There are things involved with developing and writing a knitting pattern which you rarely get to see. This is one of those things.
Yorlin is knitted top down. This means you can work your cardigan to exactly the length that you’d like, so that it suits your body.
The design features two lace panels, using a chart that is worked over 16 rows.
On the sample that I’m wearing, we decided to end the chart on a row 1. Finishing the chart here means the transition into the 1×1 twisted rib hem is very pleasing, as the two patterns seamlessly flow together.
At this gauge, 16 rows works out at a little under 2 inches: but what if your length requirements meant that you preferred to finish the chart earlier or later, to adjust the cardigan by an inch, or perhaps just half an inch?
This is where mine and Mel’s collaborative process of pattern development really comes into its own. While I’m wrestling with numbers and spreadsheets, Mel wrangles a few swatches. In this instance, while I was busy grading the cardigan’s raglan shaping, Mel occupied herself swatching the transition between the lace panel and the 1×1 rib over the chart’s odd rows.
And while some transitions proved very pleasing. . . .
Others were not so much.
In the end, we decided that rows 1, 5, 9 and 15 provided pleasing panel to rib transitions, while rows 3, 7 and 11 did not.
So when you knit your Yorlin, you’ll be able to adjust the garment to exactly the length you’d like, while retaining the beautiful panel to rib transition. Mel and I feel that these “knitterly” details really contribute to the experience of a pattern, both in the making and the wearing. And though you may never think about such details, for us they can play a crucial role in the development of a design.
This post is brought to you by the numbers 1, 5, 9 and 15, and by Mel’s indefatigable swatching.
I love your attention to details. That makes all the difference from a stunning sweater to a nice one.
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I very much appreciate designers who take the trouble to work out details like this — too many do not. Thank you, Kate and Mel!
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I love to learn about the process to create an outstanding pattern.. wonderful!
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I am working on an E-book of designs about a Scottish War-bride in Canada and while finishing a shawl design I had a similar issue with the shawl’s border. I was so excited to get going that I clearly overlooked the need for matching ends. Realizing my error, I ripped out 14″ of border and proceeded to make many more swatches (though not 15 of them) to come up with properly matching ends. Like you, I want the knitter to be able to make adjustments for their preferred size.
It is wonderful of you to share this behind the scenes information about the intricacies of designing…something I (like many folks, I think) never realized follows the original idea and that it can be very time consuming to work out certain issues. It is certainly exciting though and so worth working them all out, when you get to see the finished piece.
You gals make such a complimentary team. It is wonderful to watch you create!
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Would love to hear when your book is ready and available to purchase
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You and your team just keep us going in so many ways and Mel’s input into the pattern process is greatly valued by those of us who are not expert knitters. Since the different concluding rows have such an impact on the final look of the garment, will you indicate which row gives which transition into the rib? (I for one would be prepared to give up half an inch or an inch on the final length to achieve a particular finish.)
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It actually is really appreciated that’s why we love your patterns. It drives me crackers on a cable pattern if the rib doesn’t flow into the cable – I often adjust it myself but wish the designer had taken the trouble. It can be complicated to work out but transforms the finished look – well for those of us who care about such things!
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I love these thoughtful details.
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What about row 13? Is it a row not to be mentioned, it brings bad luck? Ha ha!
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I love it so much Ive bought the kit. SO ……. PLEASE tell me what the yellow nail polish is as I am going to need ti too!
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A stunning cardigan, and it suits you wonderfully. Thanks to you and Mel for working out these details. Looking forward to casting on soon!
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I love hearing how patterns develop and evolve, it’s truly fascinating. Yorlin is definitely in my next five to make as I’ve already made Con Alma which I loved making and wearing. I’m thinking of a twin-set affair with both Yorlin and Con Alma in the same yarn…. xxxx
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I love this! and where is that nail varnish from? x
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Lovely sweater, great article. Thanks.
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Very clever and useful. Good to know.
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Love the sweater and love the yellow buttons! I look forward to the release of the pattern. Right now I’m working on Downstream and loving the simplicity of the pattern. You and your staff are brilliant designers. Such a pleasure to be a part of your extraordinary community!
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I always think of such details and will work them out myself as required to suit my gauge and intended fit, but am glad of designers like you and Mel, who realize that the details matter and anticipate the needs of those who buy their patterns. Another reason why I recommend KDD – it’s not just styling with you, it’s the follow-through as well. Thank you all.
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As a shorter person I frequently adapt patterns and realise that the positioning of transition makes a difference. Not being a designer I just put up with it but now I know that a bit of extra time swatching could make all the difference. Thanks so much
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It’s your painstaking to such detail that make your patterns a delight to make….or just admire ! Thanks to both of you 😍
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I absolutely agree
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I love this idea! I like my cardigans longer and most of the newer patterns seem to like the cropped look. I look more pudgy with the cropped look – this is a winner – is the pattern available on Ravelry yet? thanks so much!
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Thank you Kate and Mel for this fascinating post, and for the thoughtfulness behind your designs.
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It’s fun to see how a pattern develops. Such a great cardi. I wish I could observe the whole process.!
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Thanks for this behind the scenes look at your beautiful new cardigan Kate. I love the pattern and top down construction 🌼
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Good to know! I will check my pattern to see if I need to make notes! I do love this sweater! Wishing you and the “crew” a happy weekend!
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Which makes you both all the cleverer!
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