Patterna Nova :: Jeera & Tree Rings

Well, hi! It's been awhile! I took a little break from pattern-posting this summer in favor of hanging out with the kids (and also sewing...), but I can assure you that I've been busy cooking up lots of new designs for the coming cooler seasons. The first of these are being released in conjunction with Miss Babs, whose delicious Fall 2016 collection came out last Friday. There are lots of lovelies in the set and some designers I greatly admire, and I'm honored to be amongst them! I'm thrilled to have two designs in the collections, and first up is Jeera:

Jeera - $6 via Ravelry (no account required)

Jeera is a shawl-cowl hybrid done in a simple textured stitch pattern and garter stitch and it uses the most gorgeous colorway of Miss Babs Keira yarn. The specs...

Finished measurements: 23”/ 58.5 cm circumference at top opening, 15.25”/ 38.75 cm height at center, 45.5”/ 115.5 cm circumference at bottom opening

Yarn: Miss Babs Keira (100% superwash merino; 560 yards/8.3 oz), 1 skein, shown in Cumin and Thunderstorm, or 560 yards/512 meters fingering weight yarn.

Needles: US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, at least 24”/ 60 cm long, or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 19 stitches and 37 rows = 4”/10 cm square in pattern, blocked
Meeting this exact gauge is not crucial, but any major differences will affect the size of the finished cowl and yardage required.

And next up is Tree Rings...

 

Tree Rings - $6 via Ravelry (no account required)

Tree Rings is a scallop-edged, crescent-shaped shawl that takes either one or two of Miss Babs' generous skeins of Yowza yarn, depending on which size you choose. The specs for this one...

Finished measurements: Small (Large) - 49.25”/125 cm (79.75”/202.5 cm) length along top edge, 13.5”/34.25 cm (21.5”/54.5 cm) height at center

Yarn: Miss Babs Yowza (100% superwash merino; 560 yards/8 oz), 1 (2) skeins, shown in Muslin (Cacao), or 500 yards/ 823 meters (1050 yards/ 960 meters) worsted weight yarn.

Needles: US 7 4.5 mm circular needle, at least 40”/100 cm

Gauge: 16 sts & 35 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch, slightly blocked
Meeting this exact gauge is not crucial, but any major differences will affect the size of the finished shawl and yardage required.

For more information on Jeera and Tree Rings, you can check them out on Ravelry here and here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.

Patternum Novum :: Phosphoro

Simple, soothing garter stitch meets stripes and fun colors. We’ve heard this story before. But Phosphoro combines the well-known and well-loved garter stripe duo with an interesting construction that creates the perfect triangular shawl shape and intersecting lines. Because there are no stitch or row-count-specific patterns to worry about, Phosphoro is very easily modified to suit any weight of yarn, and instructions are included in the pattern to make those mods as simple as can be. Grab a set of four colors – neons, neutrals, gradient, anything – and have fun creating and wearing this simple and striking wrap.

Phosphoro - $5 via Ravelry (no account required)

The specs...

Finished measurements: 64”/ 162.5 cm wingspan; 27”/ 68.5 cm height at center

Yarn: The Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering (75% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 5% Nylon; 390 yds/ 357 m per 101g); 1 skein each of Bashful/pink (C1), Lightning Bug/neon green (C2), Twill/natural (C3), and Corduroy/ green (C4)
Or, 4 colors of fingering weight yarn: 380 yds/ 350 m of C1, 150 yds/ 135m of C2, 100 yds/ 90 m of C3, and 300 yds/ 275 m of C4

Also shown slightly modified in Plucky Knitter Traveler Aran in French Laundry (C1), Haberdasher (C2), Registry (C3), and Stone’s Throw (C4) on US 9/ 5.5mm needles. Finished measurements: 68.75”/ 174.5 cm wingspan and 26.5”/ 67.5 cm height at center.


Needles: US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, at least 24”/ 60 cm long, or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 21 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in Garter Stitch
Meeting this exact gauge is not crucial, but any major differences will affect the size of the finished shawl and yardage required.

