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.

Bubble Tea

Accessories, New Release, Patterns Comments Off

Nov 162017

Bubble Tea cover | The Knitting Vortex

Simple stranded colorwork with a modern graphic design, Bubble Tea combines traditional fit with fun contemporary visual style. For the samples, I used a combination of bold and neutral colors, suitable for both men and women; color choices are endless, allowing you to select the perfect match of colors for the wearer. Bubble Tea 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 9” tall, unstretched. The pattern consists of a 24 st and 36 row repeat, and accommodates heads from 20 – 23” in circumference; to adjust the size further, go up or down a needle size.

Yarn: Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted (100% fine highland wool; 123 yards/112m/50g), Cascade 220 Heathers (100% peruvian highland wool; 220 yards/200m/100g). Grey hat shown in Woolstok 1304 Grey Harbor (A) and 1317 Midnight Sea (B), red hat shown in Cascade 9488 Christmas Red (A) and Woolstok 1314 Deep Velvet (B); 1 skein of each color, or approximately 120 yards A and 60 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 (4); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 19 st and 24 rows/4” in stranded pattern, unstretched after blocking; 1 repeat of 24 st and 36 rows is 5” wide and 6.5” tall.

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

Venn Diagrams

Accessories, New Release, Patterns Comments Off

Nov 162017

Venn Diagrams cover | The Knitting Vortex

Simple stranded colorwork with a modern graphic design, Venn Diagrams combines traditional fit with geometric contemporary visual style. For the samples, I used a combination of bold and neutral colors, suitable for both men and women; color choices are endless, allowing you to select the perfect match of colors for the wearer. Venn Diagrams 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: 19” brim circumference and 9” tall, unstretched. The pattern consists of a 13 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), Harrisville Designs Harrisville Highland (100% pure virgin wool; 200 yards/182m/100g), Patons Wool Worsted (100% wool; 210 yards/192m/ 100g), Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok Worsted (100% fine highland wool; 123 yards/112m/50g). Grey hat shown in Cascade 8400 Charcoal Grey (A) and Harrisville 81 Mustard (B), maroon hat shown in Patons Plum Heather (A) and Woolstok 1301 Storm Cloud (B); 1 skein of each color, or approximately 120 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 (7); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 19 st and 24 rows/4” in stranded pattern, unstretched after blocking; 1 repeat of 13 st and 18 rows is 2.75” wide and 3.5” tall.

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

Venn Diagrams maroon | The Knitting Vortex Venn Diagrams flat | The Knitting Vortex Venn Diagrams side |The Knitting Vortex

Down Arrows

Accessories, New Release, Patterns Comments Off

Nov 162017

Down Arrows cover | The Knitting Vortex

Simple stranded colorwork with a modern graphic design, Down Arrows combines traditional technique with contemporary visual style. For the samples, I used a combination of bold and neutral colors, suitable for both men and women; color choices are endless, allowing you to select the perfect match of colors for the wearer. Down Arrows 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 9” tall, unstretched. The pattern consists of a 24 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: Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd’s Wool Worsted (100% merino wool; 250 yards/229m/113g), Patons Wool Worsted (100% wool; 210 yards/192m/100g). Brown hat shown in Stonehedge Midnight Lake (A) and Lilac (B), purple hat shown in Stonehedge Lilac (A) and Patons Plum Heather (B); 1 skein of each color, or approximately 110 yards A and 95 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 (4); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 19 st and 24 rows/4” in stranded pattern, unstretched after blocking; 1 repeat of 24 st and 18 rows is 5” wide and 3” tall.

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

Telos

New Release, Patterns, Sweaters Comments Off

Nov 022017

When there’s a little chill in the air but you don’t want to wear a coat, reach for Telos, a cozy coat-style cardigan. Practical warmth and knitterly interest meet, in a boxy silhouette with a heavily textured reversible alternating check patterned body and stockinette sleeves. The oversized shawl collar is worked seamlessly along with the body; the reversible stitch pattern allows it to be worn folded back or overlapped for more warmth. Dropped shoulders and wide ribbing at the hem and cuffs enhance the relaxed style, and hidden pockets in the bottom ribbing are there when your fingers get chilly.

