Pattern: Dennis

Dennis on Ravelry $7 (no account necessary)

Back in the day, I remember my dad, Dennis, sporting a cool knit tie like this for casual wear. Now everyone seems to be getting in on the action. Quick to knit from luxurious alpaca and silk, this tie has an elegant texture that makes it stand out (quietly) from the crowd and would make a great gift for the man (or woman) in your life.

I used the entire skein for the small tie, so if you want to knit a gauge swatch, be sure to buy a second skein or be prepared to frog your swatch.  The men’s tie will leave you with plenty of yarn for a swatch and the tab, to keep the tail of the tie under control (men like that kind of thing; ladies usually wear their ties with a little more insouciance).

The Spot Stitch gives interest for knitter and wearer while being easy to remember. It is also a good lesson in “seeing” your knitting with purl bumps every other stitch every other row.

Columns of purl stitches up both sides help it to lie flat in the front, while the back, knit flat, helps the yarn go further, keeps the around-the-neck area slim, and the front lie smoothly over the back.

What you'll love about knitting Dennis:

• Stitch pattern for the front of the tie is easy to remember and is both charted and written out.
• Thoughtful construction makes the most of your yarn yet makes a proper tie.
• A relatively small amount of knitting time yields a great accessory to give or to keep.

What you'll love about wearing Dennis:

• This is a fully-fashioned tie, not a small scarf in a tie shape.
• Stitch pattern is subtle yet special.
• You will look like a million bucks!

Size/Finished Measurements 
Small [Large]
Width at widest point: 3 inches
Length: 55 [60] inches after blocking

Materials
Blue Sky Alpacas Alpaca Silk [50% silk, 50% alpaca; 146yd/134m per 50g skein]; color: Plum; 1 [2] skeins
US2/2.75mm set of four double-pointed needles (DPNs)
US4/3.5mm set of four DPNs
Tapestry needle

Gauge
24 sts x 30 rows = 4 inches square in Stockinette stitch on larger ndls

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Working in the round
Working flat
Decreasing
Working with DPNs

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Pattern: A Vest for Charles

A Vest for Charles $7 on Ravelry (no account necessary)

Charles Musgrove had the good taste to fall for Anne Elliot, but ended up marrying her sister Mary. Doesn’t he deserve a handknit, too? Inspired by a knitted vest worn by Charles I to his execution in 1649 (and still in the Museum of London today), this vest should bring Charles Musgrove better luck.

Two stitch patterns from the original are used: the Diamonds and Crosses brocade border is separated by welting and topped by King Charles Brocade (a.k.a., Double Diamond). The King’s vest was knit in silk by a master knitter at 21 stitches per inch! A more manageable gauge and rustic woolen-spun yarn make this vest au courant for the  Everyman (or woman).

What you'll love about knitting A Vest for Charles:

• Worked all in one piece from the bottom up to the underarms, then the fronts and back are worked separately, finally joined with a three-needle bind-off
• Integrated button bands and Seed stitch edgings make for a handsome, virtually finish-free project.
• Historic knit-purl patterns, one above the hem and the other over the rest of the body, will pique and keep your interest while knitting
• Bonus: A vest means no sleeves! You will still create a handsome, fully-fashioned garment without having to knit sleeves.

What you'll love about wearing A Vest for Charles:

• Subtle knit-purl patterns make this a special knit that whispers about how it was hand-crafted with love and talent
• Button-up style means this is a versatile garment that you can dress up or down
• You're wearing an item inspired by Jane Austen's Persuasion, as well as by a pivotal moment in British history

Finished Size
31¾ (36, 39¾, 44, 47¾, 51½)-inch/80.5 (91.5, 101, 112, 121.5, 131) cm chest circumference, buttoned, with 5-stitch front bands overlapped
Vest shown measures 36 inches (91.5 cm)

Materials
Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (100% Targhee-Columbia wool; 140 yds [128 m]/1.75 oz [50 g]): #08 truffle hunt, 5 (6, 6, 7, 8, 9) skeins. Size 6 (4 mm) 29-inch or longer circular (cir) needle (ndl).  Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge, and choose length close to desired chest circumference. 
Markers
Stitch holders or waste yarn
Spare cir ndl same size or smaller than main needle for three-needle bind-off
Tapestry needle 10 (11, 11, 11, 12, 12) ½-inch buttons

Gauge
17 sts and 30 rows = 4 inches in St st

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Three-needle bind-off
Knitting
Purling
Chart reading
Increasing
Decreasing
Working flat
Sewing on buttons

Thanks!
Previously published in Jane Austen Knits, Fall 2013, and The Best of Jane Austen Knits

 

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

P.S. Wish you knew about this last week when it was released? Join my newsletter to get the good stuff first, and you'll get a brief note from me once a week with pattern releases, tips and tricks to improve your knitting skills, and coupon codes just for subscribers.

