Knitscene

This weekend, unable to wait for my “automatic delivery”, I went to Barnes and Noble to pick up a copy (or three) of the Fall Knitscene. I just couldn’t wait to see myself in print! (Also, I’m totally sending my dad a copy.) The kids were super excited and Jacob called Daniel over from the Cars 2 display to have a look at my picture. Daniel told me I needed a haircut in the picture.

The whole magazine was fantastic, with so many great designs. I’m thrilled to be in it. Since the issue has hit the newsstands, now seemed like a good time to tell you about the three sweaters in my designer collection. (Magazine photos used with permission; the other photos are copyright splityarn.)

These three sweaters opened up 2011 for me. When Lisa approached me about being the featured designer, I knew I wanted to offer 3 patterns that each had something to offer the main shapes in my Fit to Flatter paradigm, and would be easy to modify so that anyone could enjoy them. You can find more technical detail on each of the sweaters by clicking their link.

The Cornsilk Pullover is a classic, balanced shawl-collar pullover with some updates. The shawl collar is worked side-to-side with short rows in garter stitch, rather than the traditional rib. I envisioned it being worn open, almost like a portrait collar:

The magazine styled it more upright, and I think both look just great. The middle of the sweater is shaped with vertical darts and is stockinette, to facilitate modifications. The garter stitch trim is carried throughout, with straighter sleeves and nice deep cuffs.

I have some Fresco in charcoal to make myself one someday soon, I hope!

The Pinstripe Pullover was my sweater designed especially for bottom-heavy figures–the hem is plain, and the eye-catching pinstriping broadens the shoulders. The pinstripes are accomplished with a dead simple slipped-stitch pattern that just flies by. I love how it turned out.

Again, the rest of the sweater is really simple to ensure easy modification. I think a contrasting cast-on/hem would be adorable, if someone wanted to try it!

Finally, the Cooke Cardigan is a design crafted to slim the torso. The pattern as written includes no waist shaping on the front of the sweater, a longer length, and definite vertical lines that will flatter top-heavy figures.

It’s also super-easy to modify, and the pattern actually includes bust dart instructions and guidance. (The sample was knit with 3 inches (ish) of bust darts.) In my classes, I’ve found that cardigans intended to be worn open, like this one, are exceedingly flattering on many women. And of course the Fibre Company’s Canopy Worsted is pretty much a dream yarn.

I regret not getting the same collection of pictures of this cardigan that I have of the other two designs; I love being able to show you all details! But luckily this piece is the most work-friendly of the bunch, and I ordered yarn for a version of my own a couple of weeks ago (Canopy Worsted in “Macaw”, a brilliant blue).

I’m squeezing this in around other deadlines (such is the way, for designers) and knitting as fast as I can:

(Which, as it turns out, is apparently pretty fast.) So stay tuned for detail shots once I get my own finished!

I so enjoyed doing this collection, being interviewed for the profile, and writing the article on sweater modification. It’s the first of many exciting projects I’m itching to share with you, and I can’t think of a better way to start off my dreams of fall weather.