Top-Down, Seamless, Set-in Sleeves: a thing you should NOT ignore.

The Sweater Patterns featured in this video at the time of publication are:
Julie Twist
Just Nicole
Little White Cardi
Naveen

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A Spinster Duo + Stitches West

I have two new patterns to share today. They are very different but they have one very important thing in common: gorgeously unique Spincycle Yarn.  I think on the very best kind of Saturday, you can wake up with cozy Switchback Slippers...

...then once you've had your coffee (or Diet Coke), you can get glammed up for a day out with your Shifty Cowl.

Both of these design samples will be available for petting in the Spincycle Booth at Stitches West where you can get your yarn on and also snag a hard copy of each of the patterns.  Read on for loads of design info and backstory on both of these.

Patterns: Shifty Cowl & Switchback Slippers Photography: Erica B. Studio + Design Yarn for Cowl:  Spincycle Yarns Dyed in the Wool in Strata Yarn for Slippers: YOTH Yarns Daughter in Black Truffle with Spincycle Yarns Independence in Devilish Grin Cowl Styled by Poshture Boutique; click to shop the Top, Jeans & Jewelry

I designed the cowl first and it is actually based on a stitch pattern I recently developed for a blanket. I am really particular about blankets.  I don't like to have to pick up edges and I don't like having a "wrong side" but I also love textured fabric and cables, so in my swatching I was committed to figuring out how to do something that could encompass all of my favorite things. The solution was a series of twists and slipped stitches that shift on both sides to make the fabric totally reversible. I found this fabric so addicting to knit and had to create a wearable garment with it in addition to my original plan.

I pitched my idea to the Spinsters and they were so good to me; they sent a colorway of Dyed in the Wool that they developed for the Stitches West show called Strata.  If you're attending the show, you'll have first dibs to snap up this dreamy gradient. The cowl features a shifting rib for your first skein and the twisty texture for the other two; the pattern also tells you just how to make the most of your precious Spincycle Yarn. The pieces are twisted before the final join so that the cowl lays nicely whether hanging long or doubled.

This cowl is a one-size pattern that is suitable for adventurous beginning knitters. There is a lot of technical instruction included in the pattern such as directions for provisional cast-on and three-needle bind-off. No cable needles are needed either.

I love how our model, Belle, is wearing her cowl.  Thanks so much to Poshture for styling another shoot for me. Links for her outfit are at the top of the page. Thanks also to my sample knitter, Krista, for working hard on this for the Stitches deadline. She worked on the cowl because I had my Switchback Slippers on the needles! This pair is worked with YOTH Daughter as the base and Spincycle Independence as that smashing pop of color.

Spinster Kate (or Tall Kate as I like to call her) sent me an idea for some slippers months ago, after we chatted at Rhinebeck. It took me some time to put my thoughts together and it also took me knitting the first slipper three separate times before I got what I wanted. It is always worth the time and effort though, once you get just the right thing.

The stitch pattern for the sole of these slipper-socks was adapted from Andrea Rangel's book, Alterknit.  This is such a great book. Not only are the motifs stunning, there are so many great tips that can improve your colorwork such as discussions of color dominance and catching floats to improve your tension.  I also love how Andrea explains the name of the book because I wholeheartedly agree with her style of rule-breaking. I think my first stranded colorwork design was Diplodocus (years ago!); it features longer floats and at the time, I really wasn't educated enough to realize this was untraditional as it was not my first time knitting such a motif. Since then I've learned enough to give folks a little warning when I do this. These slippers do not follow all the traditional Fair Isle rules as there are indeed longer floats that I suggest catching, but I love the freedom this gives when tweaking a motif to fit the purposes of a design. Sometimes you just don't get exactly what you want without pushing boundaries a bit.

I hit my stride with the motif in my first knit of the slipper because charts are awesome, but then came the struggle for how to do the ankle.  I experimented with a shorter bootie, buttons, wraps and garter stitch but ultimately landed on a twisted rib with some bonus fabric for the cozy factor. And even after I settled on that, I redid the cuff one more time to get them just so.

These slippers are worked from the toe up with a no-wrap short row heel. I do recommend having some prior colorwork experience before working these slippers. Although the stranding section isn't huge, the longer floats do make it a little trickier to keep your tension steady. If you're not knitting each slipper three times like I did, you'll find these will knit up very quickly, maybe in time for your next lazy morning.

The slipper pattern includes 4 sizes for men and women. I suggest choosing a size that is close to your actual foot circumference instead of smaller as is the norm for socks.  The stranding inhibits the fabric stretch a bit but makes them nice and fluffy.

I  am very much looking forward to the show later this week and I hope to meet some new faces along with giving hugs to my favorite spinsters!!  Love you Rach & Kate and hope you enjoy short Kate's first adventures with your yarn.

As I mentioned last week, during the show you can find me in the YOTH booth.  Here are just a few of the samples I will have with me there:

Come say hi! See you at the show! Let's go yarn shopping! Whoop whoop!

Brochan

Pattern Update: Brochan Slouch
Photography by Erica B. Studio + Design
Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Traveller & YOTH Big Sister
Styling by Poshture Boutique; click to shop the Vest & Necklace

This bottom-up stranded hat can be worn slouchy (above) or more fitted beanie-style with the brim flipped (below). It is sized for all ages, men or women, boy or girl.

This sassy new sample features a 2-color version (the original pattern features 3) which I utilized with the colors of my Alma Mater, Clemson University. I actually started knitting this one when my husband and I were road tripping to the NCAA College Football Championship game last January. Clemson won so basically this hat brings All the Good Things.

I also used a faux fur pom pom for the first time and I LOVE how fun it is. Plus it is easy and comes out perfect every time, ha!

