Starlight Adventure :: Knitting Pattern PDF

Choose your own sweater adventure :: A cropped, open draped cardigan or vest, with drop-sleeves, a luxurious shawl collar, and deep cuffs for extra warmth.

Four garments in one pattern!! There are two distinct styles, using two different stitch patterns. Choose the long-sleeved cardigan for cozy evenings at home, or knit up the vest to throw on over your favorite outfit for a cool date night! The pattern is also offered using one-color brioche stitch, or 1×1 ribbing for the Collar and Cuffs.

Notes about construction: Each garment is started with the Main Body, knit sideways using squishy garter stitch stripes. Afterthought sleeves are added simultaneously, then the collar stitches are picked up from a simple selvedge. The sleeves or arm openings are added last so that you can try it on as you go!

This garment was designed in collaboration with Heather Bostic of House of A La Mode! Not only did I use her Dreamy DK yarn, the color ways were also instrumental in the naming of the garment! Heather’s input and design ideas helped to create this one-of-a-kind staple for your wardrobe!

Skill level: Intermediate. Techniques used: knitting, purling, i-cord cast on, i-cord bind off, picking up stitches, brioche knit (brk), brioche short rows, modular construction.

Sizes: XS {S, M, L, XL, 2XL, 3XL}; Bust sizes (built-to-fit circumference): 30 {34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54}” / 76 {86, 96, 106, 117, 127, 137} cm
Shown in size M with no ease, long-sleeved brioche collar version. This cardigan / vest is meant to be worn open, or loosely buttoned on the shoulder. Choose your size based on your bust measurement with no ease, and this will give you the best fit overall.

Yarn Totals: 1145 {1275, 1420, 1540, 1740, 1825, 1975} yds / 1047 {1165, 1300, 1408, 1592, 1669, 1804} m DK weight yarn
Main Color (MC) – For collar and sleeves: 515 {585, 670, 700, 780, 805, 835}yds / 471 {535, 613, 640, 713, 736, 763} m
Colors A / B / C (each) – For Main Body: 210 {230, 250, 280, 320, 340, 380} yds / 192 {210, 229, 256, 293, 311, 347} m divided evenly over number of colors used.

Yardage is shown for long-sleeved version – subtract 390 yds / 357 m for vest version.

Shown in:
MC: 3 skeins House of A La Mode Dreamy DK in Tailored Suit
Color A: 1 skein House of A La Mode Dreamy DK in Moroccan Mint
Color B: 1 skein House of A La Mode Dreamy DK in Sassy Mahalo
Color C: 1 skein House of A La Mode Dreamy DK in Star Light, Star Bright

Needles: Small: US 6 / 4mm : 32” long circular needles
Large: US 7 / 4.5mm : 32” long circular needles
OR sizes needed to obtain gauge. If substituting needle sizes, ensure that the Large needle is only one needle size larger than the Small.

Tools / Notions: tapestry needle, row counter, 2 lengths of smooth waste yarn (for afterthought sleeves), 1 stitch marker for noting beginning of round, 11 removable st markers, 1 large button (1” / 2.5cm in diameter or larger; optional)

Gauge: 19.5 sts x 40 rows = 4” / 10cm; measured in garter st knit flat using Large needles and MC yarn (taken after blocking).

Many many thanks to Heather of House of A La Mode for her beautiful yarns and brilliant ideas, Meaghan Schmaltz for her genius tech editing, and my dear husband, Brian Robinson, for his photography skills. 🙂

This is a listing for a PDF download of a knitting pattern. Once the pattern has been purchased, you will receive a download link on the order received page, as well as in an email.  You may download as many times as you wish. Thank you!

To The Flame :: Knitting Pattern PDF

Like a moth To The Flame :: Introducing a new collaboration with Infinite Twist, using a combination of their yarns to create a modular top with changes in direction and interesting textures that is the ideal layering piece for the upcoming seasons.