For more information on Phosphoro, you can check it out on Ravelry here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the Phosphoro discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.

Patterna Nova :: Ars Natura

Some time ago, I was lucky enough to get my hands on seven skeins of Anzula Luxury Fibers' Cricket yarn -- a lovely DK/light worsted combo of cashmere, and nylon. Seven skeins and six colors and a hint of an idea for a cowl set that showed off the versatility of the yarn with different knitting techniques. And today I am thrilled to release the resulting collection into the wild.

Ars Natura - $14 via Ravelry (no account required)


Ars Natura is a set of four nature-inspired cowls that show off different techniques in a very simple setting (read: knit in the round, no shaping). These cowls are reversible and twisted (using a super simple technique when finishing that I've included step by step instructions and photos for), making them cushy and warm and (I dare say) really pretty. I've linked the full set of cowls above, but each one is also available as an individual download (though you get a big discount if you buy them together!).

Anthos (flower in Greek) - $5 - has little Scandinavian flowers colorblocked with fat stripes...

 

Cruces (Latin for crosses) - $5 - has more stranded colorwork: a very, very simple little cross pattern...

Frons (foliage) - $5 - has an allover, leafy lace pattern...

 

and Keras (horn) - $5 - features beautiful Staghorn cables twisting their way around.

 

For more information on Ars Natura and the patterns within, including the specific yardage requirements, needle sizes, finished measurements, etc., you can check it out on Ravelry here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the Ars Natura discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.

Patternum Novum :: Versus

Way back in November, before our family embarked on an epic journey to the Southeast to visit friends and family and (gasp!) even relax on the beach a little bit, I released a shawl pattern that is really a favorite of mine. I mean, I know I say that about everything I design, but this time I really  mean it. Garter stitch, stripes, an asymmetrical triangular shape, eyelets...these are a few of my favorite things. I loved it so much, I did two versions. I really didn't mean for it to take so long to update here on the ol' blog, but with the baby crawling around and the holidays and all, I seem to be dropping packets right and left! But at long last, here it is...

Versus - $5 via Ravelry (no account required)


Versus is really about opposites. Take a light and a dark or a neon and a neutral, knit an eyeleted, stripey triangle, then join a thick, perpendicular extension that is a negative of the original pattern. Versus begins with a single stitch and is knit in one piece with two skeins of fingering weight yarn all in garter stitch, save for the rows of eyelets occasionally placed throughout. Simple increases and decreases and one strategically placed cast on form contradicting lines, and the perfect unsymmetrical triangular shape to wrap up in. Notes on modification have been included at the end of the pattern, as well as instructions for a three-color version.

The specs...

Finished measurements: 64”/ 162.5 cm wingspan; 27”/ 68.5 cm height at center

Yarn: 2 colors of fingering weight yarn: 420 yds/ 385 m of MC and 300 yds/ 275 m of CC
Two-color version shown in: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light (100% Merino; 420 yds/ 384 m per 114g); 1 skein each of Faded Parka, green (MC), and Fluoro Rose, pink (CC)
OR, 3 colors of fingering weight yarn: 390 yds/ 357 m of MC, 290 yds/ 267 m of CC, and 115 yds/ 105 m of a 3rd color
Three-color version shown in: The Plucky Knitter Primo Fingering (75% Merino, 20% Cashmere, 5% Nylon; 390 yds/ 357 m per 101g); 1 skein each of Lonesome Highway/ grey (MC), Twill/ natural (CC), and Lightning Bug/ neon green (3rd color)

Needles: US 6 (4 mm) circular needle, at least 24”/ 60 cm long, or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 18 stitches and 36 rows = 4 inches in Garter Stitch
Meeting this exact gauge is not crucial, but any major differences will affect the size of the finished shawl and yardage required.

For more information on Versus, you can check it out on Ravelry here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the Versus discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.

