This blog post is really almost a little news roundup. I’m busy in the planning stages for my trip to TNNA at Columbus next week. This is equal parts work and fun; I get to meet all my friends, fondle new yarns while at the same time selling my patterns to yarn stores. This year I’m extending my autumn/fall KAL to yarn stores. If you’re a yarn store (or if you’ve got one close to you that might be interested) you can register your interest with the newsletter here.
My first pattern with Yarn Stories, Barkentine, was released this week. You may notice that this season I’m just loving loose, drop shoulder lace tops. They just seem the perfect seasonal addition to the wardrobe at them moment! The lace running up the side of Barkentine was designed to echo the sea, for all your maritime adventures :-)
The KAL for Spritz Stripes is moving along very quickly – we’re already on clue 3! Many of the knitters were just astonished when they realised how much the lace grows in this sweater….watch them transform from crop tops to full length sweaters :-) These before and after photos are well worth a look.
Now for the surprise. I just released Rakuda which uses a very distinctive yarn, Cole. I would love to see a couple of versions of this in different yarns (or different colors of Cole if you’ve got some available). Leave a comment below telling me what size you’ll knit and what yarn you’ve got that will work for the pattern….. details of the pattern below. Please don’t enter if you don’t have time in the coming month to knit it!
Leave a comment by Saturday 23 May and I’ll pick 3 winners who get a copy of the pattern.
SIZE
To Fit Actual Bust Circumference up to: 31.5 (35.5, 37.5, 40, 44, 46, 48.5, 52.5, 54.5)” / 80 (90, 95.5, 101.5, 112, 117, 123, 133.5, 138.5) cm.
5-7” / 12.5 – 18 cm positive ease recommended.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Bust Circumference: 36.5 (40.5, 42.5, 45, 49, 51, 53.5, 57.5, 59.5)” / 92.5 (103, 108, 114.5, 124.5, 129.5, 136, 146, 151) cm.
Size 40.5” / 103 cm modelled with 5”/ 12.5 cm positive ease.
Length: 25 (26, 26.25, 26.5, 27.75, 28.25, 28.75, 30, 30.75)” / 63.5 (66, 66.5, 67.5, 70.5, 72, 73, 76, 78) cm.
MATERIALS
Yarn
Anzula Luxury Fibers ‘Cole’
100% Superwash Merino; 180 yds /164 m per 3.5 oz /100 g skein); Color: Pewter; 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 9) skeins
Needles & Notions
2 US size 8 / 5 mm circular needles, 40”/ 100 cm long
2 US size 10.5 / 7 mm circular needles, 40”/ 100 cm long
Set of US size 8 / 5 mm dpns (if not using magic loop for sleeves)
Always use a needle size that gives you the gauge listed, as every knitter’s gauge is unique.
Tapestry needle, stitch markers, stitch holder, one 1.25” / 3 cm diameter button.
Gauge
16 sts and 21 rows = 4”/10cm in St St with smaller needle
16 sts and 30 rows = 4”/10cm in Garter Stitch with smaller needle
15 sts and 18 rows = 4”/10cm in Over-Sized Lace
I’m planning on making Rakuda with Mad tosh Chunky in Tart (stash yarn) and I’m making the 42.5″ finished bust measurement.
I’d love a chance although I’m not seeing a lot of Cole availability on-line but I love the Watermelon color. Something about summer and that color. :)
Alternate yarns, I love the idea of Classic Elite Yarns Classic Silk to really make it a warm weather garment although a swatch would be a must. Or if its wool, maybe Blue Moon Fiber Arts Mopsy? It has great stitch definition in cabled sweaters and not too much of a halo to obscure the lace pattern.
Beautiful Sweater. I love it.
Love this design. Thinking through my stash for the perfect yarn ….
It’s a beautiful pattern, I have some vintage aubergine aran yarn, inherited from my granny. It must be thirty years old but it is in great condition!! And what a fabulous cardigan I would have to wear next Autumn!!
I would knit it in an orange cotton/silk in size L if I had the pattern.
I love this change in direction for you. I love the off center lacework :)
This yarn is just impossible to find….any suggestions for another yarn.
Is it th yarn Cole you can’t find? It’s a new yarn so it won’t be in a lot of stores yet. It will also work with a heavy aran yarn in wool with a tight twist.