I’ve completed writing up the pattern for my latest design! It’s the Instil Joy Vest.
It’s a boat neck vest in a bobble-like textured stitch, very easy as it’s only using double decreases to make the bumps. I’ve worked it in Rowan Hemp Tweed Yarn, but you can use any Aran / 10 ply yarn you wish. I swoon for Tweed Yarns! I’m looking for test knitters for this pattern. If you’re interested I’m running the test in my Ravelry Group which you can access from my Ravelry designer page. All the details are available there. If you’re not a Ravelry user, but are still interested let me know, and I can give you the details and another way to participate.
I have a new knitting pattern available! It’s for my new lovely, comforting Humanise Throw Rug classically styled, in a timeless cables and lace stitch pattern.
After a hectic day of too much to do, and being pulled in multiple directions, do you feel not quite human? Snuggle under the Humanise Throw Rug to humanise yourself again.
The simple, but effective stitch pattern is therapeutic to knit, and lovely to rest under.
It’s done in a classic cables and lace style, and is worked flat, in one piece for faster knitting and minimal finishing. I’ve worked it in FibraNatura Cottonwood, which comes in a massive array of colours. I’ve chosen beige, which is great for matching with other home decor, but any colour which complements or contrasts with your decor would work. The throw rug finished size is 102cm (40 in) x 77cm (30.5 in).
My most recent knitting pattern for my new lovely, timeless Dilettante Cushion Cover is now available!
Dilettante Cushion Cover
It’s done in a classic jacquard style, stranded colourwork pattern and is worked in the round for faster knitting and minimal finishing. I’ve worked it in Jamieson & Smith 2 Ply Jumperweight, which comes in a massive array of colours. I’ve chosen shades 87 and 9144, but any dark and light colour combo could work, with colours which compliment your decor, or give a beautiful impact of contrast. The cover stretches to fit a 30cm x 40cm (12 in x 16 in) cushion insert, or you can stuff with loose filling, as I’ve done.
Then going back to December last year, I also published a Men’s Pullover pattern, a long time in the making. The design work didn’t take to long, but I’m not fast with Fair Isle, so the sample took quite some time, when I didn’t have a lot of time to dedicate to it. And here it is – the Catchword Pullover now available!
Catchword Pullover
This is a timeless Fair Isle style, men’s stranded colourwork pullover, with the modern touch of some whimsical wording across the chest. I’ve worked it in Heirloom (Australia) Easy Care 8 ply, which comes in a lovely array of 54 colours as of today. The intended wearer can choose their own colours for maximised chance of wearing. Some contrasts look great in the ball, but not so good knitted up, as I found. A tension square/gauge swatch is the only safe way to confirm the colour choices.
The knitting pattern for my new lovely, timeless Bona Fide Vest is now available!
It’s done in my interpretation of a Guernsey Style Stitch Pattern and has a flattering Turtle Neck collar for added style and warmth for mid-season wear. I’ve worked it in Cascade 220 Yarn which comes in a massive array of colours, so you’re certainly not limited to the classic grey which I’ve chosen. The fitted style vest reaches around hip-bone length for that classic vintage look, and increases from the waist to the bust to keep a trim fit.
It’s great to take photos to appreciate the big picture look of the piece. It’s revealing itself to be a lovely, timeless pullover/sweater, and a knitting pattern will be available when test knitting has confirmed all the lovely details.
Making a start on the back of a Fair Isle pullover. This is the sample pullover for my current design. The aim is to create a lovely timeless knitting pattern in a vintage style.
It was one of those designs where I was wondering, “Am I crazy to be doing this?”. For some reason, these always end up to be my favourites. It’s worked in a 4ply/Fingering yarn and covered in small rib, cables and twist stitches, hence my doubts about my own state of mind. And of course a collar, which is so simple but transforms it to another level. The outcome is so worth it. I love the vintage look that I ended up with!
We’re having a very out-of-routine few weeks at the moment, so very little is getting done on the knitting front. As I’d already picked up the stitches for an armhole for the Virgo Vest one evening, I managed to knit the armhole band in the car yesterday. So, as you can see, I have the neck band and one armhole band completed. Don’t hold your breath, but I’ll get there in the end.
Virgo Vest
I’m already thinking about what I’m going to design when this vest is completed. The plan is for a small lace bag (what is it with me and lace?) worked in a cotton/linen blend. When on a trip into town on Monday, I visited Clegs on the off chance that I’d find the sort of thing I was after. Having failed in my search on their website, due no doubt to my lack of skills, while wandering the shelves I managed to find some Katia Linen. “Ooooh!”, I exclaimed, and purchased it at once. Stay tuned for further updates.
My alpaca lace vest is nearing completion. The front an back are both finished and are currently blocking. Here is a picture of the back before blocking. It looks rather crumpled here, but the blocking is doing it wonders.
Virgo Vest
Tonight, I’ll be able to sew it together and measure up to calculate the required stitches for the neck band and armhole bands. Now to see if I have the right sized circular needle for the bands! The yarn is a little fuzzy, so I wasn’t sure how well the pattern would be visible, but it looks fine in this photo.
It’s great that it’ll be ready for Southern Hemisphere Spring wear, and Northern Hemisphere Autumn/Fall wear. A win for everybody!!
