Sofya Cowl is part of the Sailing To Byzantium Collection. This cozy slipstitch colorwork cowl, designed in both slouchy and fitted versions, recalls the intricate stacked shapes and vibrant colors of Ottoman architecture. Techniques & Skills Used: cable CO, knit/purl, corrugated ribbing, slipstitch colorwork; this pattern contains both fully written and charted instructions. Size: S/M (M/L): 18 (24)” circumference and 9” height. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% merino wool, 210 yards/ 192m/100g); 1 skein each MC and CC. Size M/L shown in Marron Oscuro (MC) and Continental Blue (CC); size S/M shown in Tortuga (MC) and Applewood (CC). Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 16” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Stitch marker; Yarn needle. Gauge: 19 st and 38 rounds/4” in Lattice stitch pattern, after blocking. 19 st and 24 rounds/4” in Corrugated Rib; 18 st and 24 rounds/4” in stockinette st, after blocking. See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more and purchase the pattern.
Originally published in the Classic Elite Yarn web-letter, which sadly no longer exists, Utsukushii is now available as an individual pdf pattern in my usual style and format. Utsukushii means lovely or beautiful in Japanese, and this lovely long cloudlike stole is knit in silk and alpaca blend laceweight yarn, featuring a Japanese Feather lace pattern framing simple stockinette panels. The lace stitch pattern undulates gently from side to side, creating a feeling of lightness and movement. Knit at an open gauge on larger needles, and generous enough to enfold you comfortingly, Utsukushii is a warm yet weightless wrap that lends loveliness to any occasion. Techniques & Skills Used: longtail CO, knit/purl, easy lace; instructions are both fully written and charted. Size: 64” length and 22” depth, customizable to accommodate varying amounts of yardage. Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Silky Alpaca Lace (70% alpaca, 30% silk; 440 yards/402m/50g), shown in Perfect Storm; 2 skeins, or approximately 880 yards of laceweight yarn. Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) 24” circular or straight needles, or size to match gauge; Stitch markers (11); Yarn . . .
Stolitsa
A multi-season dolman sleeve cardigan, Stolitsa transitions perfectly to suit the changing weather from autumn through spring. Worked from the top down with integrated sleeves, the front panels feature chunky lace scaled appropriately across the size range. Wide rib-finished hem, cuffs and a shaped collar that hugs the neck complete this versatile layering piece. Construction: Stolitsa is cast on provisionally at the shoulders, with back and fronts worked separately to the armhole. Sleeve stitches are put on hold and later grafted at the undersleeve seams; the fronts and back are joined and worked back and forth to the hem, with Vine Lace panels on each front, appropriate to match the size. Rib details finish the hem, cuffs and buttonband, and a few short rows softly shape the ribbed collar. Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, knit/purl, short rows, simple lace, grafting, picking up stitches. ZigZag Vine Lace is charted only; this pattern includes a buttonhole photo tutorial and link to my short row tutorial. Size: 33 (35.25, 37.5, 40, 43.5, 47)” bust; sample shown in . . .
Eldora
A quick and easy garter stitch hat, Eldora is perfect for showing off variegated yarn. This hipster beanie is cast on provisionally and knit sideways with short row shaping, then the first and last rows are grafted together for a seamless finish. Techniques & Skills Used: Provisional CO, knit, short rows, grafting; a link is provided to my short rows tutorial, and grafting instructions are included. Size: Child (Adult); 19” circumference and 7.75 (8.5)” height; the stretchy garter stitch and single ply wool will accommodate many head sizes. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% merino wool; 210 yards/100g); 1 skein, shown in Deja Vu, or approximately 100 (110) yards of worsted weight yarn. Other Materials: US 9 (5.5mm) 16” circular needle or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Scrap yarn for provisional CO; Yarn needle. Gauge: 16 st and 32 rows/4” in garter stitch, after gentle blocking. Row gauge determines hat circumference in this sideways knit. See it on Ravelry, to read more and download the free pattern. . . .
Luxury yarn and beads pair together creating Hoopla, an elegant long stole with a fancy hoopskirt border. Short row shaping makes a lovely crescent and a face framing beaded shawl collar. Unusual and fun edging stitches keep the knitting interesting, while soothing garter stitch ensures rapid progress; together the result is stunningly simple. Techniques & Skills Used: beaded CO, knit/purl, lace, beading (prestrung and crochet hook methods, with link to video tutorial), short rows; this pattern includes both a chart and written instructions for the border. Size: 12” deep and 60” long, after blocking. Yarn: Madelinetosh Pashmina (75% Merino, 15% Silk, 10% Cashmere; 360 yards/329m); 1 skein, shown in Composition Book Grey. Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) 40” circular needle; Stitch Markers (11); Yarn needle; 389 size 6/0 seed beads; beading needle for stringing beads; Size 1.25mm crochet hook for placing beads. Gauge: 16 st and 44 rows/4” in stockinette stitch; one scallop is approximately 5” long. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger . . .
Helena’s Folly
Le Rayon Vert, or the Green Ray, “has the virtue of making him who has seen it impossible to be deceived in matters of sentiment; at its apparition, all deceit and falsehood are done away, and he who has been fortunate enough once to behold it is enabled to see closely into his own heart and read the thoughts of others.” In Jules Verne’s Le Rayon Vert, heroine Helena Campbell refuses love until she has succeeded in seeing the Green Ray. While evading her suitor, she unwittingly falls in love with another young man, and ultimately misses the appearance of the enlightening Green Ray because she is staring deeply into the eyes of her true love. Is Helena’s Folly believing in the power of the Green Ray, or is it allowing herself to fall in love without safeguards? Perhaps this sweater will bring an enlightening answer. With a sweetly relaxed silhouette, drapey cap sleeves and turned bottom and neck hems, it is a romantic knit for an insightful knitter. Construction: Helena’s Folly is meant to . . .
Patty Ann
Perfect as a light layering piece, Patty Ann is a casual, open front vest knit in Seed stitch with rib edgings. Worked from the bottom up with gentle shaping at the hip and bust and a few short rows to shape the shoulders, only minimal finishing of the back neckband and armhole edging is required. The lean, simple shape is easy to wear and attractive for any body, and the textural stitches bring just enough interest and show off a beautiful hand dyed yarn. Construction: An easy knit worked from the bottom up, Patty Ann is a long vest with gentle shaping at the hip and bust for an attractive fit. Stitches are cast on for the hem and worked in K2P1 Rib, then the body transitions to textured Seed stitch, with K1P1 Rib bands worked simultaneously at the front edges. After the body shaping, front and back are divided at the underarm, with armhole shaping to reduce bulk. A few short rows shape the shoulders, which are joined with a 3-needle bind off. Only minimal . . .
Chic Mega Cowl
Part of the Very Chic series, this oversized cowl features elongated cables, made extra fluffy and fluid by dropping select stitches between cable twists. Shaping narrows the top of the cowl, making it easy to wear over or under a coat, and hugging your neck while still fitting smoothly over the shoulders. The generous depth frames your face and creates a yoke, so both shoulders and neck stay warm and chic. Techniques & Skills Used: long-tail CO, knit/purl, cables, dropped stitches, decreasing, knitting in the round; this pattern includes both a chart and written instructions. Size: 15” tall and 18” circumference at top edge/24” circumference at bottom edge, after gentle blocking. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (100% Merino Wool; 210 yards/192m/100g); 2 skeins, shown in Polar Morn. Other Materials: US 9 (5.5mm) 24” circular needle; Stitch markers (4); Cable needle; Yarn needle; Crochet hook (any size) to help with raveling. Gauge: 16 st and 20 rows/4” in stockinette stitch; one cable is approximately 2.5” wide. The sample used almost all of two skeins; while gauge is . . .
Very Chic Scarf
Part of the Very Chic series, this scarf is a fantastic introduction to the technique of dropping stitches between cables, to make soft and drapey accessories. With no grafting or shaping, the focus is on the panel of three staggered, elongated cables, made extra fluid by dropping stitches strategically between select cable twists. The result is a fluffy and flowing skinny scarf that naturally curls slightly inward, creating an attractive and wrappable semi-tube that is both functional and fun. Techniques & Skills Used: longtil CO, knit/purl, cables, dropped stitches; this pattern includes both a chart and written instructions. Size: 5” wide and 80” long, after gentle blocking. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (100% Merino Wool; 210 yards/192m/100g); 2 skeins, shown in Violetas. Other Materials: US 9 (5.5mm) needles; Stitch Markers (3); Cable needle; Yarn needle; Crochet hook (any size) to help with raveling. Gauge: 16 st and 20 rows/4” in stockinette stitch; one cable is approximately 2.5” wide. Gauge is not critical for this project, however a different gauge may result in a smaller or larger . . .
She-Cat, A Chic Hat
Part of the Very Chic series, She-Cat is a chic little hat with a sideways-cabled brim and sleek reverse stockinette crown, it’s interesting to knit and perfect to wear everywhere. Dropped stitches between cables create an extra soft and stretchy brim, and add just enough knitting excitement and fashion-y detail. Techniques & Skills Used: Provisional CO, knit/purl, decreasing, cables, dropped stitches, knitting in the round, grafting or optional 3-needle bind off; this pattern includes both a chart for the brim and full written instructions, and a photo tutorial for grafting the cables. Size: S/M (M/L); 20 (22.5)” circumference, unstretched, after gentle blocking. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% merino wool; 210 yards/100g); 1 skein, or approximately 100 (130) yards of worsted weight yarn. Size S shown in Apple Green and Size L shown in Hollyhock. Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) 16” circular needle, or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Scrap yarn for provisional CO; Stitch markers (2); Cable needle; Yarn needle; Crochet hook (any size) to help with . . .