Dyad

I have a new thing that I am so excited to share with you. I seem to be addicted to big projects, so this fall, I am introducing a new line of patterns which will simply be identified by my name. Without going on and on, I'll just say these adult patterns will be knittable, wearable, stylish and modern.  I'll be publishing brand new designs (first one right now! finally!) and also refreshing & updating some of my favorite When I Grow Up designs with my new look and feel.  I have to immediately and heartily thank Mary Joy Gumayagay who continues to wow me with her genius design skills and how she can understand what I want better than even I do.  You are awesome. Love you! And now for the debut pattern: here is Dyad.

This sweater is perhaps a tad multiple personality. It's an honest design with complex character. When I conceptualized it, I thought about the many women that live in a daily roulette of roles. We work hard, we are professionals, we are providers, we are mothers, we are wives; the list goes on. I know my attitude varies based on surroundings and expectations alongside my own experiences and feelings.  Dyad is a pliable cardigan ready to exemplify your spirit.

This top-down cardigan design is defined by duality: choose cozy cables or spunky colorwork, short or long, snug or generous fit. The faux seam lines are lengthening to flatter every body; knit it just as you want with the options you love.

The body of this sweater is worked seamlessly alongside the edging for a double breasted open finish. The collar is knit upward from provisionally cast-on neckline stitches and is doubled for reversible stability regardless of how the sweater lays. Finishing is minimal as there are no stitches to pick up for the edging.

My knitting style gets a bit anxious: when I close in on a project, I am ready for my process to be over. Not every project can be designed with minimal finishing but if it can be done, I will do it and thus does Dyad. Edging is worked along with the body to nix that finishing step.

This pattern is designed for intermediate knitters comfortable with minimal seaming and working from a chart. Colorwork version shown in size S with 3”/15 cm positive ease; cabled version shown in size XS fitted with no ease.

I am thankful to work and live an in a supportive community and enjoyed partnerships every step of the way with this design. Magpie Fibers provided the yarn support for this project; working with Dami's colors and fiber made the knitting so enjoyable. And she didn't even blink when I asked about knitting a second sample to show off a very different option set.  I want to also thank Krista Wilson for testing this pattern, knitting one of the samples and finishing way ahead of deadline.  The yarn we used is called Domestic Worsted and you'll want to go shop for your own right here.  Thanks also to my tech editing duo Tana & Edie for getting the pattern into top shape.

Poshture Boutique (Columbia, SC) was so generous in helping me style these pieces (along with another still to come). I shared my vision in how I would want to wear these sweaters and Kara's fabulous taste, along with my friend and photographer, Erica Billingsley, brought it to light.  The two of them also hooked me up with models Kristin (wearing the colorwork version) and Delaney (wearing the cabled version).  Check out Kristin's dress here, boots here, and stunning necklace here. Feeling a bit more casual? Delaney's top is here,  boots are here & necklace here.

As for me, I want a funky colorwork collar when I am ready to make a splash but I will take my cables any day when I need to feel cozy and protected.

You can click here or on any of the photos to purchase the pattern.  For the first 24 hours, you can purchase this pattern for 50% off with the code KATEOATES, valid through my shop only. Click on the blue "promo" link at checkout to enter the code. If you choose to create an account in the shop, you will have permanent access to your PDF purchases. Please join the new mailing list if you'd like to stay up to date on the new brand and be notified when the new website launches in full!

Whether you knit this sweater once or several times over, I hope it uplifts you freely and makes you feel amazing.  I would love to hear your comments on this design and which version you think you'd like to make!  Post a comment for me for a chance to win a free copy of the next KO pattern on the slate, which is Gramps revamped :)