29 April 2016

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

----------

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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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!

26 April 2016

Pattern: Purly Pullover


Purly Pullover on Ravelry $8 (no account necessary)

Looking for something easy to knit and easy to wear? But it should be special, right? Knit this pullover with a few little tricks to make it special, then flip it inside-out to wear. Amaze your friends with all the purling you suffered through—they don’t need to know!

Purly Pullover is the sweater for Season Two of The Sweater with Kathleen Dames. Worked in the round from the bottom up, this sweater is a seamless raglan with some unusual elements. Almost exclusively knit stitch, you turn it inside out to wear it "purly". Written in my usual seven sizes, you can follow the Sport or DK version of the pattern.

Over the course of our 12-week season, we will knit this pattern together. I've already knit a sport version in tosh pashmina, so I'll be knitting a new one in Happy Fuzzy Yarns DK Merino - yum! You can subscribe to the podcast on YouTube or iTunes.

Click here to find out more about The Sweater with Kathleen Dames and subscribe to the newsletter.

By subscribing to The Sweater newsletter during Season Two (from 22 April until 22 July 2016), you will receive a link in the Welcome email to download your free copy.

Already a subscriber? You received the link in your Episode Zero newsletter.

Has Season Two ended? Purchase your copy of the pattern here.





What you'll love about knitting Purly Pullover:
  • Knit along with me! I'll take you through all the steps that go into knitting and finishing your beautiful sweater
  • It's almost ALL knitting! The few purl stitches in this sweater are decorative. Sometimes we just need a good, healthy knit-fest.
  • No waist shaping and basic sleeve increases make this the ultimate mindless knit -- choose your fantastic yarn accordingly!



What you'll love about wearing Purly Pullover:
  • Comfy, not sloppy, fit. I call this my "fancy sweatshirt".
  • Knitting friends will think you purled the whole thing. It will be our secret :)
  • Wearing the knit side of the fabric against your skin may spoil you for other knits.



Size/Finished Measurements
Finished bust circumference 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52) inches; Sport version shown in size 40 with 2 inches positive ease

Materials
  • Sport: Madelinetosh Pashmina (75% Merino, 15% Silk, 10% Cashmere 360 yds/329 m per 100 g skein); color: Bloomsbury; 2 (3, 3, 3, 4, 4, 4) skeins or approx. 700 (825, 950, 1080, 1250, 1350, 1450) yds sportweight yarn
  • DK: Happy Fuzzy Yarns DK Merino (100% Merino Wool 240 yds/219 m per 100 g skein); color: Peony; 3 (3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins or approx. 550 (675, 750, 850, 950, 1075, 1200) yds DK-weight yarn
  • Sport: US3 40-inch circular needle
  • DK: US5 40-inch circular needle
  • Markers
  • Waste yarn or stitch holders for underarms
  • Tapestry needle

Gauge
20 stitches x 30 rows = 4 inches square in Stockinette St.

Skills Needed
  • casting on
  • binding off
  • knitting
  • purling
  • increasing
  • decreasing
  • working in the round


Thanks!
Technical Editing: Corrina Ferguson
Photography: Nicholas Dames

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



Thanks for stopping by, and happy knitting!
xoxo,

22 April 2016

Part two!



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Happy Friday! Quick knit check-in. Tell me about your FOs since I only have WIPs right now #knitscope



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Spring Hiatus 4 | The Sweater with Kathleen Dames

YouTube




iTunes


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 on Season Two’s Episode Zero, I share the Purly Pullover with you. If you are a subscriber to The Sweater newsletter, thank you! You should receive your link to download the pattern shortly. If you are not a subscriber, visit http://www.kathleendames.com/thesweater to sign up and receive your download link in the WELCOME email. If you would like a copy of the pattern in your Ravelry library now, purchase your copy here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solstice-cardi

Knits seen in this episode
-On Lady Jane: Purly Pullover http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/purly-pullover
-On Kathleen: Solstice Cardi http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solstice-cardi

Is there a pattern of mine you would like me to talk about? We have one more Spring Hiatus episode before Season Two begins, so let me know in the comments.

Thanks for being here, and happy knitting!
xoxo, Kathleen
----------
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!

19 April 2016

Pattern: Bloc Pulli


Bloc Pulli on Ravelry $8 (no account necessary)

If you have a weakness for amazing-colored sock yarn and a known aversion to knitting socks, what are you to do? Knit yourself a Bloc Pulli! Contrasting cuffs shaped with short rows and a garter stitch edging at the collar set off that sock yarn from a straightforward body with a round yoke that doesn’t distract from the gorgeous color blocking.



