The Sweater with Kathleen Dames | Season Two, Episode Two : The Yarn

Today we’re talking about yarn choice for the Purly Pullover. Take your pick from sport weight or DK yarn, and be sure to choose something that will make you happy! Visit the episode thread in the Kathleen Dames Design Ravelry group: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/kathleen-dames-design/topics/3428875

 

Visit http://www.kathleendames.com/thesweater to sign up for the newsletter and get your free Purly Pullover pattern*. Your link to download the PDF will be in your Welcome email. Be sure to create your project page on Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/purly-pullover

 

Happy Fuzzy Yarns http://happyfuzzyyarn.com/ - Kathleen will be knitting her DK weight Purly Pullover in Happy Fuzzy Yarns Merino DK in the Peony colorway

 

Madeline Tosh http://www.madelinetosh.com - the original Purly Pullover was knit in sport weight tosh pashmina in the Bloomsbury colorway

 

Share your project on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with hashtags #kdsweater and #purlypullover

 

Thanks for being here, and happy knitting!

xoxo, Kathleen

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*Free pattern available until 22 July 2016. You can purchase Purly Pullover from my Ravelry shop any time: http://www.ravelry.com/stores/kathleen-dames-design

 

Visit http://www.kathleendames.com/thesweater to sign up for the newsletter and be the first to know about new episodes, special offers, and pattern releases.

 

Purchase the Season One pattern, Solstice Cardi, from my Ravelry shop: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solstice-cardi

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periscope: https://www.periscope.tv/kathleendames

instagram: https://instagram.com/kathleendames/

twitter: https://twitter.com/kathleendames

ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kathleen-dames

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenDamesDesign

music: Cafe Parisien with accordion iStock.com/frobisher

Kathleen is wearing Solstice Cardi, our sweater from Season One. Pattern available at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solstice-cardi

Check out this episode!

What I'm reading/watching/listening to: May 2016

As a designer inspired by literature, I read a fair bit. As a knitter constantly producing more FOs, I watch a lot of stuff on screen. As an exerciser, I listen to all sorts of podcasts and music to keep me moving. Here's what's on my bedside table/television/iPhone this month...*

What I'm reading...

• Eligible: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld
  This is a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice set in Cincinnatti, Ohio, in 2014. The title refers not only to the Bennet sisters and other characters in their sphere, but also to the Bachelor-style reality show this book's Bingley starred in. BTW, NYTBR, Chip is a nickname for Charles, not a name change for the character as your reviewer stated. Being such a devotee to Austen's original language/settings/characters, it took a little while for me to get past the modern setup, but I am now more than halfway through and enjoying the book.
• Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology by Andrew Bolton
  If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I attended the Members' Preview of the new show, Manus x Machina, at the Met last week. We won't get into my feelings about the Met's new logotype, but the new show is fabulous for this 21st century handcrafter. Lots of food for thought, so don't be surprised if touches of this show find their way into my work. If you can get to Manhattan this summer, come see the show (let me know you're coming, and I'll probably meet you there). This is the catalog to accompany the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Spring 2016 Costume Institute show, and as a book creator of many years, I appreciate the technologies that went into printing and binding this book and am looking forward to reading the interviews in the back insert.
• Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
  My older daughter and I read this for our Mother Daughter book club last month. It's an interesting novel about an intelligent but profoundly disabled girl (she cannot walk, speak, nor does she have full control of her arms) who finally is able to communicate with the help of a computer. The book begins a little slowly but then really picks up steam and doesn't always go in the expected direction. I'm so glad we read this for our book club, as I think it did a great job of empathizing with the protagonist - an important glimpse into a different world for the tweens I know.

What I'm watching...

• Game of Thrones
  Yup, I'm totally into it. While there aren't as many bewbs this season, it still has sex and gore and dragons. I read the books last summer (and still can't keep all the characters and locations straight) with mixed feelings, since George R.R. Martin isn't a profound writer and seems uncertain as to where we are ultimately going in the world of Westeros, but I do enjoy the show. Probably in part because I read a LOT of fantasy as a young reader. For people who prefer realism, there probably isn't enough to pique your interest, but I do think the show is well done. And now that we've gone beyond the books, it's kind of exciting to see where things will go.
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
  Pretty much any show with a guest arc by Tina Fey will earn a spot on my Watchlist/DVR. And the rest of the show is entertaining, too, though I tend to agree with critics who think some episodes aren't as tight on Season Two as they were when Season One had been crafted with the 22-minute network TV model - on Netflix a show can be as long as it wants. While some extra comedy gems may have been stuffed into episodes, we all know that brevity is the soul of wit. That being said, the survivor story and sly NYC jokes somehow all work together.
• The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
  I'm pretty sure there are two kinds of people in the world, when it comes to the Real Housewives franchise: those who love the show, and those who think it's just the worst. While I don't love the entire franchise, I have a special fondness for New York (no surprise), early New Jersey seasons, and Beverly Hills. With BH I've come to realize it's the combination of a voyeuristic interest in Beverly Hills excess, my personal fascination/repulsion with the Los Angeles area, and an empathy with Kyle's struggles with her alcoholic sister (and how the rest of the characters cope). My ex-husband was an alcoholic, so Kim's behavior and that of the people around her have pulled me in from the beginning. It's definitely crazy salad, but I can't quit it.

