01 July 2015

Did you miss me?

We went to Greece last week, and it was amazing! I didn't even knit every day - that's how amazing it was. If you don't follow me on social media (InstagramFlickrTwitterTumblr), you weren't inundated with pictures last week like the one below, but you can follow those links and enjoy them now ;)

Sunset on Santorini - wearing some handknits


The sweater I'm wearing will go into testing soon - it's in laceweight so was perfect for the cool nights in the Cyclades, and the scarf was my linen laceweight travel knitting, which will also need a write-up and test soon.

I'll do a more thorough post about Greece down the line, but for now it's time to get back to the grindstone (and get over my jetlag). I missed you all and hope your weeks were lovely.

This month there will be more pattern upgrades, as well as some re-releases of magazine-published patterns. In case you missed them, here are the patterns that have been upgraded so far:
As always, thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo, 

30 June 2015

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,

29 June 2015

Wedding sweater: swatches

Ooh, swatching! I know, I know, some of us find swatching to be such a burden. We just want to get knitting. I hear you! And as the designer, I'm lucky enough to be the one to set the gauge - all I have to worry about is creating a fabric I like, while you have to match my gauge or do math to adjust the pattern to your gauge. We knitters are mathematicians, aren't we?

But swatching gives you an opportunity to get to know your yarn, which is a good thing, and it also familiarizes you with the chosen stitch pattern. Since I will be working the cardigan back and forth (no steeking for me on this), I worked my swatches back and forth, too.
Swatch on US6 with garter edges on left and seed stitch edges on right
Hmm, the patterns look OK here with the US6 needle, but I feel like the fabric is too loose. I'm also not loving the Seed Stitch edge.

Swatch on US4 with garter stitch edges all around
This is more like it! The US4 tightens up the fabric, so everything looks tidy. I know Clara Parkes would want me to go down even smaller, but this is a cardigan that will be worn in August, so it doesn't need to be windproof :) The bobbles look crisper, too. And I am very happy with the garter stitch edges - they give a nice contrast to the smooth stockinette and highlight the hand-dyed color.

Previous steps: 1. Yarn choice. 2. Sketching.

Next step: Actual knitting! I'll be working my way up the body first, though I might do one sleeve first as a second gauge swatch (and to make the visit to sleeve island shorter because the yoke is always my favorite part).

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,


26 June 2015

FO-tastic: An Aran for Anne

One of the lovely things about putting all my patterns into the same format is that I get to revisit them all, double-check that I've seen everyone's FOs, and marvel at the skills and creativity of my fellow knitters. Today I want to share a handful of major beauties that came out of An Aran for Anne, the companion pattern to my all-spiffed-up An Aran for Frederick.

Knitwitted knit hers before embarking on a trip to the British Isles. Here she is on the shores of Loch Ness! Extra length on the sleees and body gave her the fit she was looking for. Remember: You are the boss of your own knitting. Modify so you'll love and wear it after all your hard work?

Lea67000 chose a beautiful color for hers and added a hem after the fact.

aaafan achieved a gorgeous fit on hers. Knowing your measurements can make all the difference when choosing which size to knit. And don't be afraid of a touch of negative ease!

How charming is the photo shoot WildBerryKnits staged for her sweater?! Reading Persuasion by the fire, hair caught up in a lace ribbon... Love it!
One more lovely version, this one from ktrautlein.

All images from the projects' Ravelry pages. No copyright infringement intended. I just want to share the love!

In case you want to check out all the other fantastic An Aran for Anne projects:



Thanks for stopping by and happy knitting!
xoxo,

24 June 2015

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,

23 June 2015

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,

22 June 2015

Wedding sweater: sketch

So, what should a wedding sweater look like? Whatever the bride wants! :)

My sister browsed Ravelry and noted a bunch of sweaters she like. With that information elements started to coalesce into something of an idea:
  • a high neckline that, when left unbuttoned, would fold down gracefully into those little triangles
  • a fitted waist courtesy of ribbing at the hem (the dress is A-line, so this will work nicely)
  • 3/4 sleeves with matching ribbing, of course
  • delicate eyelets along the raglan lines of the yoke
  • a little something running up the sleeve (more eyelets seem the best choice to keep things coherent)
  • something special on the fronts
  • lots of little buttons to enhance the delicacy and bridal feel
And here is my first scribble!

Top: buttoned up
Bottom: collar falling open gracefully

After looking over a wide variety of pretty stitch patterns, my sister fell for the Nosegay Pattern from Barbara Walker's indispensable A Treasury of Knitting Patterns. Isn't it lovely? I think it will be particularly feminine and delicate worked in fingering weight yarn.

Nosegay Pattern is perfect for a bride!

We have decided to leave the back plain, which will make the knitting go a little faster for me (the wedding is on 22 August) and keep the focus up front where it belongs (on the bride!).

I'm looking at Marriage Lines, also from Walker's Treasury, to flank the Nosegays and travel up the sleeves. Seems appropriate for a wedding sweater, doesn't it? Ooh, and I just saw that the Nosegay Pattern is worked over 10 rows, while Marriage Lines takes up 20 - this kind of thing makes working the patterns so much easier, though I would have happily suffered through the "hard way" for my sister. I love when elements come together to tell a story in a sweater, especially if they fit together neatly!

Previous steps: 1. Yarn choice.

Next step: Swatching. I have some ideas for the ribbing, so the swatch will give me a chance to explore my options, as well as determine how best to handle the buttonband. I have become exceedingly fond of integrated buttonbands (you can find them in my Bloc Party Cardi, Kellynch Cardigan, and Pomegranate Cardi patterns).

Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,