Interlude: Bretton Woods Collection and Patterns

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful responses to collections as a way to release patterns. I really appreciate knowing what works for you! In the end I decided on a hybrid approach: I’ll release my sweater patterns in groups, all at the same time, and offer them both ways: In collections, and as standalone patterns. I’ve also put all of my recipes up as individual downloads, including the Sebasco Collection recipes, which some of you have asked after.

Two trips down, one to go! And in this quiet, family-filled interlude between airplanes, I’m excited to offer up this month’s sweater collection: Bretton Woods.

courant-final-2 harrogate-final-5 thornes-final-6
Buy any of the full patterns individually for $7.00:
Courant * Harrogate * Thornes
Buy the whole Bretton Woods Collection for $15.00:
The Bretton Woods Collection
Buy any of the CustomFit Recipes individually for $2.50:
Courant* Harrogate * Thornes

I’m a New England girl, born and bred. Growing up here has shaped me in many ways, fashion among them. At its best, the fashion I saw growing up had a relaxed elegance – a bit of polish, careful attention to detail, without screaming “look at me!”. (Other times, union suits and hip waders.)

In designing the sweaters for this collection, I wanted to draw from my roots. I wanted them to be current, but without verging over into trendy. Capture a little bit of that timeless style. So these three looks will fit right into your wardrobe today, and for years to come.

Courant is a classic take on some of my favorite 80s elements. The ultra-long sleeves put me in mind of legwarmers, but adding coziness to the arms. The shorter sweater length is a vastly more figure-friendly version of my beloved cropped tops. Together with the wide turtleneck neckline, the silhouette is balanced and widely flattering. In addition to pairing it several times with this tweed kilt, I’ve been wearing it tons with a sweet A-line jean skirt and boots. (Also: fleece tights. It’s cold here!)

courant-final-3 courant-final-8 courant-final-4 courant-final-6

Knit out of the incredible Knitting Boutique Severn (a lovely BFL-Silk blend Knitting Boutique sources from a small PA farm), Courant is a snuggle in sweater form. Find out more here on its pattern page.

*****

Harrogate is a refined, comfortable pullover in a wool-lover’s wool. Typically, classic cabled pullovers are somewhat boxy and less-curvaceous; Harrogate updates this look with vertical waist shaping darts, hourglass cables, and a figure-skimming silhouette. It retains intricate-looking stitch patterns, strong vertical elements, and a lusciously woolly yarn. I’ve seen Jackie wear this dressed-up (as in the pattern pictures) and dressed down (in an adorable rolled skinny jeans and boat shoes outfit, with the cutest patterned button-down peeking out at the edges) and look smashing both ways.

harrogate-final-8 harrogate-final-1 harrogate-final-7 harrogate-final-6

Harrogate is worked in an incredible new yarn from Lorna’s Laces – their Masham Worsted. I can’t say enough good things about this wool. It’s a sturdy, soft, wonderfully woolly wool with a subtly marled color texture. It works up into a beautiful springy and substantial fabric. Find out more about Harrogate on its pattern page.

*****

Thornes is a nod to my mother’s favorite sweater: The turtleneck. At its best, a turtleneck gives you a hug, with crisp tailored lines at the shoulders. At its worst, it’s only good for being covered up. Thornes adds understated elegance to any outfit (center stage or not) with a slightly drapey turtleneck and clean lines. The reverse stockinette stitch fabric lends a soft, approachable look to the sweater and makes the color changes in this variegated yarn more subtle. The ribbed trim and twisted stitch detailing give a bit of flair to a basic, comfortable staple.

thornes-final-5 thornes-final-1 thornes-final-3 thornes-final-2

I was thrilled to be given such lovely materials for my design for WEBS’ 40th Anniversary celebration. Thornes is worked in their Valley Yarns Superwash DK, in a special color dyed by Madelinetosh called “Magnolia Leaf”. To me, this is the perfect blend of autumn colors. It’s slightly darker than shown in these pictures, like looking at the pattern of fall foliage across a hillside. Incredible. Find out more about Thornes on its pattern page.

*****

These sweaters fit into the fabric of how we live. They’re comfortable at home, keeping us cozy on chilly days. They’re comfortable out in the world, whether you live in uber-fashionable Manhattan (all 3 got worn last weekend, out and about at Vogue Knitting Live) or a small country town. They work with your life, and your closet, and are fun to knit too. All three are available as individual pattern purchases for $7.00 or together, in the Bretton Woods collection for $15.00. Or, if you prefer to create your sweaters with CustomFit, you can purchase individual recipes for $2.50:


Buy any of the full patterns individually for $7.00:
Courant * Harrogate * Thornes
Buy the whole Bretton Woods Collection for $15.00:
The Bretton Woods Collection
Buy any of the CustomFit Recipes individually for $2.50:
Courant* Harrogate * Thornes

It’s time to snuggle the boys now, but I’ll be back this week talking about waist shaping. Thanks so much for your support, and happy knitting!

6 thoughts on “Interlude: Bretton Woods Collection and Patterns

  1. Thank you for releasing recipes separately! I wasn’t going to say anything and was just planning on having to “do the math” since as fate would have it, usually only 1 in a collection calls to me. Making individual recipes available is so much nicer for some of us!

    1. Agree!

  2. Congratulations on the new collection! It’s beautiful!

    Do you have any plans to go back and release Custom Fit formulas for your older patterns? I’m sure that it would be time consuming, but I would love to see them.

    1. Absolutely, Kathryn! I’ve done some of them, it’s just taking me a bit to get to all. 🙂

  3. I love this approach to releasing patterns. Thank you. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about waist shaping.

    Janmarie

  4. Congratulations on such a beautiful collection! I absolutely adore Harrogate! Now, to find the time to knit another sweater…

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