This pattern is now available as a PDF download!! You can also still find this pattern as a part of kits through Infinite Twist. Follow this link, here to see all of the options.

:: About the kits ::
These absolutely gorgeous kits from Infinite Twist include all the hand-dyed yarn you will need to complete your project, and the pattern, in all size options. You can purchase a kit to knit exactly the sweater I am modeling here, or choose from other color options. A separate notions pack can also be purchased here that contains everything else you need to knit this top!

:: About the pattern ::
To The Flame is an oversized modular knit top, featuring an accent lace front panel worked with two different yarns held together, creating a marled color effect, as well as a unique texture inspired by the fur found on a moth.

The body is knit in Helix, a sport-weight two-ply Merino. The lace accent panel is knit with one strand of gradient-dyed Helix and one strand of Penumbra – a super soft blend of ultra fine mohair and polyamide.

Skill level: Intermediate. Techniques used: knitting, purling, provisional cast on, simple lace knitting, knitting in the round, three needle bind off, seaming, picking up stitches, hemming. I have written this pattern in such a way that knitters of ALL levels can knit it, by including photo and video tutorials, and clear instructions.

The lace panel portion of the pattern is both written and charted, for your convenience!

Sizes: 38 {42, 46, 50, 54, 58}” / 97 {107, 117, 127, 137, 147}cm at bust; see Schematic on pg. 2. Shown in size 50” / 127 cm with 12” / 30 cm of positive ease. I recommend knitting a size that will give you between 8” / 20cm and 12” / 30cm of positive ease.

Yarn: 1270 {1370, 1460, 1560, 1655, 1750} yds / 1161 {1253, 1335, 1464, 1513, 1600} m Sport weight yarn
Main Color (MC): 870 {970, 1060, 1160, 1255, 1350} yds / 796 {887, 969, 1061, 1148, 1234} m
OR 5 {5, 6, 6, 7, 7} skeins Infinite Twist Helix
Contrast Color 1 (CC1): 200 yds / 183 m for all sizes
OR 1 skein Infinite Twist Helix gradient
Contrast Color 2 (CC2): 200 yds / 183 m for all sizes
OR 1 skein Infinite Twist Penumbra

Note about yarn: If you decide to substitute yarn for the Front lace panel, and use just ONE yarn, be sure to swatch to achieve the correct size. You may need to go down a needle size.

Shown in:
MC: 6 skeins Infinite Twist Helix in Dovecoat (100% Merino wool; 200 yds per 67g)
CC1: 1 skein Infinite Twist Helix gradient in Glowing Embers (100% Merino wool; 200 yds per 67g)
CC2: 1 skein Infinite Twist Penumbra in Glowing Embers (65% Mohair, 35% Nylon; 200 yds per 36g)

Needles: Small: US 5 / 3.75mm : 16”, 20” – 24”, & 40” circular needles (DPN’s may also be used for knitting in rnd).
Large: US 6 / 4mm
OR sizes needed to obtain gauge. If substituting needle sizes, ensure that the Large needle is only one needle size larger than the Small.

Tools: tapestry needle, row counter, 2 optional stitch markers, 4 lengths of smooth waste yarn (2 for provisional cast on, 2 for holding sts), 1 stitch marker for noting beginning of round, 1 extra Small size needle or DPN for Three Needle Bind Off, small crochet hook

Gauge: 23 sts x 36 rows = 4” / 10cm; measured in stockinette st knit flat using Small needles and MC yarn (taken after blocking).

This pattern has been professionally tech edited and test knit.

Credits: Many many thanks go out to Cate from Infinite Twist for this amazing collaboration, Meaghan Schmaltz for her fabulous tech editing AND test knitting skills! I also want to thank photographer Katlyn Crisman for capturing this sweater.

This is a listing for a PDF download of a knitting pattern. Once the pattern has been purchased, you will receive a download link on the order received page, as well as in an email.  You may download as many times as you wish. Thank you!