Pattern: Infinite

Infinite $7 on Ravelry (no account necessary)

Your very own mohair cloud! Just one skein of your favorite brushed mohair yarn will give you this perennially popular accessory: an infinity scarf. Wear it long like a super-drapey cowl, double it up for that casual scarf look, or pull the second wrap up over your head like a smoke ring.

What you'll love about knitting Infinite:

• You get to use that luscious skein of Kidsilk Haze or any other mohair/silk blend yarn that's been hanging out in your stash or calling to you at your LYS.
• Working in the round means you just knit, knit, knit (with a couple of super-simple rounds for variety).
• Provisional cast-on means you'll bind off both ends in the same way - top and bottom of your cowl will match

What you'll love about wearing Infinite:

• You get to wear that beautiful yarn right where it belongs - around your gorgeous face!
• Surprise! Infinite squishes down to almost nothing at all yet keeps you warm and toasty on a cold day.
• You can wear it three ways:
• drapey long cowl
• doubled-up scarf
• dramatic smoke ring

Size/Finished Measurements
15 inches high x 38 inches around

Materials
Rowan Kidsilk Haze (70% Super Kid Mohair, 30% Silk; 229 yards/25 grams) in Majestic #589
US9/5.5mm 29-inch circular needle (ndl)
Waste yarn
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Gauge in Stockinette Stitch 
12 sts x 24 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting in the round
Increasing (yarnovers*)
Decreasing (knitting two together*)
*With these two moves under your belt, you're ready for lace!

Thanks!
Photography: Nicholas Dames



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Pattern: Aphros

Aphros $7 on Ravelry (no account necessary)

Lace is a wonderful project for travel—one ball of yarn, one set of needles­—whether you’re flying across the country or washed up on a deserted island. And Aphros (Greek for “sea foam”) is an airy and elegant stole that can serve as cover for your evening gown or over-sized scarf for your everyday ensemble. Gently undulating seafoam stitch, simple yet beautiful, forms the body, while a lacy edging adds a graceful flourish to the ends.

What you'll love about knitting Aphros:

• Gorgeous Seafoam pattern is a fancy-looking version of Garter Stitch, so it's easy-peasy knitting that only looks complicated
• Quills edging is a fun bit of intermediate-level knitting that will expand your skill set and make the stole truly elegant
• One skein of yarn + one needle + one pattern = perfect travel knitting!
• This is the perfect pattern to begin your lace adventures: by beginning with the Seafoam pattern, you will get used to working with skinny yarn on larger needles, and once you've mastered that, you will be ready for the lace edging

What you'll love about wearing Aphros:

• a lightweight stole is always useful
• it will scrunch up to fit in your purse yet is large enough to wrap up your shoulders on a chilly evening
• lightweight fabric also allows you to wrap around your neck without a lot of bulk - perfect for adding a pop of color to your outfit

Size/Finished Measurements
65 x 18 inches after blocking

Materials
madelinetosh tosh lace [100% superwash merino wool; 950 yards/868 meters per 120g skein]; color: Kelp; 1 skein
US3/3.25mm 24-inch circular needle (ndl)
Waste yarn
Tapestry needle

Gauge in Seafoam
46 sts x 24 rows = 7 x 4 inches

Skills Needed
Casting on
Binding off
Knitting
Purling
Increasing
Decreasing
Working lace from charted or written instructions

Thanks!
Tech Editing: Joeli Caparco
Photography: Nicholas Dames



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Pattern: Sotherton

Sotherton $7 on Ravelry (no account necessary)

“You have a very smiling scene before you,” [said Mr. Crawford.] 

“Do you mean literally or figuratively? Literally, I conclude. Yes, certainly, the sun shines, and the park looks very cheerful. But unluckily that iron gate, that ha-ha, give me a feeling of restraint and hardship. ‘I cannot get out,’ as the starling said.” As [Miss Bertram] spoke, and it was with expression, she walked to the gate: he followed her. “Mr. Rushworth is so long fetching this key!”

—Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

Sotherton is inspired by the iron gates sprinkled, frustratingly, throughout the grounds at Mr. Rushworth’s estate of Sotherton. While they proved no match for Miss Bertram’s determination to trespass - with Mr. Crawford’s assistance - the Gothic Lattice pattern prettily constrain a knitter’s curves.