Telos is worked seamlessly from the top down, beginning with the stitches cast on provisionally for the center back of the collar, which is worked sideways in Check pattern. Stitches for the back shoulders are cast on to the live stitches of the collar, and the back shoulders worked with a series of short rows to build up the center back and help the collar hug the neck, then the back is worked to armscye level. Shoulder stitches are picked up for the fronts, united with the held collar stitches, and worked simultaneously to armscye level where fronts and back are joined. The body is worked to the ribbed hem, where hidden pockets are created in the ribbing; the only seaming required is to sew down the pocket lining edges on the inside of the sweater. Sleeve stitches are picked up and the cap is worked seamlessly with a few short rows for gentle shaping, then the slim, tapered sleeves are worked to the ribbed cuffs.

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

Size: 34 (40, 46, 52, 58)” bust; sample shown in third size worn with 11” positive ease. This boxy cardigan is designed to be worn with plenty of positive ease. I chose a very roomy fit for myself, to layer over other garments; the sample is shown in the third size worn with 11” of positive ease; choose a size that provides the amount of ease you prefer.

Yarn: The Periwinkle Sheep INTENT (100% superwash merino wool; 185 yards/170m/100g), shown in Sandstorm; 6 (7, 8, 8, 9) skeins or approximately 1000 (1150, 1300, 1450, 1650) yards of heavy worsted weight yarn.

Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 32” circular needle or size to match gauge, US 7 (4.5mm) needle for pocket lining; Scrap yarn for provisional CO; Stitch markers (6); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 16 st and 22 rows/4” in Check stitch, after blocking.

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

Save

Lithofayne

New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Oct 192017

Lithofayne is the name of the woman said to be the inspiration for Jimi Hendrix’ song Foxy Lady. Be your own muse when creating this asymmetric shawl, blending two colors with gentle transitions of stripes and slipstitch colorwork. Beginning with garter stitch, progress through stripes to the slipstitch body, which evolves from small scale slipped stitches to expanded lines on widening solid color bands. The result is a scattering of color that slowly shifts to more distinct definition, and ends with stripes and a solid band of garter on your inspired shawl.

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

Size: 78” length and 28” depth; this shawl may be customized in length and depth to accommodate varying yardage.

Yarn: The Farmer’s Daughter Fibers Foxy Lady (70% superwash merino wool, 30% silk; 428 yards/391m/100g); 1 skein each of colors A and B in fingering weight wool yarn, shown in Jellystone (A) and Winter Wolf (B). The sample used approximately 425 yards A and 410 yards B; 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; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 st and 30 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.

Save

Lithofayne back view | The Knitting Vortex

Throwing Shade

New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Oct 052017

Throwing Shade | The Knitting Vortex

Throw this generous sportweight wrap around your shoulders for a lovely extra layer. Knit in luxe yarn from 2 stitches cast on at the tip, Throwing Shade features allover diagonal lace sweeping across a right triangle shape.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, lace, increasing. Instructions are both charted and fully written.

Size: 104” length and 44” depth, customizable.

Yarn: madelinetosh Pashmina (75% merino wool, 15% silk, 10% cashmere; 360 yards/329m/113g), shown in Composition Book Grey; 3 skeins, or 1080 yards of sportweight yarn. The sample used almost all of 3 skeins; 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 marker (1); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 18 st and 24 rows/4” in lace pattern, 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.

Throwing Shade back view | The Knitting Vortex Throwing Shade crossover | The Knitting Vortex Throwing Shade side view | The Knitting Vortex

Save

POPstripes

Featured, New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Jul 202017

From light to dark and dark to light, two gradient yarn sets move across one another in reversing waves of color. Using just knit, purl and simple slipped stitches, lines of colorful stripes with exploding POPS sweep along this asymmetric bias shawl, and finish with a gradient stripe edging.

Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, knit/purl, slipped stitches, increasing/decreasing. Instructions are fully written, with a chart also provided for the slipstitch.

Size: 90” length and 24” depth, customizable.