Patternum Novum :: Kallisti Cowl

I'm very pleased to say that I've had the opportunity to team up with Jackie of Luna Grey Fiber Arts again -- I had a great time working with her on Luna Viridis and Sidere, so much so that I was itching to get my hands on some more of her gorgeous yarn to design with! For this new pattern/ kit (FYI, read to the end because we're doing a giveaway... :) ), I used her super soft, super squishy bulky weight yarn, Apollo. And I am so happy I did. Here it is, the Kallisti Cowl:

Kallisti - $5 via Ravelry (no account required)


Kallisti (which means most beautiful and is a title of Artemis) is a sort of huntress inspired piece that is a hybrid in a few different ways. It's part shawl, part cowl...part semi-circle, part triangle...knit partially flat and partially in the round. It's a twist on my usual shawl-cowl designs, and it is definitely the quickest one to knit and coziest one to wear. I'm in love with how the hand dyed yarn looks both in the simple Stockinette part and especially in the giant bobbles along the border.

The specs...

Finished measurements: 20.5”/ 52 cm circumference at top opening; 19”/ 48.5 cm height at center; 42.5”/ 108 cm circumference at bottom opening

Yarn: Luna Grey Fiber Arts Apollo (100% Merino Wool; 106 yds/ 97 m per 100g); 2 skeins in Emerald
Or, 210 yds/ 190 m of a bulky weight yarn

Needles: US 11 (8 mm) circular needle, 16-24”/ 40-60 cm long, or size needed to obtain gauge
US 10 (6 mm) circular needle, 24-32”/ 60-80 cm long, or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 11 sts & 18 rows = 4”/ 10 cm in Stockinette St on larger needles
10 sts = 4”/ 10 cm in bobble pattern on smaller needles
Meeting these exact gauges is not crucial, but any major differences will affect the size of the finished cowl and yardage required.

And the giveaway? Jackie will be giving away a Kallisti kit (yarn + pattern both) to one lucky winner -- you can check it out and enter to win here.

For more information on Kallisti, you can check it out on Ravelry here and on the Luna Grey Fiber Arts site here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the Kallisti discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.

Patternum Novum :: Pommier Vest

Happy Friday! Today, I have a couple of things to share with you. First is a new pattern. Second is my annual birthday BOGO sale, in celebration of my birthday tomorrow, which I'd rather just skip and stay 34 for a few more years, but that isn't really possible under the current laws of physics/ the space-time continuum, etc. etc. But at least you get a free pattern out of the deal! :) Just read to the end to find out more. So first up, Pommier:

Pommier - $5 via Ravelry (no account required)


Pommier is a fun vest I cooked up forever ago to use two stunning colors of Anzula's For Better or Worsted yarn. The body is worked from the top down in Stockinette stitch and knits up quite quickly in worsted weight on size 7 needles -- a simple i-cord lines the armhole openings, and stitches are picked up around the vests opening to create a big, cushy collar in two-color Brioche Stitch. Now, I was a bit intimidated by Brioche Stitch until I designed this vest -- all those new terms freaked me out! But, seriously, it is not that hard. And I've included a full photo tutorial in the pattern to prove it to you. Because it looks really cool once it's done. Anyway, Pommier also features a slight racerback, just to give it a little something extra.

The specs...

Finished measurements: Bust: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)”/ 71 (81.5, 91.5, 101.5, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152.5) cm; Length from back neck to hem, excluding collar: 22.75 (23.25, 24, 24.25, 25, 25.25, 25.75, 26, 26.25)”/ 56.5 (58.5, 60, 61, 62.5, 63.5, 65.5, 66, 66.5) cm
Sample is shown in size 32” / 81.5 cm with 2”/ 5 cm of negative ease. Positive ease would also look great.

