect for layering over a cami or pretty underpinning, and suitably sleek under a voluminous blouse or a light jacket. New Dune goes from morning to night, the beach to the bistro, with a figure-conscious yet body skimming fit. The slim tapered straps and dramatic deep back neckline celebrate your skin, while the relaxed body and fitted rib hem enhance and accentuate your shape.

Construction: New Dune is an update of my early Dune tank for Classic Elite Yarns, featuring a sleek and  streamlined tank strap, and a modern cropped length to wear with all of our high-waisted pants and skirts. It retains the classic architecture of the original, with slim shoulders, a deep V back neck, and smooth stockinette body with a deep ribbed hem. Cast on provisionally at the shoulders, the back and front are each worked back and forth to the armscye depth, then the body is joined and worked in the round to the bottom of the hem. Slipped stitches create a minimalist, clean edge, and the only other finishing is closing the shoulders with a 3-needle bind off.

Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, backwards loop CO, knit/purl, increasing, 3-needle BO.

Size: 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64)” bust; sample shown in third size worn with 1” positive ease. For a similar fit, choose a size close to your actual bust measurement; consult the schematic for garment measurements, and choose a size that provides the amount of ease you prefer.

Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Silky Alpaca Lace (70% alpaca, 30% silk; 440 yards/402m/50g), shown in Gentian Violet 2405; 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3) skeins, or approximately 350 (400, 425, 475, 500, 550, 575, 675, 750, 825, 900, 975) yards of laceweight alpaca/silk or wool/silk yarn.

Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 24” circular needle or size to match gauge, and spare US 6 needle for shoulder BO; US 4 (3.5mm) 24” circular needle for hem ribbing; Stitch markers (2); Scrap yarn for provisional CO; Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 24 st and 32 rows/4” in stockinette st on larger needle, after blocking.

See it Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.

L’Heure Verte

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Aug 232022
 

This sweater’s color recalls the silvery green foliage of the artemisia plant, used to make the storied spirit absinthe. Drinking absinthe became so popular in French cafés that by the mid-nineteenth century, happy hour there was called l’heure verte (“the green hour”). Deeply textured waves flow from the neckline of the sweater, expanding along with the yoke until they reach the stockinette body and disappear. The transition gives a slight A-line shape to the cropped body, while short rows shape the back neck and body for a good fit, and create the rounded hems. Simple rolled edges at the neckline, hem, and cuffs are clean and practical.

Construction: L’Heure Verte is knit seamlessly from the top down using round yoke construction, with an expanding stockinette-based wave texture on the yoke, a plain stockinette body, and rolled neck, cuffs, and hem. Stitches are cast on in the round at the neckline, the back neck is shaped with short rows, then the yoke is worked to the bottom of the armhole. Sleeve stitches are placed on hold while the lower body is worked without shaping to the rolled hem. Bracelet length sleeves are then continued to the matching rolled cuffs.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, backwards loop CO, seamless round yoke construction, knit/purl, short rows, increasing/decreasing. The yoke pattern repeat is both fully written and charted, and a link is included to my short rows tutorials.

Size: 36 (40, 44, 48, 52)” bust; sample shown in second size worn with 5” of positive ease.

Yarn: Purl Soho Worsted Twist (100% merino wool; 164 yards/150m/100g), shown in Artemisia Green; 6 (6, 7, 7, 8) skeins, or approximately 850 (950, 1050, 1125, 1225) yards of worsted weight yarn.

Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) 16” and 32” circular needle or size to match gauge; Stitch markers 10 (11, 12, 12, 13); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 st and 28 rounds/4” in yoke pattern, 17 st and 24 rounds/4” in stockinette stitch, after blocking.

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Walnut Street

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Aug 122022
 

A touch of plaid decorates this open front cardigan, with long contrasting lines intersecting on the generous reversible collar. The plaid is created using simple techniques, in which the vertical lines are knit as contrasting stripes, while the horizontal lines are first worked as a purl column in the main color, then the contrast color is applied to the surface later using a crochet hook.

Construction: Walnut Street is cast on at the back neck and worked to the armscye depth with a few short rows to shape the shoulders. The back is put on hold while stitches are picked up for each front, and worked separately with a bit of short row shaping to the armscye depth. Back and front are united and worked with gentle waist shaping to the hem. Sleeves are picked up around the armholes and the caps shaped with short rows, then worked seamlessly to the cuffs. Stitches are picked up along the entire front edge and neck, then the reversible collar is worked with contrast horizontal stripes and the long vertical stripe is applied last as surface crochet in the purl columns. No crochet skills are needed; it’s as simple as picking up stitches!

Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, backwards loop CO, knit/purl, German short rows, picking up stitches, increasing/decreasing.

Size: 32 (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56)”; sample shown in fourth size worn with 3” positive ease.

Yarn: Dream In Color Classy (100% superwash merino wool; 250 yards/229m/113g), shown in MC 17 Torchwood and CC 611 Blue Sulk; 5 (5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7, 8) skeins MC and 1 skein CC, or approximately 1150 (1200, 1250, 1300, 1375, 1450, 1525, 1600, 1675, 1775) yards MC and 60 (60, 60, 60, 60, 60, 65, 65, 65, 65) yards CC worsted weight wool yarn.

Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 32” circular needle or size to match gauge; US 8 (5mm) 60” circular needle for collar; Stitch markers (2); Removable stitch markers (2); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle; H8 (5mm) crochet hook for plaid collar contrast.

Gauge: 18 st and 24 rows/4” in Stockinette stitch, after blocking.

See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.