Yarn: String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn Reversing Falls Gradient Pack (100% superwash merino; 435 yards/398m/100g), shown in Fog (A) and Rugosa (B); 2 packs of five colors each, OR 435 yards of two different gradient sets, OR 870 yards total of at least two but as many colors as you like, of fingering weight yarn. The sample used almost all of the yarn, but any amount may be used; 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); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 st and 30 rows/4” in POPstripes pattern, 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.

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

Save

Rozachakra

New Release, Patterns, Sweaters Comments Off

May 102017

Rozachakra | The Knitting Vortex

Find your inner balance and serenity with Rozachakra, a cocoon sweater perfectly suited to the changing seasons. Textured stitches and cables, worked seamlessly from the top down, create an easy layer to wear over any outfit.

Construction: Rozachakra is worked seamlessly from the top down in shifting textured stitch patterns with a central cable panel. Stitches are cast on at the neckline and the front neck is shaped for a few rows before joining the body in the round. The body is increased sharply along two lines placed close together at the outer edge of the sleeve, creating a long and steep shoulder line worked to low sleeve cuff openings, where front and back are divided and worked separately back and forth. The body is then joined in the round again and finished with a garter hem. Stitches are picked up around the sleeve openings and finished with garter cuffs, then stitches are picked up around the neckline and worked in a relaxed matching garter turtleneck that can be folded over or worn draped.

Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, purlwise cable CO, knit/purl, cables, increasing/decreasing, working in the round, picking up stitches. Pattern instructions are both fully written and charted.

Size: S (M, L); hem circumference 41 (44, 50)” at high hip level; shown in second size worn with 9” positive ease at hip. This poncho style sweater is meant to be a significantly oversized layer.

Yarn: 1200 (1300, 1500) yards of dk weight wool or wool blend yarn. Choosing a blend with some cashmere or silk will bring a lovely drape and softness to your sweater. The sample used Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK (57% merino wool, 33% microfiber, 12% cashmere; 120 yards/110m/50g); shown in #18042 pink, which is discontinued.

Other Materials: US 6 (4mm) 24” and 40” circular needles, or size to match gauge; Stitch markers (4 each of colors A, B & C); Stitch holders (2); Yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 st and 32 rows/4” in moss stitch, after blocking.

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

Save

Brae

Featured, New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Apr 292017

Journey along this asymmetric garter based shawl, as colorful stripes and simple slipped stitches build upon each other. The Brae shawl is knit on the bias from one end to the other, with stripes flowing into a rippled slipstitch pattern, interspersed with solid bands of color. Pair two contrasting colors, or a variegated or tonal skein with a neutral complement, and have fun watching the colorful contrast advance across the shawl while knitting.

Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, slipped stitches. Instructions are fully written, with a chart also provided for the slipstitch section.

Size: 65 (75)” length and 13 (15)” depth, customizable. Instructions are included for two finished sizes; choose the larger version to use up most of two full skeins, or the smaller version when working with partials, see Designer’s Notes.

Yarn: Miss Babs Yummy 2-Ply (100% superwash merino wool; 400 yards/366m/113g); 1 skein each A and B. Small version shown in Pewter and Lotus, and large version in Parchment and Denim, respectively. The sample used approximately 250 (360) yards A and 270 (375) yards B of fingering weight yarn.

Other Materials: US 5 (3.75mm) 32” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Stitch marker (1); 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.

Kline Shawl

New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Apr 212017

Kline Shawl | The Knitting Vortex

Originally published in knit.wear Spring/Summer 2016, the Kline pattern is now available as an individual download in my usual pattern format.

Bold strokes of alternating smooth and rough texture stretch fluidly across this asymmetric shawl. The strict monochromatic palette is broken with colorful accents that transition to dominance at the far edge; try pairing a speckled yarn with a bold contrast for a striking visual result.

Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing.

Size: 80” length and 21” depth, customizable.

Yarn: Madelinetosh tosh merino light (100% merino wool; 420 yards/384m/100g), shown in Optic (MC) and Edison Bulb (CC); 1 skein each MC and CC. The sample used approximately 420 yards MC and 340 yards CC, but any amount of yarn in any combination may be used; see Designer’s Notes.

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

Gauge: 20 st and 32 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.

Older Entries Newer Entries