Worked in the round from the bottom up, the purl ground between left- and right-twists is the perfect place to tuck away decreases for some elegant waist shaping. The fit is close and elegant with the twist-stitch lines lengthening the wearer.

What you'll love about knitting Sotherton:

• Worked in the round from the bottom up, so you can always see where you are in your work
• Twisted stitches keep your interest but aren't hard to work
• Shaping is worked in the purl ground between twisted ribs making it almost invisible, but your figure will be flattered all the same
• Seamless construction means less finishing - weave together the underarms, sew in a few ends, and you're good to go

What you'll love about wearing Sotherton:

• Close fit shows off your curves
• Beautiful lattice pattern highlights your waist and is repeated on the cuffs
• Waist shaping increases are all worked in the front to create more fabric for your bust - right where you need it

Size/Finished Measurements

Chest circumference: 27¾ [31¼, 34½, 38¼, 43¼] inches—shown in 34½" size with 4 inches negative ease

Materials

• Madeline Tosh, Tosh DK (100% superwash Merino; 225 yds/ 110g): filigree, 4 [5, 5, 6, 7]
• Size 6 (4 mm): 24-inch circular (cir) and set of five double-pointed needles (dpns)
• Markers (m)
• Stitch holders or waste yarn
• Tapestry needle

Gauge
22 sts and 29 rnds = 4 inches in Twisted 2 × 6 Ribbing

Skills needed

• Casting on
• Binding off
• Knitting
• Purling
• Increasing
• Decreasing
• Working in the round
• Working stitches out of order (cabling)
• Working from charted instructions

Thanks!

Previously published in Jane Austen Knits, Summer 2012
Photography: Nicholas Dames

Everything you need to create your very own Sotherton has its place in this professionally formatted (by me!) pattern. Twisted stitches are provided in chart form only.

Lovely knitters who purchased this pattern when it was originally released should have received a message from Ravelry that the updated version is now in their libraries. Don't miss the special customer coupon code!

And don't forget that Sotherton is part of my Jane Austen Knits bundle. Use code jakbundle to purchase An Aran for Anne, An Aran for Frederick, and Sotherton for $15 ($21 value). Previous purchases from my Ravelry store will be credited towards the bundle price at checkout.



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Pattern: An Aran for Anne

After An Aran for Frederick flew off to Jane Austen Knits for his photo shoot, I found myself staring at a bag of steely-grey/lavender worsted-spun wool that kept telling me it wanted to be something shapely. Having had so much fun with the construction for Frederick, I decided to see what I could do with the hybrid yoke style for a woman.

An Aran for Anne $7 on Ravelry (no account necessary)

She was looking remarkably well; her very regular, very pretty features, having the bloom and freshness of youth restored by the fine wind which had been blowing on her complexion, and by the animation of eye which it had also produced. ... [Captain Wentworth] gave her a momentary glance,—a glance of brightness, which seemed to say, "That man is struck with you,—and even I, at this moment, see something like Anne Elliot again."

—Jane Austen, Persuasion  

The elegant little woman Miss Anne Elliot merits her own pretty pullover, with waist shaping and a variety of twisted stitch patterns. Elegant Ribbing accentuates the waist shaping, while budding (bobbling) vines wind their way up front, back, and sleeves. And the easy-to-remember Inverted Gull Stitch pattern nods to Anne’s beloved, Captain Frederick Wentworth, much at sea.

Like An Aran for Frederick, An Aran for Anne is worked in the round from the bottom up. The yoke is a saddle-shouldered hybrid style. Waist-shaping and a wider, almost boat-style neck ensure that shapely Anne won’t be mistaken for manly Frederick!

What you'll love about knitting An Aran for Anne

• Gorgeous cable patterns that use a variety of knitting techniques
• Worked in the round from the bottom up, so you are always looking at the right side of those cables
• Hybrid construction brings all the cable elements together in the yoke in a way that is fun to knit and all but eliminates finishing work

What you'll love about wearing An Aran for Anne

• Shaping hidden in the purl fabric of the central cable plus the Elegant Ribbing at the sides forms a sweater that hugs your curves in all the right places
• Neckline shows off your lovely collar bones
• Feminine, nature-inspired cables make this one seriously pretty sweater

Size/Finished Measurements
Women’s XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) (shown in size M with one inch negative ease)
Bust circumference: 29¼ (32¾, 37½, 40½, 45¼, 48¼, 53) inches

