tuck • The Knitting Vortex

Tucked in Snug

New Release, Patterns, Sweaters Comments Off

Feb 192014

A cozy sweater with ample tucked funnelneck, Tucked in Snug is knit in one piece from the bottom up with ergonomic shoulders. Gentle waist shaping and short dolman sleeves flatter the body, while grafted shoulders and an integrated slouchy funnelneck ensure uncomplicated seamless knitting. Short rows shape the sleeves and shoulder comfortably, eliminating excess fabric at the underarm. The substantial cowl frames the face with a series of narrowing tucks at the front neck, gently pulling down the front edge below the chin. Wear it alone in the transitional seasons, and as a Snug extra layer in the depths of winter. Techniques & Skills Used: Cable CO, knit/purl, short rows, increasing/decreasing, picking up stitches, tucks. This pattern includes written instructions, links to my short rows and grafting tutorials, as well as a photo and video tutorial for the tuck stitch. Size: 30 (32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)” bust; shown in fourth size worn with 2” positive ease. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Worsted (100% wool; 210 yards/192m/100g) shown in Coco; 3 . . .

Folderol-over-and-over-again

New Release, Patterns, Wraps Comments Off

Oct 282013

I promised another indie re-release of a design initially published in a magazine, and since it’s getting chilly, what’s better than a soft and warm tucked wrap made with worsted merino? The individual pattern download features a link to my video tutorial for the tuck stitch, and expanded notes and photos, all presented in my user- and printer-friendly format. “Folderol” means foolish nonsense, but this worsted crescent shawl is no trifle; the cozy wrap is made extra thick and warm with triple folds, curved gently with short rows, and finished neatly with applied I-cord. Knit from the bottom up and given texture and shape with tucks and decreases, Folderol is completely reversible and absolutely worthy. Techniques & Skills Used: cable and provisional CO, knit/purl, tucks, picking up stitches, short rows, decreasing, applied I-cord; this pattern includes written instructions as well as a link to my tuck stitch video tutorial. Size: 58” length, and 10” depth. Yarn: Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted (100% Merino) 210 yards/192m/ 100g; 3 skeins shown in Tuareg. The sample used approximately 525 . . .

Sneak Peek at Folderol

FOs Comments Off

Aug 202012

Tucks and folds have been a little bit of an obsession of mine since last winter, and three weeks ago I got a lightning bolt idea for a soft, scrummy tucked shawl for the autumn season ahead. When something like this comes out of the blue, I like to go with it; thinking it might be a good fit, I sent off a pitch to Shannon at Cooperative Press, who is launching the new Knit Edge magazine. And so it comes about that Folderol is in issue 1, due to come out in the beginning of september. This piece takes those textural tucks like the ones used in the Crimp hat and Ruckle Mitts, and exaggerates them into long, deep folds along the curve of a thick crescent shawl. The top edge is finished with applied I-cord, making the entire wrap reversible, and lovely when wrapped around the neck. I’ve had these three skeins of Malabrigo Worsted in Tuareg hanging around in stash forever, and 2.5 of them are now this cozy schlarf (with enough . . .

Sleeve in a Day

WIPs 1 Response »

Mar 302012

Deadlines really motivate me; I suspect I might achieve close to zero if I didn’t utilize them. The current challenge is to finish my second contiguous cardigan by saturday midnight. It’s worsted, yes – but still a whole garment. I think there’s a good chance; I had to rip the first sleeve because it was too small, and I updated the sizing while knitting the second. Happily, sleeve in a day was achieved. Next challenge is the front edging; last night I ripped the 2″ I had because I decided some short-rowing would be just the thing. So less than 48 hours for around 25 long 200+ stitch rows. I hope it comes out well.

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 . . .

Crimp it up – WIP Wednesday

FOs, WIPs 1 Response »

Dec 072011

Well, not exactly a WIP in terms of the knitting, but then that’s the easy part. These need to be sized and then organized for test knitting, which takes more focus. I’m still loving that tuck stitch, and it’s been turning up in other places too, so it feels like the zeitgeist is right. And with winter setting in, some textural ribbing and ruckling will bring a bit of warmth with interest. Also, maybe it’s the season, but I cant get enough of rich, dark red lately; not my usual type of thing at all, but so engaging. It looks purpley here, but that’s my lighting, trying to get a good shot of the variegation. Malabrigo Rios in Cumparsita, by the way.

Ruckowl

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Oct 262011

A slouchy cowl with textural ruckles, Ruckowl features a three-dimensional tucked body made by knitting into the row below, and tidy turned hems. For a fun and cozy matched set, make it with the companion Ruckle Hat and Ruckle Mitts. Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, knit/purl, knitting in the round; this pattern includes written instructions, as well as a photo and video tutorial for the tuck stitch. Size: S/M (M/L); 21 (24)” circumference, and 7” height. Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted (100% Merino Wool; 210 yards/192m/ 100g); 1 skein. Size M/L shown in Paris Night. Other Materials: US 9 (5.5mm) 16” circular needle, or size to match gauge; Spare US 9 circular needle, for closing folded hems; Stitch marker (1); Yarn needle; Smooth cotton yarn for provisional CO and hem. Gauge: 16 st and 24 rounds/4” in stockinette stitch, after gentle blocking. See it on Ravelry or on Payhip, to read more or purchase the pattern.

Ruckle Mitts

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Oct 122011

Casual fingerless handwarmers, the Ruckle Mitts are worked with a built-in scrunchy tucked cuff, and tidy hemmed edges finishing both cuffs and fingertip openings. Fun to make and fresh to wear, they add relaxed chic to your outfit without having constantly to adjust long cuffs. For a matched Ruckle set, make them with the companion Ruckle Hat and Ruckowl Cowl. 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, XL); 6.5 (7.5, 8.25, 9)” palm circumference and 4.25 (5, 5.5, 6.25)” length from wrist. The cuff is approximately 3” long. Yarn: Malabrigo Rios (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 210 yards/192m/ 100g); 1 skein. Size S shown in Azul Profundo. Other Materials: US 7 (4.5mm) dpns or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, or size to match gauge; Spare US 5 (3.75mm) circular needle for closing folded hems; Stitch markers (3); Yarn needle; Smooth cotton yarn for provisional CO and hem; Stitch . . .

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. . . .