New Knitting Pattern: Twilight

Twilight started as a thought experiment on an unusual, but versatile layering piece. I was looking for something more interesting than a classic cardigan, but definitely more warming than a classic shrug or bolero. I finally opted for a unisex shape with an extra large hood and doomy vibes. This oversized, open front cardigan with exaggerated, elbow length sleeves is knit sideways in one piece. It has folded hems on all edges to keep the details simple due to the dramatic shape of the garment. You can wear it on top of simple a dress, to add that special something to an everyday jeans and t-shirt look or style it with other statement pieces in your own unique way.

My sample is knit in Austermann Alpaca Star (Ravelry link), a surprisingly decent, sequined, fluffy yarn. The composition is 36% alpaca, 35% nylon, 15% silk and 14% cotton. The sequins are really tiny and add just a bit of sparkle in direct sunlight. Of course, you can easily substitute this yarn with a worsted weight yarn or 2-3 strands of a lace weight mohair and silk blend of your choice that meets gauge.

Due to the garment’s construction, the pattern is available in a limited number of sizes only, ranging from an intended bust size of 32” to 50”. I am really sorry for this, I promise to think about possible construction issues earlier next time.

How to Get the Pattern

You can buy the pattern in my Ravelry store and on payhip. For more pictures, check #twilightcardigan on Instagram to see the stunning garments of my gorgeous testers! Enjoy the pattern, I’m looking forward to your interpretations!

New Knitting Patterns: Slip Stitch Textures

I have been playing around with some plastic-free sock yarns and slipped stitches recently and the the result is a small collection of four sock patterns! All patterns use the small gauge differences that come with slip stitch patterns to create subtle textures. All patterns work best on solid colourways in lighter shades. I have added instructions for my favourite short row heel, but you can exchange it for your favourite heel constructions if you prefer a different one. Two of the patterns are knit top-down, two have a toe-up construction. Triangles and Chevrons also feature folded cuffs, Triangles with a special top-down construction. Now to the details:

Triangles

Triangles Socks knitted from red Retrosaria Mondim yarn

Triangles is a top-down sock pattern with a folded hem that is knit without having to pick up stitches. My yarn of choice is the wonderful Retrosaria Mondim, a 100% Portuguese wool, non-superwash sock yarn.

Rhombi

Rhombi Socks knitted from red-purple Onion Nettle Sock yarn

Rhombi is a top-down sock pattern with a classic ribbed cuff. I have knitted it with Onion Nettle Sock, a superwash sock yarn consisting of 70% wool and 30% nettle fibre. It is a bit less elastic than classic woollen yarns, but super soft and silky.

Inverted Rhombi

Inverted Rhombi Socks knitted from green Wolle Willich Foxy yarn

[PR sample, but I would have chosen it anyway]

Inverted Rhombi is a toe-up sock pattern with a classic ribbed cuff. I have used Wolle Willich Foxy, a stunning 100% wool, non-superwash yarn spun from locally sourced German sheep. It unfolds its full beauty after its first wash.

Chevrons

Chevrons Socks knitted from khaki Pascuali Pinta

Chevrons is a toe-up sock pattern with a folded cuff. My version is knitted from Pascuali Pinta, a machine washable sock yarn consisting of 60% extrafine, mulesing-free Merino wool, 20% Mulberry silk and 20% Ramie. It is a lot more drapey than classic sock yarns, but the socks are a dream to wear.

How to Get the Patterns

You can buy the single patterns as well as the bundle of all four in both English and German in my Ravelry store, as usual. I have also set up a payhip store for those who want to support me, but not Ravelry. For more pictures, check #trianglessocks #rhombisocks #invertedrhombisocks and #chevronssocks on Instagram to see the results of my gorgeous testers! Enjoy my new patterns, I’m looking forward to your socks!

New Knitting Pattern: Magnified

[collaboration]

I have been playing around with textures a lot recently, so when Wolle Willich asked me to design a one-skein project with their stunning June Cashmere Fingering yarn, it was clear I would incorporate some of that research. The yarn is pure cashmere, so it is extraordinarily soft and will keep you warm when it is cold without making you sweat at higher temperatures. In my opinion, this is the ideal fibre for a luxury cowl you can wear in any season.

The design as such features i-cord edgings, a slip stitch texture and little cords sticking out here and there to emphasise the three-dimensional effect. Apart from the i-cord edgings, there are no advanced techniques used, so it makes a quick knit to try out some new textures. One 50g skein of June Cashmere Fingering is enough to make this little beauty. If you have not used this yarn yet, I recommend to try it out if you can afford it. Although it defininitely is a luxury yarn, it is a dream to work with and to wear. As a bonus, it is ethically sourced and supports Kyrgyz shepherds directly.

You can buy the English pattern in my Ravelry Store, but I also have written a German version which is available exclusively at Wolle Willich with the purchase of June Cashmere yarn. I am looking forward to see your projects!