stockinette • The Knitting Vortex • Page 3

Finally, Contiguous

Mar 272012

My first cardi using the Contiguous method is finished, and I love some things about it, while I need to revise a few others. I love: 1) the single, gently-ruffled cuff and front edge – just swishy enough; 2) the length – longish but not dragging, and because it’s open front, the fronts dip and drape nicely; 3) the yarn – Rowan RYC Cashsoft 4-ply – with merino/microfiber and cashmere, knit at a loose gauge; and 4) the way Contiguous lets you make a more refined dressmaker look, with the sleeve fit and easy construction of a raglan. But there’s the thing; my fit in the upper body area needs some tweaking, since this sweater method grows a little bit differently than a raglan or a set-in sleeve. The shoulder is quite sloped due to the rapid increases, and the back neck is high. A very square-shouldered person might find a problem with that slope, but I think that making a point to knit the shoulder increases loosely, and block diligently, resulted in a good . . .

Honey WIP

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Feb 152012

I’ve been a bit obsessed with the honeycomb brioche stitch pattern lately. It’s great for variegateds, helping to break up weird pooling and striping, and it makes a thick, fluffy fabric. I like it best in an accessory, or as an accent – as on the shoulder detail of my new sideways cardigan Blue Honey. The picture above shows lovely but challenging Malabrigo Rios in Azules, as stockinette, garter, and the honeycomb pattern. When I say challenging, I mean the variegated nature of the color, particularly for garments. When Rios was first released, for some reason I bought a sweater quantity in this color. Why? I have no idea. It’s beautiful, and I love blue, but I dont make multi-colored sweaters, or wear them. Anyway, I finally decide this would be the right yarn for this sideways idea I’ve had for a while, and it’s really working out. The Rios is springy and lovely, and the little bit of patterning is just enough. Incarnation #1 is finished but the thing is still a WIP, because . . .

River Union Cardi

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Feb 012012

Wide sleeves and a cropped silhouette bring stylish attitude to the River Union Cardi. Extended raglan lines and volume sleeves create a blouson shape, while deep ribbing defines the waist. The full sleeves are balanced by their three-quarter length and deep ribbed cuffs, which match the figure-flattering waist ribbing at the hem. Knit seamlessly from the top down, it’s a fast knit with a fresh feel. Construction: River Union is worked seamlessly from the top down in one piece with raglan shaping, in stockinette stitch with a deep, ribbed hem and cuffs. Stitches are picked up for the ribbed collar and buttonband, which finish the cardi with no seaming required. Instructions for working the simple, neat buttonholes are included in the photo tutorial with this pattern, and also appear in my video tutorial. Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, twisted purlwise CO, raglan construction, knit/purl, increasing, picking up stitches; pattern instructions include a photo tutorial for the buttonholes. Size: 32.5 (35, 37.5, 40.5, 43.5, 47.5, 50.5)” bust; sample shown in third size worn with 2.5” positive ease. Yarn: Berocco . . .

Crimp Hat & Crimpy Mitts

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Jan 032012

Crimp Crimp is a hat with built-in slouch and a casual fit created by tuck stitches, which can be worn at the back or side for different looks. This simple and fun technique solves the problem of just how to scrunch your hat and keep it perfectly slouched. Alternating sections of ribbing and stockinette add interest to the crown, making Crimp a unique hat and a perfect companion to the Crimpy Mitts. Techniques & Skills Used: Cable CO, knit/purl, tuck stitch, decreasing; this pattern includes written instructions, as well as a photo and video tutorial for the tuck stitch. Size: S/M (M/L); 18 (20)” unstretched brim circumference. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Rios (100% superwash merino wool, 210 yards/ 192m/100g), 1 skein. Size M shown in Cumparsita. 2 skeins are needed to make both the hat and mitts. Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) dpns or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Spare US 7 dpn for tucks; Stitch markers (8); Yarn needle. Gauge: 20 st and 28 rows/4” in stockinette . . .

London Calling

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Nov 152011

Channel your inner Clash hipster, or just stay warm with this superbulky adjustable hat. The button band is knit flat in textured linen stitch, making the most of a variegated yarn and a cozy covering for your ears. Then the hat is joined and knit in the round to the crown and closed with two buttons, for a fast finished knit that looks great in both multi- and classic colors. Still free, this pattern has been reformatted and updated with new pictures. Techniques & Skills Used: knit/purl, decreasing, knitting in the round. Size: Small (Large); 21 (24)” finished circumference. Yarn: Malabrigo Rasta (100% merino wool; 90 yards/150g); 1 skein. Size S shown in Zarzamora; London Calling requires approximately 65 (70) yards of superbulky yarn. Other Materials: US 15 40” circular needle for Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; US 15 straight needle, to overlap band; Stitch markers (6); Yarn needle or 6.5mm crochet hook; 7/8” buttons (2); Matching sewing thread and needle. Gauge: 8 st and 14 rows/4” in stockinette stitch; 8 st and . . .

More Ruckles?!

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Oct 062011

I did mention I’m into collections, right? I’ve made a whack of Ruckle hats, which I’ll show off a bit further along in this post. And the Mitts are in tech editing now, which means they’ll be released imminently. In the tradition of not leaving well enough alone, I’m also about to put the cowl out for testknitting. I really prefer to shoot than model, but my favorite mannequin is away on her class trip, and time is ticking. Mr. Diva has a good sense of light, but alas, we differ in ideas of composition. Not to worry; the proto shots get the idea across. One skein, semi-slouchy, and soft. After all, winter is coming. And about those hats . . .

Ruckle

Accessories, Patterns 2 Responses »

Sep 262011

A soft and highly textured hat, Ruckle features a tidy hemmed brim and three-dimensional tucks all over. The structural ruckles are fun to knit and fanciful to wear, and add an original flair to any outfit. For a fun and matched set, make it with the companion Ruckowl cowl and Ruckle Mitts. Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, knit/purl, increasing/decreasing, knitting in the round; this pattern includes written instructions, as well as a photo and video tutorial for the tuck stitch. Size: S (M, L) to fit approximately 20.5 (22.5, 24.5)” head circumference; 18.5 (21.25, 24)” brim circumference, 7.25 (8.5, 9.5)” height, measured flat and unstretched. Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted (100% Merino Wool; 210 yards/192m/ 100g); 1 skein. Size M shown in Paris Night. Other Materials: US 8 (5mm) dpns or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Spare US 8 32” circular needle, for hemming brim; Stitch markers (10); Yarn needle; Smooth cotton yarn for provisional CO. Gauge: 18 st and 24 rounds/4” in stockinette stitch, after gentle blocking. . . .

Stolitsa

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Sep 262011

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 . . .

Helena’s Folly

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Sep 262011

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 . . .

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