What you'll love about knitting Bloc Pulli:

  • Short-row shaping on the long cuffs is fun to work
  • Sometimes you want a bit of in-the-round comfort knitting - you've got it! Nary a purl in sight (just three purl half rows to raise the back of the neck)
  • Sideways-knit collar means no tight (or fiddly) bindoff plus you've mastered a wonderful and useful technique

What you'll love about wearing Bloc Pulli:
  • Color blocking!
  • Lightweight yarn makes this a great multi-season sweater you'll reach for all the time
  • Though not fitted in the body, the properly-sized yoke ensures you'll look pulled together



Size/Finished Measurements
Women’s XS, S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X (shown in size M with 4” ease)
Chest circumference: 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56 inches
Materials
  • MC: Harrisville Designs Shetland (100% Wool; 217 yards/198 Meters per 50 gram skein); color: Midnight; 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7 skeins 
  • CC: Madeline Tosh Tosh Sock (100% Superwash Merino; 395 yards/361 meters per 114 gram skein); color: Tomato; 1 skein for all sizes (50g skein of fingering-weight yarn is sufficient for XS, S, and M sizes) 
  • US3/3.25mm 29-inch circular needle 
  • US6/4.0mm 29-inch circular needle 
  • Set of US6/4.0mm DPNs 
  • Waste yarn or stitch holders 
  • Stitch markers 
  • Tapestry needle

Gauge
20 sts x 28 rows = 4 inches in MC in Stockinette stitch on larger needle
24 sts x 48 rows (24 ridges) = 4 inches in CC in Garter stitch on smaller needle
Skills Needed
  • Casting on 
  • Binding off 
  • Knitting 
  • Purling 
  • Increasing 
  • Decreasing 
  • Short rows



Thanks!
Technical Editing: Karen Clark
Test Knitting: voodikon, ryam
Photography: Nicholas Dames

Everything you need to create your own beautiful Bloc Pulli 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,

15 April 2016

Coffee/knit talk (no FOs today) #knitscope #kathleentalks



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Spring Hiatus 3 | 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. More to come on our new sweater next week.

 

Today I share the story behind a favorite pattern: An Aran for Frederick. Purchase your copy of the pattern here: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/an-aran-for-frederick

 

Knits seen in this episode

-On Lady Jane: An Aran for Frederick http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/an-aran-for-frederick

-On Lady Jane: Captain Austen’s Scarf http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/captain-austens-scarf

-On Kathleen: Mermaid’s Cardigan http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mermaids-cardigan

 

Books mentioned in this episode

 

Is there a pattern of mine you would like me to talk about? Let me know in the comments.

 

Thanks for being here, and happy knitting!

xoxo, Kathleen

----------

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


Check out this episode!

12 April 2016

Pattern: Wavelette


Wavelette on Ravelry $8 (no account necessary)

Wavelette is a lovely layering piece with its lace front and delicate rolled hems. Fingering-weight yarn and a loose gauge make this light as air and quicker to knit than you might think.

Crest of the Wave (provided in both chart and written form), a variation on the classic Shetland Old Shale pattern, is easy to work and so gratifying with lacy bits and waves of double-strands of pearls (purls, really). This sweater is perfect for strolling on the beach or strutting out to dinner.



What you'll love about knitting Wavelette:

  • Worked in the round from the bottom up
  • Lace front provides knitterly interest without being too difficult
  • Very little finishing work



What you'll love about wearing Wavelette:
  • Fingering weight yarn makes this a lightweight, virtually year-round sweater depending upon what you layer beneath it
  • Delicate rolled hems at collar and cuff enhance the elegance of this sweater
  • Show-stopping lace panel in front makes this sweater truly special



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

Materials
  • Louet Gems Fingering Weight [100% Merino; 185 yards/169 Meters per 50 gram skein]; color: Cloud Grey; 4 [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9] skeins (approximately 666 [815, 977, 1145, 1325, 1509, 1685] yards)
  • US6/4.0mm 32-inch/80 cm circular needle
  • Set of US2/2.75mm double-pointed needles (DPNs)
  • Waste yarn
  • Stitch markers
  • Coil-less safety pins or other removable stitch markers
  • Tapestry needle

Gauge
24 sts x 26 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch on larger needle

Skills Needed
  • casting on
  • binding off
  • working in the round
  • knitting
  • purling
  • increasing
  • decreasing
  • following written or charted instructions for Crest of the Wave Lace pattern (both included)


Thanks!
Technical Editing: Karen Clark
Test Knitting: 100creations, lalalaclaire, mythik, villageknitting
Photography: Nicholas Dames

Everything you need to create your own beautiful Wavelette is provided in the professionally designed (by me!) pattern. Both written and charted versions of the Crest of the Wave Lace 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,

08 April 2016

Button overwhelm! Help me choose buttons at @mjtrim #buttonhunt



from kathleendames's Collection on Katch https://ktch.tv/9hKN
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Spring Hiatus 2 | 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. More to come on our new sweater soon.

 

Today I have a few woolly thoughts to share with you. Do you know the difference between worsted and woolen spun yarn?

