Separated at birth – the sock that launched a craze

It all began with the innocent sounding “non-rectangular 12 stitch x 22 row repeat pattern” of the Cookie A. Pomatomus sock.

The Pomatomus sock design was published in Knitty Winter 2005.

This sock, and its beguiling non-rectangular stitch pattern proved wildly enchanting. At this time of writing, there nearly 4000 versions of this project posted on Ravelry.

Although many knitters live for the sock (check out Sock Summit), a good stitch pattern wants to be set free.

Enter new horizons for the bewitching pomatomus:

1. Parrotfish / Pomatomus hat by Kristy Pedersen. Free pattern, available from the FogandSwell blog.

2. Mermaid Gloves adapted by Stephanie Degen. Free pattern.

3. Pomatomus fingerless gloves by Tingletangle. Free pattern.

4. Fingerless Pomatomus Gloves by Tobi Beck. Free Ravelry download.

5. Nereid Fingerless Gloves by Denise Sutherland. Free pattern.

6. Sea and Surf Sweater by Nicole Laroche. From Stitch ‘n Bitch Superstar Knitting.

7. Everdeen beanie  from Tanis Gray. From Weekend Hats: 25 Knitted Caps, Berets, Cloches and More.

Separated at birth?

In this edition of our ongoing series, we have a pair of gorgeous pullovers.

First up is the Aspen top-Down Sweater from designer Veronik Avery. This design is featured on the front cover of her book “Kniting Classic Style: 35 Modern Designs Inspired by Fashion’s Archives”.

This book is a must for every knitter’s library. It is gorgeous, full of stunning designs, intense beautiful photography and mouthwatering knits.

The combination of aesthetic inspiration with practical know-how is an unbeatable combination IMO. Knitting Classic Style is a book I would want with me if I was ever stranded on a desert island.

I am knitting the Aspen sweater right now and really enjoying the process. The twisted stitches are slipped on every other row and this gives a terrific effect; slipping the stitches takes up the extra slack in a twisted stitch and gives it a bit more pop and sizzle.

The classic red of the Aspen sweater showcased in the book is wonderful, however this design would look great in all sorts of colors, even in a variety of different yarn weights I believe.

I am knitting this is a cream colored Patons classic wool from the stash on 4.5 mm ndls, although the pattern specifies a bulkier yarn with 5.5 mm ndls. I estimate that this, together with knitting the smaller size will give me a pullover of that will fit my daughter. I’m only a few increases in so far but we tried it on, it fit over the head and we’re definitely in the ballpark! This is a great aspect of top-down construction, you can rapidly assess the state of affairs early on in the knit and then give yourself the green light (or not) to go ahead.

With the sizing options, different yarn substitutions and the options of incorporating additional ribs as required, the Aspen sweater is a very versatile pattern.

Carmine is from British designer Belinda Bowden. It is a glamorous marvel of cables and rib, also knitted top-down.

Carmine is from issue 25 of The Knitter. There are also charts provided with the pattern (a necessity in my view), and a helpful table to track the stitch increases. The pattern is designed for a DK weight yarn, but would most probably also look terrific with a different weight yarn sub.

Irresistible crochet projects and designer inspiration

Just received the book “Crocheted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make & Give” in the KnitPicks sale for the princely sum of $9.90.

This book has some very lovely projects. There are two in particular, I am chalishing for.

These are the shrugs, the shawlette IN CHAINS from designer Kristin Omdahl, and the trinity LACE SHRUG from designer Annie Modesitt.

There are some lovely versions of these designs on Ravelry, I particularly like these ones from Doodlebug and NexStitch.

I like how both these versions have adapted the pattern and eliminated the hanging medallion triangle which gives the shrug an ultra-modern look.

Note also how NexStitch has used a plastic bag over a dress form for blocking. Very clever!

Both these shrug designs appear to be channeled in the work of Mark Fast.

If you took the Trinity lace shrug (top left) and extended it into a dress, you would end up with something very reminiscent of the Mark Fast Autumn/Winter 11 collection (top right). The large lace holes and their geometric placement on the body create a sleek and tough, yet feminine look.