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.

Myrsine

Accessories, Featured, New Release, Patterns Comments Off

Oct 082020

Seven different slipstitch patterns construct intricate textures in this infinity loop cowl, pairing a self-striping contrast yarn with a neutral main color. Slipping stitches using only one color per row lets the yarn do all the work, creating a striking accessory. Fingering weight yarn makes a scarf with a versatile weight that can be worn as one long loop, or doubled for more warmth and a riot of textures.

Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, knit/purl, slipstitch colorwork, working in the round, grafting. Instructions for the slipstitch patterns are both fully written and charted, and a link to my grafting tutorials is included.

Size: 54” length and 7” depth.

Yarn: Urth Yarns Harvest Fingering (100% superwash merino wool; 435 yards/400m/100g), shown in Oleaster (A); 1 skein, and Urth Yarns Uneek Fingering (100% superwash merino wool; 435 yards/400m/100g), shown in 3017 (B); 1 skein. The sample used 427 (A) and 409 (B) yards, respectively; see Designer’s Notes for suggestions on adjusting for different yardage.

Other Materials: US 6/4mm 16” circular needle (2); Scrap yarn for provisional CO; Stitch marker; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 26 st and 28 rows/4” in stockinette stitch after blocking. The various slipstitch patterns have slightly different gauges, particularly for the rows. In general, the slipstitch sections will be a bit shorter and narrower; you can even out any discrepancies when blocking. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished cowl, and different yardage requirements.

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

Chevragonal

New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Feb 202020

A line of textured chevrons sweeps diagonally across this asymmetric shawl, while contrasting color stripes expand and contract, accentuating the shifting ripples. Enjoy the relaxing garter stitch and the fun of stripes which form the basis of this wrap, while staying engaged by creating the expanding columns of chevrons that shift along the edge.

Techniques & Skills Used: knit, increasing/decreasing. Instructions for this pattern are fully written, with a handy stitch and row count table to keep track of the work.

Size: 100” length at top and 30” depth at deepest point.

Yarn: The Periwinkle Sheep PURPOSE (90% superwash merino wool, 10% nylon; 410 yards/375m/100g), 1 skein each Colors A, B and C; shown in Thunderstorm, Clearing and She Dances; OR approximately 1200 yards of fingering weight yarn. The sample used almost all of the yarn; see Designer’s Notes for suggestions on adjusting for different yardage.

Other Materials: US 6/4mm 32” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Stitch markers (2 color A and 2 color B); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 19 st and 38 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.

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

Cafe Cowl

Accessories, New Release, Patterns Comments Off

Nov 172019

A pattern of classic houndstooth makes a modern cowl, easy to work in simple slipstitch colorwork using only one color per row. Pick your favorite two colors to combine in the nubby texture, and create your own quintessential accessory.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, knit/purl, working in the round; slipstitch pattern is both written and charted.

Size: 10” tall and 26” circumference.

Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted (100% fine highland wool; 123 yards/112m/50g), shown in No. 1314 Deep Velvet (MC) and No. 1312 Drift Wood (CC); 1 skein each, or 240 yards total of worsted weight yarn. The sample as written used approximately 118 yards of each color.

Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 24” circular needle, or size to match gauge; marker (1); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 16 st and 34 rows/4” in slipstitch pattern, unblocked; the slipped stitches compress the fabric horizontally as compared to the garter stitch. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger finished cowl, and different yardage requirements.

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

Ennica

Accessories, New Release, Patterns Comments Off

Nov 142019

This street-smart adaptable ribbed hat is all about the special details, with clean architecture and the perfect weight go with every outfit. Featuring elegant paired symmetrical decreases to create distinctive crown shaping, and a beautiful tubular cast on finished edge, it 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; 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: Valley Yarns Northfield (70% merino wool, 20% alpaca, 10% silk; 124 yards/113m/50g), shown in 8 Summer Plum; 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) skeins; or Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK (55% merino wool, 33% microfiber, 12% cashmere; 120 yards/110m/50g), shown in 18042 Millenial Pink; 1 (1, 2, 2, 2) skeins, or approximately 90 (125, 175, 210, 250) yards of dk wool or wool blend yarn. Samples shown in size M each used about 210 yards.