What I'm listening to...

• Woolful
  Lots of interesting fiber folk on this podcast. Sometimes I find it a bit too long-form for me (I have limited listening time when I'm exercising, but that's my problem), but I've really enjoyed many episodes, including Pam Allen's (and her son Ryan's), the Fibre Company gals', and Mary Jane Mucklestone's.
• Vogue Podcast
  If you enjoyed Andre Leon Talley's turn on America's Next Top Model, you will enjoy this podcast. Sometimes I get annoyed, since ALT can be a little more ditsy than I would expect (he seemed less prepared to speak with Andrew Bolton, Curator of the Met's Costume Institute, than I would have liked - I feel like I knew more about Mr. Bolton than he did, and ALT is editor-at-large of Vogue).
• Truly Myrtle Podcast
  My friend Libby's podcast is lovely - sometimes very personal, other times it has charming interviews, and it always has the best theme song. Definitely give a listen to Libby's Down Under accent and thoughtful discussions on clothing and craft.

So, what are you reading/watching/listening to? I'm always looking for good suggestions, so leave me a comment below.

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,


*None of these links are affiliate links. I'd rather spend my time sharing what I'm enjoying with you than tracking those down. Go see if your library or local book store (shall we make LBS a thing, like LYS?) has the books, check your local listings or favorite streaming service for the shows, and visit the podcasts' websites directly to find the best way for YOU to enjoy their content.

Everything you need to know about The Sweater with Kathleen Dames | Season One : Solstice Cardi

My friends, here are all the links you may need for the Solstice Cardi, our Season One sweater for The Sweater with Kathleen Dames. If you are interested in our current season, be sure to visit kathleendames.com/thesweater.

Happy knitting!
xoxo,

• Learn more about the Solstice Cardi pattern
• Buy your copy of the Solstice Cardi pattern
• Watch Season One on YouTube
• Subscribe to The Sweater with Kathleen Dames on iTunes

1. the pattern 1/8/16 [Ravelry thread]
2. the yarn (swatching and gauge)1/15/16 [Ravelry thread]
3. the cast on (first sleeve) 1/22/16 [Ravelry thread]
4. the body 1/29/16 [Ravelry thread]
5. the shaping 2/6/16 [Ravelry thread]
6. the body, again 2/12/16 [Ravelry thread]
7. the second sleeve 2/19/16 [Ravelry thread]
8. the yoke 2/26/16 [Ravelry thread] BONUS video: joining row
9. the bind off 3/4/16 [Ravelry thread]
10. the finish 3/11/16 [Ravelry thread]
11. the block 3/18/16 [Ravelry thread]
12. the sweater 3/25/16 [Ravelry thread]

The Sweater with Kathleen Dames | Season Two, Episode One : The Pattern (YouTube)

s02 ep01

Let's talk about the pattern for the Purly Pullover! Visit the episode thread in the Kathleen Dames Design Ravelry group: http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/kathleen-dames-design/3423524/

Visit http://www.kathleendames.com/thesweater to sign up for the newsletter and get your free Purly Pullover pattern*. Your link to download the PDF will be in your Welcome email. Be sure to create your project page on Ravelry http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/purly-pullover

Happy Fuzzy Yarns http://happyfuzzyyarn.com/ - Kathleen will be knitting her DK weight Purly Pullover in Happy Fuzzy Yarns Merino DK in the Peony colorway

Madeline Tosh http://www.madelinetosh.com - the original Purly Pullover was knit in sport weight tosh pashmina in the Bloomsbury colorway

Black Sheep tape measure https://halcyonyarn.com/multi_craft/70590310/black-sheep-tape-measure

Share your project on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter with hashtags #kdsweater and #purlypullover

Thanks for being here, and happy knitting!
xoxo, Kathleen
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*Free pattern available until 22 July 2016. You can purchase Purly Pullover from my Ravelry shop any time: http://www.ravelry.com/stores/kathleen-dames-design

Visit http://www.kathleendames.com/thesweater to sign up for the newsletter and be the first to know about new episodes, special offers, and pattern releases.

