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.
Crioh Cowl was the October 2018 featured design in the PostStitch KnitStitch subscription club, and is now available as an indie digital pdf.
One skein of luscious alpaca makes a reversible cowl featuring softly textured stitches. The three sets of buttons attached back-to-back allow you to style this versatile neckwear with either side facing out, and partly or fully buttoned.
Techniques & Skills Used: Twisted German CO, Twisted Purlwise CO, knit/purl; instructions for this pattern are written only.
Size: 10” tall and 18” circumference.
Yarn: Oh! from HiKoo by Skacel (100% super baby alpaca; 191 yards/175m/100g); 1 skein shown in Baby, or 185 yards of alpaca bulky weight yarn. The sample as written used approximately 185 yards.
Other Materials: US 10 (6mm) 24” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Markers (2); Yarn needle; six ¾” buttons; matching sewing thread and needle.
Gauge: 18 st and 20 rows/4” in pattern. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished cowl, and different yardage requirements.
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Like melting icicles, columns of slipped stitches drip down from the top of this two-color triangular shawl. Some are frozen midway, while others merge with the edging, pooling into the delicate snowflake border.
Techniques & Skills Used: garter tab CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, slipped stitch colorwork, easy lace; this pattern is both fully written and charted.
Size: 68” length and 26” depth.
Yarn: Anzula Luxury Fibers Squishy (80% superwash merino wool, 10% cashmere, 10% nylon; 385 yards/352m/114g); 1 skein each of MC and CC, shown in MC Periwinkle and CC Gravity. The sample as written used approximately 195 yards MC and 385 yards CC of fingering weight yarn.
Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 32″ circular needle or size to match gauge; Markers (4); Yarn needle.
Gauge: 17 st and 40 rows/4” in garter 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.
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Classic stitches and an unusual construction combine to make Featherfall, an open front cardigan worked seamlessly from the top down with modified raglan construction. Featuring shaped waterfall fronts, an undulating feather and fan hem & cuffs, and an elegant applied I-cord finish, Featherfall is both refined and at the same time simple.
Construction: Featherfall is worked back and forth from the top down with modified raglan shaping. The back and sleeves are worked in the raglan style to the bottom of the armholes, then the body and sleeves are divided and stitches are picked up along the front raglan lines to create the fronts, which are united with the back. Sleeves are worked in the round from the top down. Drapey waterfall fronts extend from the front raglan shoulder seamlines as the natural angles are shaped further with additional body increases. The body is finished with a wide lace hem; three-quarter sleeves are worked seamlessly in the round to matching lace cuffs. The front edges and neckline are finished simply with an elegant applied I-cord. Featherfall is meant to be worn open; the angled fronts will not meet at the bust, but will overlap at the hem if placed flat. The back is longer than the front, with an angled front hem that shows off the lace pattern.
Techniques & Skills Used: raglan construction, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, cable CO, backwards loop CO, applied I-cord. The lace stitch pattern is both written and charted.
Size: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52)”; based on twice the back measurement at underarm; shown in second size worn with 3” of negative ease.
Other Materials: US 5 (3.75mm) 32″ circular needle or size to match gauge; US 5 (3.75mm) 60” circular needle for I-cord edging; Stitch markers (8); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.
Gauge: 22 st and 30 rows/4″ in stockinette stitch, after blocking. The single ply silky yarn grows significantly when blocked; be sure to wash your swatch as you would the finished garment to check gauge.
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Tiny bowknots flavor the yoke of this topdown circular sweater, bringing a subtle contrast to the smooth stockinette body and sleeves. Ribbed hem and sleeve cuffs are worked on smaller needles, creating a slight blouson effect; alternate shaping instructions are also provided to substitute traditional tapered sleeves instead. Named for the “water of life”, a Scandinavian distilled spirit, the soft color and gentle halo result from using a strand of silken mohair laceweight along with a lofty wool & silk dk yarn.
Construction: Akvavit is worked seamlessly from the top down using round yoke construction, with a simple texture on the yoke and a plain stockinette body and unadorned neck. The hem and cuffs are worked in K2P2 rib on smaller needles to create a slight blouson shape to the body and sleeves. Stitches are cast on in the round at the neckline, the back neck is shaped with a few 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 hem. Full length roomy sleeves are then continued to the cuffs; alternate instructions are given for traditional tapered fit sleeves.
Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, backwards loop CO, seamless round yoke construction, knit/purl, short rows, increasing/decreasing. Pattern instructions are fully written, with a link to my short row tutorials.
Size: 32 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64)” bust; sample shown in third size worn with 5” of positive ease.
Yarn: Miss Babs Hand Dyed Yarn Killington (85% Polwarth wool, 15% Tussah silk; 700 yards/640m/240g), shown in Provence; 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins; held together with Miss Babs Moonglow (72% Mohair goat, 28% silk; 435 yards/398m/50g), shown in Quicksilver; 2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 4) skeins, or approximately 900 (1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) yards each of DK weight yarn and laceweight mohair/silk yarn. OR approximately 900 (1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700) yards of light worsted/heavy DK weight yarn held singly.
Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 16” circular needle or dpns, and 32” circular needle, or size to match gauge; US 4 (3.5mm) 16” and 32” circular needle for hem and cuffs; Stitch markers (2); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.
Gauge: 18 st and 22 rounds/4” in stockinette stitch, after blocking.
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With a slightly cropped, boxy fit, Kaffi is a modern vest to update any classic outfit. Simple slipstitch colorwork creates a nubby houndstooth texture with delightful charm, whether you choose traditional or whimsical color pairings.
Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, backwards loop CO, knit/purl, slipstitch colorwork, increasing/decreasing, working in simple pattern, German short rows, picking up stitches. Pattern instructions are fully written, with a link to my short rows tutorial.
Size: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66)” bust; sample shown in third size worn with 3” positive ease. I chose a slightly oversized fit for myself; consult the schematic for bust and other measurements, and choose a size that provides the amount of ease you prefer.
Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted (100% fine highland wool; 123 yards/112m/50g); shown in No. 1314 Deep Velvet (MC) and No. 1324 Morning Frost (CC) in about a 1 to .85 ratio; 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins MC and 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins CC, or approximately 220 (245, 285, 320, 365, 405, 430, 475, 515, 550) yards MC, and 180 (205, 240, 280, 310, 345, 370, 400, 435, 475) yards CC of worsted weight wool yarn.
Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 32” circular needle or size to match gauge; Stitch markers (3, 2 removable); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.
Gauge: 16 st and 40 rows/4” in slipstitch pattern, lightly blocked; 16 st and 24 rows/4” in K1P1 rib.
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Simple slipstitch colorwork creates a nubby houndstooth texture on this fun, slouchy hat with optional pompom. Choose classic neutrals or add a pop of bright color, and wear it to elevate every outfit.
Techniques & Skills Used: Twisted German CO, knit/purl, slipstitch colorwork, decreasing, working in the round, optional pompom. This pattern is fully written, with links to my video tutorials for the CO and double decrease.
Size: XS (S, M, L) to fit approximately 18 (20, 22, 24)” head circumference; 15.5 (17.75, 20, 22.25)” brim circumference and 7 (8, 9, 10)” height, measured flat and unstretched. Sample shown in size M on a 22” head.
Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted (100% fine highland wool; 123 yards/112m/50g), shown in No. 1314 Deep Velvet (MC) and No. 1304 Grey Harbor (CC); 1 skein of each color, or approximately 80 (90, 100, 110) yards MC and 50 (60, 70, 80) yards CC of worsted weight wool yarn, plus more for optional pompom.
Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 16” circular needle, and dpns or 32” circular needle for Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Stitch marker (1); Yarn needle.
Gauge: 18 st and 32 rounds/4” in slipstitch pattern, lightly blocked.
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Velvetine Lines uses garter striped fabric to interpret the wales of corduroy, and is perfect for two saturated jewel colors in lighter and darker tones that mimic the shading created by the nap of velveteen. Pick shades of your favorite color, or take your shawl in another direction and pair two contrasting colors for a different, bold effect. Cast on at one end and worked sideways in two beautiful jewel tones, this deep-pointed triangle features skinny garter stripes that expand into striated lines, for a strong but simple visual impact. Easy no-wrap short rows in sets of three alternate between colors throughout the edging, while two-row stripes anchor the body and connect to the edge of this attainable and fun knit.
Techniques & Skills Used: knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, no-wrap short rows; instructions for this pattern are fully written.
Size: 65” length and 36” depth, customizable.
Yarn: Miss Babs Hand Dyed Yarn Yummy 2-Ply (100% superwash merino wool; 400 yards/365 m/110g), sample shown in Tulipa (color A dark) and Fig (color B light); 1 skein each color, or 400 yards each in two colors of wool fingering weight yarn. Any amount of yarn may be used; see Designer’s Notes for instructions on adjusting for differing yardage.