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New pattern release :: Washed Ashore hat!

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Introducing Washed Ashore :: my newest hat knitting pattern!!!  Simple faux cable ribbing and lace come together for a double layer hat full of texture and warmth. Inspired by the sea after a storm, the muted grays and blues together with the lace stitch pattern create a modern, but timeless look.

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Two hats in one!! Perfect for gift knitting!! Knit just the Inner Layer for a simple, modern hat, OR add the lace Outer Layer for a fun hat that will keep you super warm all winter long! Worsted weight yarn is used to knit the simple, elegant Inner Layer, then using fingering weight yarn, stitches are picked up along the top of the brim to add the lace Outer Layer. Feel free to substitute lace weight yarn for a thinner hat!

The Inner Layer is shown in Quince and Co. Owl, color Elf.  I am so in love with this wool / alpaca blend.  I originally used it for my first sweater that I knit, and just knew I wanted to use the leftovers in a design.  The Outer Layer is shown in Quince and Co. Tern, color Beach Glass.  How fitting, right?  The blend of wool and silk make this the perfect layering yarn, and the stitch definition is just amazing.

This hat was so much fun to design. I was actually inspired by a couple of my other designs, Eco Mug Mat, and Paperless with Quince and Co. Scarves Etc. 5, which both utilize the same faux cable stitch pattern!  At the time this design came to life, I was actually still living in Michigan, and wanted to create a double-layer hat to keep my head extra warm in the frigid winters. I actually put this design down for quite some time as we packed up our small family and moved across the country to South Texas, to Corpus Christi by the sea.  As I picked up the hat again, I was so inspired by my new surroundings!

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The crown detail is my favorite part of this hat!!  The Inner Layer uses simple decreases to create the crown, and I wanted to mimic it with the Outer Layer, but add a little pizazz!  So I used the fun floral knots as part of it, and I couldn’t be happier!!  What color combinations will you choose for your Washed Ashore hat?  The Inner Layer would be so gorgeous by itself using a speckled or variegated yarn from your stash, or try a pop of color for the Outer Layer!  There are so many possibilities!

Be sure to grab a copy of this new pattern before Wednesday, November 30 at midnight and receive a 25% discount!!  No coupon code required.

And also don’t forget about my big shop sale going on for the Indie Gift-A-Long 2016!  Check out my fun bundle here to see 20 of my self-published patterns that are 25% off using coupon code “GIFTALONG2016“! We would love to see you over at the GAL, you can find all the information in the Ravelry group, here!

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful support, and happy gift knitting!!

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To The Flame kits with Infinite Twist

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Introducing my second collaboration with Infinite Twist :: To The Flame!!

To The Flame is an oversized modular knit top, featuring an accent lace front panel worked with two different yarns held together, creating a marled color effect, as well as a unique texture inspired by the fur found on a moth.

The body is knit in Helix, a sport-weight two-ply Merino. The lace accent panel is knit with one strand of gradient-dyed Helix and one strand of Penumbra – a super soft blend of ultra fine mohair and polyamide.

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This pattern can be found exclusively as a part of kits through Infinite Twist! Follow this link here to check them out. Each kit includes all the hand-dyed yarn you will need to complete your project, and the pattern, in all size options. You can knit up this exact top modeled here, or choose from several different gorgeous color combinations!

This collaboration is very special to me, being my first sweater design.  I was inspired by Cate’s mood board she created for this season, with images of moths, oversized cozy sweaters, and Björk (one of my all-time favorite musicians and fashion icons). I knew I was in, and had this idea for a modular knit top that would be perfect for layering, and so fun to knit.  It was actually Cate’s idea to use the gradient for the lace front panel, and I thought it was brilliant.  Marled together with the mohair Penumbra, this sweater is so fuzzy and gives the perfect texture and warmth for the fall and winter months.