Purchase the Season One pattern, Solstice Cardi, from my Ravelry shop: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solstice-cardi
-----------
periscope: https://www.periscope.tv/kathleendames
instagram: https://instagram.com/kathleendames/
twitter: https://twitter.com/kathleendames
ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kathleen-dames
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenDamesDesign
music: Cafe Parisien with accordion iStock.com/frobisher

Kathleen is wearing Purly Pullover, our pattern for Season Two. Pattern available at http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/purly-pullover

Check out this episode!

Pattern: Patchwork Princess

Patchwork Princess $8 on Ravelry (no account required)

High in the tower the trapped princess patches her gown. Out in the real world, patch your fitted hoodie with a beautiful assortment of cables filled with different stitches. Worked in one piece from the bottom up, waist shaping enhances your figure, and a hybrid yoke construction draws the cables up onto your shoulders. Don’t forget the hood! Short rows allow the large cable to travel all the way up to make it extra special.

Choose your favorite DK weight yarn. Spirit Trail's Brigantia, with it's blend of Polwarth and Silk makes me feel like a princess.

What you'll love about knitting Patchwork Princess:

• Worked in one piece from the bottom up with integrated button bands - just sew on buttons, weave underarms together, and seam up the sleeves, and you're ready to go
• Unusual patchwork cables keep your interest on fronts, back, and sleeves
• Short-row shaping create a cozy hood with cables traveling all the way up and over your head 

What you'll love about wearing Patchwork Princess:

• Gentle waist shaping flatters your figure 
• Patchwork cables filled with texture stitches catch the eye 
• That hood! Beautiful up or down 

Size/Finished Measurements
Chest: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52) inches Shown in 40-inch with 2-inches of ease

Materials
Spirit Trail Brigantia [85% Polwarth Wool, 15% Bombyx Silk 600 yards/549 meters per 210 gram/7.41 oz. skein]; color: Werewolves in London; 2 (2, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3) skeins {approx. 850 (950, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1450, 1600) yds}
One US4/3.5mm 40-inch circular needle
Cable needle (optional)
Stitch markers and coil-less safety pins or other removable stitch markers
Waste yarn or stitch holders
Tapestry needle 5 (5, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6) buttons

Gauge
22 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch

Thanks! 
Technical Editing: Corrina Ferguson
Photography: Nicholas Dames

Everything you need to create your own beautiful Patchwork Princess is provided in the professionally designed (by me!) pattern. Charted versions of both Patchwork cables are included.



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

Spring Hiatus 5 | The Sweater with Kathleen Dames

We are on Spring Hiatus for the month of April. Season Two of The Sweater with Kathleen Dames will begin in May, and we will knit the Purly Pullover together.

 

Today we are taking a peek at my popular A Vest for Charles and Sotherton patterns.

 

I misspoke! The vest in question was worn by King Charles I to his beheading. See more here: http://www.gettyimages.ca/detail/news-photo/the-vest-that-king-charles-i-allegedly-wore-on-the-day-of-news-photo/96819393 and here: http://needleprint.blogspot.com/2011/06/king-charles-i-his-knitted-vest.html  The patterns used in my modern interpretation include King Charles Brocade, seen in the yoke of the original, and and XOXO pattern featured between some welting at the bottom of the placket.

 

Sotherton was inspired by the Sotherton estate in Mansfield Park. If you are looking for a figure-flattering DK weight sweater, she’s it!

 

Knits seen in this episode

-On Lady Jane: A Vest for Charles http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-vest-for-charles

-On Kathleen: Sotherton http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sotherton

 

Next week we will review the Purly Pullover pattern and talk measurements.

 

Thanks for being here, and happy knitting!

xoxo, Kathleen

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Visit http://www.kathleendames.com/thesweater to sign up for the newsletter and be the first to know about new episodes, special offers, and pattern releases.

 

Purchase the Season One pattern, Solstice Cardi, from my Ravelry shop: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solstice-cardi

-----------

periscope: https://www.periscope.tv/kathleendames

instagram: https://instagram.com/kathleendames/

twitter: https://twitter.com/kathleendames

ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kathleen-dames

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KathleenDamesDesign

music: Cafe Parisien with accordion iStock.com/frobisher

Check out this episode!