Other Materials: US 4 (3.5mm) 16” circular needle and dpns, or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; US 3 (3.25mm) 16” needle for CO; scrap yarn for tubular CO; Stitch markers (10); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 30 st and 28 rows/4” in unstretched rib on larger needle, after blocking.

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

Twinings

Accessories, New Release, Patterns Comments Off

Nov 142019

Originally published in knit.wear Fall/Winter 2018, the Twinings pattern is now available from my Ravelry store, as an individual download in my usual pattern format, with expanded sizing and a return to the original sample gauge.

A tubular cast on creates a beautiful finished edge to the ribbing on this rustic hat, which features undulating allover shadow cables twining upwards to the elegantly shaped crown decreases.

Techniques & Skills Used: tubular CO, knit/purl, cables, decreasing, working in the round. Instructions are both written and charted.

Size: S (M, L) to fit approximately 20 (22, 24)” head circumference; 19.5 (21, 22.5)” brim circumference and 8 (9.5, 11)” height, measured flat.

Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed DK (50% wool, 25% alpaca, 25% viscose; 191 yards/175m/50g), shown in 181 Mineral (size M) and 151 Bilberry (size S); 1 (1, 2) skeins, or approximately 145 (190, 220) yards of dk weight yarn.

Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 16” circular needle and dpns, or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; US 4 (3.5mm) 16” needle for CO and brim; scrap yarn for tubular CO; Cable needle; Stitch markers 13 (14, 15); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 24 st and 32 rows/4” in cable pattern on larger needle, after blocking. The Felted Tweed relaxes significantly when wet blocked; be sure to block your swatch as you will the finished hat.

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

Grandiose Wrap

New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Aug 152019

Whether glamping around a forest retreat, exploring on a quaint weekend away, or unplugging for your stay-cation, the Grandiose Wrap provides big snuggly comfort. A triangle shawl beginning grows on each unique bias side to make an enfolding rectangular wrap, highlighting a main color paired with a mini-skein set in a mix of stripe and eyelet-based stitch patterns.

Techniques & Skills Used: garter tab CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, easy lace. Instructions for this pattern are fully written, with charts also provided for the eyelet-based lace.

Size: 104” length at top, 80” length at bottom, and 18” depth.

Yarn: Miss Babs Yowza (100% superwash merino wool; 560 yards/512m/225g), shown in Fleur de Sel (A); 1 skein, and Miss Babs Yowza Mini (100% superwash merino wool; 200 yards/182m/80g), shown in Stowaway (B), Tiger Eye (C), and Zinfandel (D), 3 skeins. The sample used almost all of the yarn.

Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) 32” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Markers (4); Stitch holder (optional); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 st and 34 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.

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

Issykol

Featured, New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Mar 282019

Luxurious cashmere yarn and mosaic slipped stitch chevron patterns make a stunning bias shawl, featuring two rich colors alternating in a striking zigzag across a lighter contrasting background. June Cashmere’s ethically sourced and organically dyed yarn, which behaves like a light fingering weight, originates with fiber from small family farms in the mountain communities of Kyrgyzstan along the ancient Silk Road. As part of their mission to be an engine for social and economic change in the region, the company partners with local shepherds to bring fine quality fiber to the international market for fair compensation. Issykol is named for Issyk-Kul Lake, the seventh deepest and tenth largest lake in the world, located in the globally significant and biodiverse Issy-Kul Biosphere Reserve.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, cable CO, knit, increasing/decreasing, slipstitch colorwork. Instructions for this pattern are fully written, with charts also provided for the slipstitch colorwork.

Size: 72” length and 17” depth. Highly customizable, with an adjustable 12-row repeat to alter the zigs and zags and infinite garter stitch bordering each end, Issykol may be easily adjusted for varying amounts of yardage.

Yarn: June Cashmere Lace Weight (100% Kyrgyz Cashmere; 308 yards/281m/50g), sample shown in Espresso (A), Stonecrop (B) and Black Cherry (C); 1 skein each of three colors, or approximately 775 yards of light fingering weight yarn. The sample used 252 yards A, 218 yards B and 292 yards C; see Designer’s Notes for suggestions on adjusting for different yardage.