Be sure to stay tuned, this pattern will be available as a PDF digital download through Ravelry starting on Friday, December 16, 2016!  In the meantime, please visit Infinite Twist’s website to check out their beautiful yarns.  They are quite amazing.

Thank you, friends!  And happy knitting!

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2016 :: the year of the shawls

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A new year brings all kinds of joy, plans and…. sifting through ALL the yarn! After taking a little time off during the holidays to rest, relax and really spend time figuring out where I want my knit design career to go, I have decided that 2016 will be the year of the SHAWLS!!  I spent 2015 finding my knitting “voice”, researching, learning new techniques (aka BRIOCHE), knitting sweaters and building exciting relationships that I hope will blossom more and more this coming year.  And now, I’m organizing my thoughts (and my yarn) to see how many shawls I can knit this year!

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These shawls are almost equal parts personal designs and those that have been in my knitting queue for months.  Some very special yarn has been set aside for design ideas (from top left, to bottom right) – Baerenwolle, Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light, Manos del Uruguay, Havirland, House of A La Mode, Hedgehog Fibres…..and of course, my current design: using custom hand dyed Fern Fiber Organic Merino wool, and Republic of Wool Twist Fingering.

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More about this design later this winter, when it’s released.

One of my favorite things about being a fiber artist are collaborations, working with indie yarn dyers, yarn shop owners, and other fabulous knitters and designers.  I am very excited about several projects that I will be working on this year and can’t wait to share them all with you!

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Besides shawl designs, I also have a few shawls that others have designed calling to me – like Alluvial Plains, designed by my dear friend, Karen MaCall. The yarn pictured above is destined for that piece of loveliness that I look forward to throwing over my shoulders. From left to right: Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light in Fragrant, Havirland sock in Toxic Ooze, and Hedgehog Fibres Sock in Graphite. Exploration Station by the amazing and inspiring Stephen West is next, followed closely by Quicksilver, designed by shawl genius Melanie Berg. What shawls are on your MUST KNIT list for this year?

Not pictured are a few of my other favorite yarns: Quince and Co., Infinite Twist, Shepherd’s Wool, The Flying Kettle, Fancy Tiger Crafts Heirloom Romney, La Bien Aimée, and O-Wool.

On top of all this, I still plan to continue learning, knitting sweaters, and playing with new yarn.  Stay tuned for another post about my favorite tools for knitting with this gorgeous yarn!

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One year since Pink Graffiti…..

Happy New Year from Knit Graffiti Designs!

I really just can’t believe it.  It has been nearly one year since I published my first knitting pattern, Pink Graffiti!

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This design was born out of a NEED to knit a brioche hat, and I wasn’t finding a pattern that spoke to me or was my style.  I had just started learning brioche knitting with Stephen West’s pattern, Ferocious Briocheous. Little did I know then that it would take over my LIFE!!  Since independently publishing this design, I have published a total of 12 knitting patterns, several of which utilize the brioche stitch!

2015 was quite an amazing year for me, but it was also quite difficult.  At the beginning of the year, I lost my dear grandmother.  I had been close to her for my entire life, and even though we were prepared for her passing, it was extremely saddening. Pink Graffiti was published the same week as her memorial service, and after that, I became obsessed with knitting.  It became my best friend, soothing my grief and comforting me during dark days.  Knitting was my shining light, and knit design made it even more exciting.  I just wanted to learn everything!  I spent my days this year knitting sweaters (4 of them, to be exact!), shawls, hats (so many hats) and also developed some amazing friendships within this fiber community.

This community of knitters, yarn dyers, and other fiber lovers has really helped to make my past year in the knitting world unforgettable.  So, to thank each and every one of you, I would like to have a special offer in my Ravelry shop for the entire month of January!  Buy 2 Knit Graffiti patterns, get any pattern of your choice for FREE!  See my shop page for all the details.

Thank you all so much!!  Here’s to another fabulous year!