Materials 

• Louet Gems Worsted (100% superwash Merino; 175 yds [160 m]/100g): Steel Grey, 5 (6, 7, 7, 8, 9, 10) skeins
• Size 6 (4 mm): 16- and 29-inch circular (cir) and double-pointed (dpn) needles (ndl)
• Markers (m), including one different marker for end-of-round
• Cable needle (cn)
• Waste yarn or stitch holders
• Tapestry needle

Gauge
19 sts and 26 rnds = 4 inches in Rev St st

Skills needed

• Casting on
• Binding off
• Knitting
• Purling
• Increasing
• Decreasing
• Working in the round
• Working stitches out of order (cabling)
• Working from charted instructions

Thanks!
Previously published in Jane Austen Knits, Summer 2012
Photography: Nicholas Dames

Everything you need to create your very own An Aran for Anne has its place in this professionally formatted (by me!) pattern. Cables are provided in chart form only.

Lovely knitters who purchased this pattern when it was originally released should have received a message from Ravelry that the updated version is now in their libraries. Don't miss the special customer coupon code!

And don't forget that An Aran for Anne is part of my Jane Austen Knits bundle. Use code jakbundle to purchase An Aran for Anne, An Aran for Frederick, and Sotherton for $15 ($21 value). Previous purchases from my Ravelry store will be credited towards the bundle price at checkout.



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Pattern: An Aran for Frederick

Next up in the pattern parade: An Aran for Frederick! 

My first pattern published in a print magazine (Turn of the Glass had been published in Knitty in January 2011) and a perennial favorite, An Aran for Frederick was my first opportunity to explore the way cable patterns and the hybrid yoke construction of Elizabeth Zimmermann could come together to embody a character.

An Aran for Frederick $7 on Ravelry (no account necessary)

“A well-looking man,” said Sir Walter, “a very well-looking man.”
“A very fine young man indeed!” said Lady Dalrymple. “More air than one often sees in Bath. Irish, I dare say.”
“No. I just know his name. A bowing acquaintance. Wentworth—Captain Wentworth of the navy.” 

—Jane Austen, Persuasion

Though Captain Frederick Wentworth may not be Irish, this handsome captain, who stole Anne Elliot’s heart before the beginning of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, is certainly worthy of his own Aran sweater. This cabled pullover is worked in the round, with a “hybrid” yoke to highlight the Celtic Flourish cable running up the center back and front, flanked by OXO and Superimposed Double Wave cables, and Ensign’s Braids (Ensigns were junior officers in the infantry and navy at the time, which Frederick would have been when he first met Anne) running up the sleeves and along the shoulder saddles. This yoke style makes a flattering pullover for any man (or woman). To modernize, body and sleeves begin the cable patterns immediately, and it is finished with a simple rolled neck so as not to distract from this cable tour de force.

What you'll love about knitting An Aran for Frederick

• Gorgeous cable patterns keep your attention
• Worked in the round from the bottom up means you can always see where you are in your cable patterns
• Exciting-to-knit hybrid yoke: all those beautiful cable patterns + clever decreases that shape the sweater to the wearer's shoulders = super-fun knitting

What you'll love about wearing An Aran for Frederick

• Cables that tell Captain Wentworth's story
• Modern styling that dives right into the cables and finishes with a simple rollneck
• Hybrid yoke that gives the wearer strong shoulders

Size/Finished Measurements

Unisex XS (S, M, L, XL) (shown in size S with 5½" ease)

Chest circumference: 37¼ (43½, 49, 53¼, 59½)"

Materials

• Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (100% wool; 140 yd (128 m)/50 g): #16 nest, 8 (10, 12, 14, 15) skeins.
• Size 6 (4 mm): 16" and 29" circular (cir) and set of doublepointed (dpn). 
• Markers (m)
• Cable needle (cn) (optional—try cabling without a cable needle; it's brilliant!)
• Removable markers
• Stitch holders or waste yarn
• Tapestry needle

Gauge

15 stitches x 27 rows = 4" in Seed Stitch

Skills needed

• Casting on
• Binding off
• Knitting
• Purling
• Increasing
• Decreasing
• Working in the round
• Working stitches out of order (cabling)
• Working from charted instructions

Thanks!
Originally published in Jane Austen Knits, 2011.
Photography: Nicholas Dames

Everything you need to create your very own An Aran for Frederick has its place in this professionally formatted (by me!) pattern. Cables are provided in chart form only.

Lovely knitters who purchased this pattern when it was originally released should have received a message from Ravelry that the updated version is now in their libraries. Don't miss the special customer coupon code!