Other Materials: US 6/4mm 24” circular needle or size to match gauge; Stitch marker (1); Yarn needle.
Gauge: 25 st and 26 rows/4” in garter 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.
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Like its DK weight sibling Ennica, this lace weight, marled, street-smart hat is all about the special details. Two colors of soft and light yarn are held together to create a personalized marl effect, resulting in a cloud-like comfy topper. It features elegant paired symmetrical decreases to create distinctive crown shaping, and a beautiful tubular cast on finished edge. This adaptable ribbed and custom color blended hat is subtle and slouchy and sized for everyone.
Techniques & Skills Used: tubular CO, knit/purl, decreasing, working in the round.
Size: Baby (Kid, S, M, L) to fit approximately 16 (18, 20, 22, 24)” head circumference; hat measures 11 (13, 15, 17, 19)” brim circumference and 7 (9, 10.5, 12, 13)” height, measured flat and unstretched. Each size of this super stretchy ribbed hat fits a wide range of head sizes.
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Lace (100% baby merino wool; 470 yards/430m/50g), 2 skeins in 2 colors, or approximately 480 (520, 560, 600, 640) yards of laceweight yarn in as many colors as you like. Yarn is held double throughout. Orange sample shown in Rhodesian (A) and Apricot (B); blue sample shown in Paris Night (A) and Pearl (B); size M samples used approximately 300 yards of each color.
Other Materials: US 3 (3.25mm) 16” circular needle and dpns, or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; US 2 (2.75mm) 16” needle and scrap yarn for tubular CO; Stitch markers (10); Yarn needle.
Gauge: 34 st and 38 rows/4” in unstretched rib on larger needle, after blocking.
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Worked from end-to-end using any amount of yarn, UltiFlex offers ultimate flexibility in yarn choice and yardage, endless knit-ability in friendly garter stitch, and a fun dropstitch lace pattern. Cast on at one end and worked sideways, this shallow triangle makes the most of any amount of yarn. Suitable for any base and one to an infinite number of skeins, the garter stitch main body begins with a few stitches and increases every RS row until half the total amount of yardage has been used, then decreases back to a few stitches again. At the same time, the wide decorative edge is worked in a simple garter-based, 8-row repeat with multi-yarnovers that are dropped on the next row to create the wavy open pattern. Super fun and super simple, UltiFlex suits every knitter and is infinitely customizable.
Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, knit, increasing/decreasing; this pattern is fully written.
Size: 52” length and 22” depth, customizable.
Yarn: Miss Babs Hand Dyed Yarn Keira (100% superwash merino wool; 560 yards/512m/225g), shown in Corset; 1 skein, or 560 yards of sport weight yarn. The sample as written used most of the skein. Any amount of yarn may be used; see Designer’s Notes for instructions on adjusting for differing yardage.
Other Materials: US 6/4mm 24” circular needle or size to match gauge; markers (1) or more if marking reps; Yarn needle.
Gauge: 20 st and 40 rows/4” in garter 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.
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Cast on in the round from the center square, Marliose then expands in biased chevron wings to each side, for a super-snuggly and wearable color-blocked wrap. Relaxing garter stitch meets the fun of mixing and marling your colors with laceweight yarn held double. Let your stash and your color inspiration guide your artistry, as you create a uniquely personal statement for your handknit wardrobe.
Techniques & Skills Used: disappearing loop CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing. This pattern includes links to my CO tutorial.
Size: 120” length and 20” depth, customizable.
Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Lace (100% merino wool; 470 yards/430m/50g); 13 skeins in 7 colors, or approximately 5000 yards of laceweight yarn in as many colors as you like; yarn is held double throughout. Sample shown in Paris Night (A), Pearl (B), Natural (C), Apricot (D), Rhodesian (E), Zinc (F), and Tortuga (G), and used approximately 1, 1.5, 2, 1.25, 1.25, 1.5 and 2 skeins respectively. It’s not an exact science; gather an array of harmonious colors, and blend them as you are inspired, using as much or as little as you like.
Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 16” and 32” circular needles, or size to match gauge; US 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needle or dpns for CO; Removable stitch markers (4); Stitch holder; Yarn needle.
Gauge: 20 st and 40 rows/4” in garter stitch on larger needles, after blocking. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished wrap, and different yardage requirements.
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