Good morning, knitters and friends! I hope the Holidays are treating you well so far. Gosh, it’s a busy time, isn’t it? I love how everything sparkles and shines at this time of year. Laura (who swears that this is “Christmas-Lite” because we’re going to Costa Rica for Christmas) has pretty much finished up the decorating outside. The patio looks festive for our annual Christmas dinner which we are holding this Thursday evening. Hopefully the weather will hold and we can eat outdoors.
I don’t know if you’ve managed a look at the latest issue of Interweave Knits? The Science Issue, Winter 2019 is jam packed with gorgeous knits inspired by chemistry, physics, astronomy and botany. It was such an unusual and inspiring theme and evoked some spectacular projects. I’m thrilled to have 2 designs included, Crystal and Rhizome. Today, I want to introduce the Crystal Pullover. I’m very proud to be part of this collection. It’s available on-line in print and digital formats or you can pick it up at your local bookstore or craft shop.
Lacy crystal structures take shape from sedimentary garter stitch layers in this re-imagined seamless yoke pullover. A graphic, crystalline motif creates an eye-catching yoke atop a simple field of Stockinette, while deep garter bands edge the cuff and hem. Combining traditional Icelandic method with a modern, unexpected yoke, the Crystal Pullover is worked from the bottom up, joined at the underarm and, using cleverly hidden decreases, diminishes toward the neck.
With the Crystal Pullover, I hoped to experiment with the classic seamless yoke form, learning to place shaping stitches within the yoke motif. Because the stitch pattern I wanted to use looked better knitted bottom up, that’s the way I designed the sweater. My shaping strategy then became a series of decreases which can be a little easier to hide; increases often create a tiny hole. Because of the garter stitch bands within the yoke, I’ve used garter stitch to edge the hem, cuffs and neckline. I like the simple structure that garter provides. I’d like to thank the editorial staff and Harper Point Photography for their great work!
If you are unfamiliar with Jagger Spun products, do yourself a favor. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Jagger Spun yarns twice this year, here with the Crystal Pullover and coming this spring, the Juno Stole, a lace weight project. The Green Line is a 100% Organic Merino Wool that is soft and delicious to knit with, yet has substance and stability. Jagger Spun yarns are spun and dyed in Maine and have been since 1898. The color range is fantastic.
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This is one of my favorites from this issue. So elegant and clever.