And don't forget that An Aran for Frederick is part of my Jane Austen Knits bundle. Use code jakbundle to purchase An Aran for Anne, An Aran for Frederick, and Sotherton for $15 ($21 value). Previous purchases from my Ravelry store will be credited towards the bundle price at checkout.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!

xoxo,

Pattern: Babe in the Mist

All my backlist patterns are receiving an upgrade this summer! First to receive a nip and tuck is my favorite New Baby gift: Babe in the Mist - a small blanket perfect for cribs, strollers, and car seats.

Babe in the Mist $7 on Ravelry (no account necessary)

Wrap your littlest buccaneer in a blanket of Mist Drops to keep baby safe from discovery, whether on board ship or tucked away on a desert island. Every edge of this cozy cover undulates so baby will become accustomed to the waves, and both sides of this pattern are beautiful, so no worries about which side is best. A washable wool blend makes this a practical, not-too-heavy, and easy-to-care for blanket for your babe.

What you'll love about knitting Babe in the Mist:

• one stitch pattern (Mist Drops) that is interesting to work and which you will quickly master
• increases and decreases create a lovely, rippling edge
• blanket looks beautiful on both sides
• Mist Drops is provided in both charted and written forms, so you can choose the version that works for you
• quick to work up in worsted weight yarn

What your recipient will love about Babe in the Mist

• "Such a pretty stitch pattern!"
• "I love that it's reversible."
• "This is the perfect size to always have with us."
• "It's washable? Thank you so much!"

Size/Finished Measurements

30 x 25 inches after blocking

Materials

• Berocco Vintage [50% Acrylic, 40% Wool, 10% Nylon 217 yards/206 meters per 100 gram skein]; color: Mochi; 3 skeins
• US8/5.0mm 29-inch circular needle
• Waste yarn in similar weight
• Stitch marker(s)
• Tapestry needle

Gauge

19 sts x 16 rows = 3¾" wide x 3" high = one repeat of Mist Drops pattern

Skills Needed

• Casting on
• Binding off
• Knitting
• Purling
• Increasing
• Decreasing

Thanks!
Technical editing: Joeli Caparco

Everything you need to create your own beautiful Babe in the Mist is provided in the professionally formatted (by me!) pattern. Both written and charted versions of the Mist Drops stitch pattern are included.

Lovely knitters who purchased this pattern when it was originally released should have received a message from Ravelry that the updated version of the pattern is now in your library. Don't miss the special customer coupon code!



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Pattern: Wench

Wench $7 on Ravelry (no account necessary)

A saucy lass deserves an easy-to-knit and easy-to-wear pullover for warmer weather. The drape of the finished linen fabric will win you over, keeping you cool yet covered. This sweater was inspired by the shifts that all women used to wear, but now you can show it off! With picot edgings and drawstrings at neck and wrists, you’ll look just a bit fancy while feeling supremely comfortable.

What you'll love about knitting Wench

• matching picot cast-on and bind-off - ooh, pretty, matchy-matchy!
• easy knitting - just three tubes! 
• knitting with linen yarn is perfect for Summer - I don't know about you, but I find wool can be sticky on the hands when it's hot and humid outside 

What you'll love about wearing Wench

• the way this fabric drapes
• the feminine details of picot hems and adjustable drawstrings at neck and cuffs 
• that you can wear this all Summer long, no sweat! 

Size/Finished Measurements
Women’s XS [S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X] (shown in size M with 2" of positive ease)
Chest: 30 [34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54]"
Length: 21 [21½, 22, 22¼, 22½, 22¾, 23]"

Materials

• Louet Euroflax Sport Weight [100% wet-spun linen 270 yards/247 meters per 100 gram skein]; color: Neptune; 3 [3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6] skeins
• US8/5.0mm 29-inch circular needle; US8/5.0mm 16-inch circular needle or DPNs; US8/5.0mm/Size H crochet hook
• Waste yarn or stitch holders
• Stitch marker(s)
• Tapestry needle
• 3 yards/2.75 meters 1/4-inch/0.635cm ribbon or crocheted cords

Gauge
16 sts x 22 rows = 4" wide x 4" high in Stockinette Stitch

Back when the kids were little!
Also pictured, Captain Austen's Scarf, Deckhand, and Night Watch Cap

Skills Needed

• Casting on
• Binding off
• Working in the round
• Knitting
• Increasing
• Decreasing
• Working a crochet chain (optional)

Thanks!
Technical editing: Joeli Caparco

Everything you need to create your own beautiful Wench is provided in the professionally designed (by me!) pattern.

Lovely knitters who purchased this pattern when it was originally released should have received a message from Ravelry that the updated version of the pattern is now in your library. Don't miss the special customer coupon code!



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,