 

Knits seen in this episode

-On Lady Jane: Bloc Pulli http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bloc-pulli

-On Kathleen: Unicorn Party http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/unicorn-party

-On Kathleen: Solstice Cardi http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/solstice-cardi

 

Is there a knit you'd like to see on Lady Jane? Leave a comment below.

 

Thanks for being here, and happy knitting!

xoxo, Kathleen

----------

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!

05 April 2016

What I'm reading/watching/listening to: April 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...

  • Emma: An Annotated Edition by Jane Austen
    This version is from Belknap/Harvard University Press and includes all sorts of interesting bits about the book itself and the times in which it was set and written, as well as illustrations. I have slowly collected these "tomes" over the years and savored reading some of my favorite novels in this format - it is a very different experience, one I highly recommend.
  • Venice is a Fish by Tiziano Scarpa
    We are reading this for my book club. It was my choice, since the host for the current book club meeting chooses the book that will be read next time. We read fiction, non-fiction, then a classic, and somehow I keep ending up hosting when it's time to choose non-fiction (not the first choice of this classic novel girl), but having spent one glorious day in Venice (my sister took me when I visited her in Bologna longer ago than I care to admit), this book intrigued me. It is brief, poetic, and very evocative of the things I already knew about la Serenissima while also sharing new things I wouldn't have discovered otherwise. Now I want to go back!
  • I Never Knew That About New York by Christopher Winn
    As a transplant to the city that never sleeps, I love learning new bits about my adopted city. This book is full of near and ancient history organized by location. I'm still way down at the southern end of the island, having just reached Wall Street. I read it in little bits often while, um, doing my business ;)

What I'm watching...
  • The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story on FX
    Yes, I lived through it all and remember where I was during the infamous Bronco chase (on my roommate's shlumply brown couch in Somerville), but beyond that I wasn't much interested in all this at the time. And now I'm fascinated. If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I think this is such. good. television. The storytelling is compelling; the acting has real depth (aside from Travolta); the lighting and cinematography, the costumes and wigs, the music are exceptional. This is the only appointment television for me (everything else I watch is from the DVR or a streaming service). It addresses race, gender, culture, and I can't believe the finale is tonight.
  • Broad City on Comedy Central
    Hysterical girls in New York sitcom (way more entertaining than HBO's Girls). I love those two crazy gals. The subway scene from season one's The Lockout makes me laugh so hard I cry. Every episode is clever. Lots of cameos and spot-on New Yorker humor.
  • The Americans on FX
    This show is so good. So good. We started watching it in part because it was filmed in our neighborhood (subbing for DC and Philly), but it is so compelling. It's also really intense, yet we don't want to watch just one, so we often save up a couple and binge-watch them. As a general rule I don't like shows that make the viewer anxious, but that rule has totally gone out the window here. The 80s stuff is kind of fun, but it's the storytelling that keeps me coming back for more.

What I'm listening to...
  • The History of English Podcast
    Want to learn more about why we use the words we use? This podcast is definitely one to listen to from episode one. Kevin is a patient and intelligent storyteller who clearly knows his stuff. I always find myself feeling cleverer for having listened to an episode. And I kind of love that at least once an episode I say "Well, of course. That makes total sense!"
  • Elise Gets Crafty
    While Elise crafts in a different segment of the Craft industry, the people she talks to always have interesting things to say. I've started to work my way back into her archives for even more good stuff. I listen to this when running around the track - it does a great job of distracting me from going 'round and 'round the oval.
  • Explore Your Enthusiasm
    To be honest, I'm not sure exactly when I discovered Tara's podcast, but I've listened to all 100 of her episodes (and am now a member of her Starship business group). The minute her episodes show up in my Podcasts app, I listen! Tara really understands small business, especially those of us focused on craft. Great guests and lots of interesting stuff.

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' websited directly to find the best way for YOU to enjoy their content.

01 April 2016

Quick Friday fun: think pink! #knitscope #yarnscope



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The Sweater with Kathleen Dames | Spring Hiatus 1


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. More to come on our new sweater soon.

In the meantime, I wanted to share a few patterns that you will enjoy knitting now that you are a master sweater knitter:

-Bloc Party Cardigan (FREE on Knitty) http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bloc-party-cardigan
-Pomgegranate Cardi http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pomegranate-cardi
-Sly Maid Stole http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sly-maid-stole
-Thistle Leaf Pullover http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thistle-leaf-pullover
-Thistle Leaf Shawl http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/thistle-leaf-shawl

The Unicorn Tapestries, Vol. One pattern collection is available as a discounted bundle: http://www.ravelry.com/bundles/unicorn-tapestries-vol-one

Is there a knit you'd like to see on Lady Jane? Leave a comment below.

Thanks for being here, and happy knitting!
xoxo, Kathleen
----------
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!