Yarn: Anzula Luxury Fibers For Better or Worsted (80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon; 200 yds / 183 m per 115g); 3 (3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6) skeins in Navy (MC) and 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2) skein(s) in Candy Apple (CC)
Or, 475 (550, 625, 700, 750, 825, 900, 975, 1025) yds/ 435 (505, 570, 640, 685, 755, 825, 890, 935) m (MC) and 200 (200, 225, 225, 225, 225, 250, 250, 250) yds / 185 (185, 205, 205, 205, 205, 230, 230, 230) m (CC) of a worsted weight yarn

Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 32-60” / 80-150 cm long (depending on size made), or size needed to obtain gauge
Same size needles preferred for working a small circumference in the round (e.g. circular needle long enough for Magic Loop, dpns)

Gauge: 18 sts & 24 rows = 4”/ 10 cm in St st; 15 sts & 36 rows = 4”/ 10 cm in Brioche St

And how about that SALE? Well, I've stuck a birthday-specific coupon code in Pommier's Ravelry page -- just add two patterns to your cart, enter that code, and it will deduct the price of the less expensive pattern. The sale will be going on from now until the end of my birthday tomorrow (11:59pm Pacific time on September 19th), so go, go!

For more information on Pommier, you can check it out on Ravelry here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the Safrani discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.

Patternum Novum :: Safrani Cardigan

Since I first released my Indicum Pullover three (!!!) years ago, I couldn't stop thinking about turning it into a cardigan. I thought the pretty scoop neck and corrugated ribbing would be perfect for such a garment, and cardigans are always such a versatile clothing option. But, as often happens, life, designing, other projects got in the way. But now, I am so happy to say that my dreams of a cardiganized Indicum have finally been realized. Let me introduce you to Safrani:

Safrani - $5 via Ravelry (no account required)

(For a limited time, get Safrani and Indicum together for the price of one -- simply add both to your cart, and the price of one will be automatically deducted at checkout. No coupon code needed.)

Safrani (Greek for saffron), was inspired by Indicum -- it has the same top-down construction, scoop neck shaped with short rows, two-color corrugated ribbing (which is easy! I'll prove it to you in the pattern), and easy fit. But, let me tell you, re-doing the math to make this pullover into a cardigan was much more involved that I thought it would be. It probably would have been easier to just start from scratch, but I really wanted to keep Indicum's specific design details intact, so I pressed on. Anyway, Safrani also has 3/4 length sleeves that end in an optional little puff, which I think is cute, but may not be for everyone. For this cardi, I used a fingering weight yarn (Malabrigo Sock) knit at a looser-than-normal gauge for a super lightweight knit that is perfect for transitional weather!

The specs...

Finished measurements: Bust: 28.25 (32, 36.25, 40, 44.25, 48, 52.25, 56)”/ 72 (81.5, 92, 101.5, 112.5, 122, 132.5, 142) cm; Length from collar to hem: 24.25 (24.5, 25.75, 26.25, 26.75, 27.5, 28, 28.25)”/ 61.5 (62, 65.5, 66.5, 68, 70, 71, 72) cm
A note on fit: Safrani is shown in shown worn with 2” of negative ease, however, because the model (me) had a baby in the last year, this is a bit more than intended. :) I still think this fit works with this cardigan, however I also think it would work with no ease or a bit of positive ease as well.

Yarn: MC: Malabrigo Yarn Sock (100% Merino; 440 yds/402 m per 100g); 2 (2, 2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4) skeins in color 803 Ochre
Or, 680 (770, 870, 965, 1065, 1155, 1255, 1350) yds/ 620 (705, 795, 880, 975, 1055, 1150, 1235) m of a fingering weight yarn
CC: Malabrigo Yarn Sock; 1 skein in color 63 Natural (CC)
Or, 40 (45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 75, 80) yds / 35 (40, 45, 50, 55, 65, 70, 75) m of a fingering weight yarn

Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm) circular needle, 24-60” / 60-150 cm long, and same size needles preferred for working a small circumference (sleeves) in the round, e.g. circular long enough for Magic Loop, dpns

Gauge: 21 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch

For more information on Safrani, you can check it out on Ravelry here.  And if you'd like to knit along with others and/or share photos, come join the Safrani discussion in my Ravelry group, The Yarniad's Symposium.