Other Materials: US 5 (3.75mm) 32” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Marker; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 22 st and 44 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.

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

The Thinking Eye

New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Jan 222019

The Thinking Eye cover The Knitting Vortex

Inspired by Paul Klee’s exploration of color theory, The Thinking Eye is an asymmetric shawl knit on the bias with interlocking stripes and blocks, designed to create focus on each color within a deconstructed gradient set of mini-skeins.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, intarsia. Instructions are written, with a helpful color change row table also provided.

Size: 70” length and 19” depth.

Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Dragon Sock Gradient Set (100% superwash merino wool; 570 yards/520m/170g), shown in Fire in the Evening; 1 set of 6 mini skeins (95 yards/87m/28g/1oz each). The sample used almost all of the yarn; see Designer’s Notes for suggestions on adjusting for different yardage.

Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 32” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 16 st and 30 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.

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

JAC

New Release, Patterns, Sweaters Comments Off

Dec 032018

Euphony front | The Knitting Vortex

Boldly textured details create a distinctive sweater, worked from the top down and seamlessly in warm bulky wool. Compound raglan shaping ensures a good fit for all sizes, and the perfect mid-hip length paired with three-quarter sleeves make a relaxed fit that is easy yet tidy. The reversible textured turtleneck can be worn either standing up or folded over for even more versatility.

Construction: JAC is knit seamlessly from the top down using raglan construction, in stockinette with a textured broken rib pattern on the wide raglan style lines, deep hem, and sleeve cuffs. Stitches are cast on in the round at the neckline, the front and back neck are shaped with short rows, then the body is worked to the bottom of the armhole. Sleeve stitches are placed on hold while the lower body is worked without shaping to the textured hem. Three-quarter length sleeves are then continued to the matching cuffs. Stitches are picked up for the neckband and worked in reversible broken rib, allowing the turtleneck to be worn either standing up or folded over. Complete instructions are included for an elegant tubular bind off to finish the hem, cuffs and turtleneck with a clean infinity edge detail.

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

Size: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64)” bust; sample shown in sixth size, worn with 5” of positive ease.

Yarn: Stitch Sprouts Crater Lake (100% superwash merino wool; 110 yards/100m/100g), shown in Snow; 6 (7, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9, 9, 10, 11, 12, 12, 13) skeins, or approximately 625 (675, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1050, 1150, 1225, 1325, 1425) yards of bulky weight yarn.

Other Materials: US 10 (6mm) 16” and 32” circular needles or size to match gauge, and US 10 dpns for sleeves and turtleneck if not using Magic Loop; spare US 10 32” needle for tubular BO; Stitch markers (8); Removable stitch markers (2); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 14 st and 19 rounds/4” in stockinette stitch, after blocking.

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

Tilt Box

Accessories, New Release, Patterns Comments Off

Nov 152018

Tilt Box cover | The Knitting Vortex

Simple stranded colorwork with a modern graphic design, Tilt Box combines traditional fit with geometric contemporary visual style. Use a combination of bold or neutral colors, suitable for both men and women; color choices are endless, allowing you to select the perfect match of colors for the wearer. Tilt Box is one of a bundle of modern stranded hats featuring strong motifs for fresh style, and is pictured with some of the companion designs.

Techniques & Skills Used: Twisted German CO, knit/purl, stranded colorwork, decreasing, working in the round. Colorwork is charted only.

Size: 20” brim circumference and 10” tall, unstretched. The pattern consists of a 18 st and 18 row repeat, and accommodates heads from 20 – 23” in circumference; to adjust the size further, go up or down a needle size.

Yarn: Cascade 220 (100% peruvian highland wool; 220 yards/200m/100g), Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted (100% fine highland wool; 123 yards/112m/50g). Hat shown in Cascade 9600 Antiqued Heather (A) and Woolstok 1317 Midnight Sea (B); 1 skein of each color, or approximately 100 yards A and 50 yards B of worsted weight wool yarn.

Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 16” circular needle and dpns, or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Stitch markers; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 st and 24 rows/4” in stranded pattern, unstretched after blocking; 1 repeat of 18 st and 18 rows is 4” wide and 3” tall.

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