Brochan is updated with my new format and the 2-color version option; it also includes metric conversions and I was able to make the chart much larger.

The design still includes all the sizes from infant to adult and a couple of the original photos too.  Because there were no substantive changes, I decided to include both versions of the pattern in the download.  Photo cred below to Veronika Jobe & Kickstand Studio.

The original version is only 2 pages (smaller chart!) and has more pictures of the Child size, so if that suits you better, I figured there was no harm in keeping it available.

Next week I am super excited to be heading to Rhinebeck, NY for the New York Sheep & Wool Festival for the FIRST TIME EVER. I have now completed two Rhinebeck Sweaters...one that is brand stinking new and one of the most challenging patterns just in terms of the writing and grading; it knits really fast but goodness I had to really do a lot of thinking for all the sizes. And the other is a new Gramps Cardigan for ME in YOTH Daughter's new colorway, Natural Oatmeal. Leave me a comment if you have been to the show in the past, are going to the show this year, have any tips for me OR if going is on your bucket list! Come on...that covers most everyone right  ;P

Big Sister

Big Sister = comfy, wearable, stealable sweater, never safe from your little sister :) Knit in YOTH Big Sister in Mint

Shown in size S with 3" positive ease

Photography by Veronika, Modeled by Jasmine

In this latest version of Big Sister, I have added options for long sleeves. The original design featured 3/4 length sleeves worn slightly off the shoulder; now you can do whatever you like without having to do any math or extra thinking.

Big Sister Front

Other than the sleeve option, the design is substantively the same. I like to think it is a little prettier now though!

This sweater is knit from the top down and is seamless. It is suitable for adventurous beginners. This is a great first-sweater project. Skills required include provisional CO, picking up sts and basic increasing and decreasing. Even if you are trying these skills for the first time, I believe this is a great opportunity to give them a try!

You can find the updated version of Big Sister anywhere my designs are sold including my website and Ravelry.

Included that last image just in case you are into some Matchy Matchy...because the wee version of this design came out earlier this fall. Happy knitting!

Keep Blushing

I can't actually believe it has been a year and a half since this pattern was originally published. There are some really lovely versions on Ravelry like this one by Norbertine or this one by anitasr.  Seeing patterns knit up is one of my favorite parts of being a Designer.  Blush is now available as a re-release now part of the Kate Oates line. This sweater features YOTH Yarns Big Sister in Peach.  Photos posted here by Veronika Jobe with her lovely daughter Jasmine modeling.

This sweater is a top-down seamless knit with raglan-style sleeves.  There are a few short rows to add length to the back of the sweater and it is finished off with a cute little split at the back hem. The neckline is wide, in between a crew and a boatneck. The texture is cozy and soft and very pettable. A small width of ribbing on each side adds to the flattering fit.

With this re-release, I did not take new pictures but I did do some pattern tweaking in areas where I have received questions. There are some new tips to clarify the trickier bits.  It is a pretty straightforward pattern but now is even more so.

One thing that folks have asked about is the texture pattern which I have labeled as Moss Stitch. My version came from Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book (2012).  It features texture and stockinette on alternating rows/rounds. If you have worked a Moss Stitch pattern in the past and the directions do not match up with mine, no worries!  The stitch pattern name does not matter.  If it makes you feel better, you can even cross out my "Moss" and come up with a new label. I can assure you that the stitch pattern instructions in Blush will provide you with the sweater you see in the pictures.

This particular stitch pattern also is one that blocks out beautifully.  Since you will be knitting a swatch (right?), make sure you block the swatch so that you can see how nice it looks once it is dry. Swatching is even more important in textured patterns because many knitters will have a different tension when changing back and forth between knitting and purling on the same row, as opposed to stockinette where each row is either purled or knit.

I am enjoying getting reaquainted with these previously published designs and it really makes me happy getting to see them after their makeover.  Here is  a preview of my new format so you can see it too!

Enjoy 50% off this re-release today only with the code KATEOATES valid in the pop-up shop. When you shop on my site, you will automatically receive an e-mail with a download link to your pattern.  If you create an account, you will also always be able to access the pattern going forward by viewing all of your orders. If you do not get your e-mail, you can check your spam filter for an e-mail from help@kateoatesdesign.com or just log into your account to see it.

I have another handful of re-releases to show off over the next few weeks but am also very much looking forward to a brand new design coming next month. Congratulations to Jessica for winning a copy of (re) Gramps last week, and to LISAKOBY for winning a copy of the updated Blush.  Leave me a comment this week telling me what part of fall gets you most excited for a chance to win a copy of the next KO pattern! 

ReGramps

When you get really excited about how pretty your new pattern format is... all of a sudden you have to vamp up your favorite older patterns so that they too can experience the new look.  I have been spending loads of time doing this lately (and maybe not enough time knitting, oops).   This is the first of several re-releases coming at you and joining the Kate Oates design line. Here is the new Gramps, one of my most popular designs ever.

This particular update has been planned for a little bit as I wanted to show off Gramps with an alternate look; a new sample and new pictures were required.  The other minor tweaks that followed just happened naturally during the process and I think just make the design even better.  I credit Veronika for almost all of these suggestions, you are a treasure Ve! She is also deserving of the yarn and photography credit AND she produced the gorgeous human who is modeling; you'll probably recognize Jasmine from other patterns (Blush, Big Sister) and of course lots of YOTH patterns as well.

You're looking at YOTH Yarns Daughter in a calming cream colorway called Natural Vanilla. This yarn has such great texture for cables. I'm working on something totally new with it as well and it has made me decide to cast on my VERY OWN GRAMPS as my Rhinebeck Sweater, after the new-new one is finished of course (no pressure). Did you know I hardly have any sweaters in my closet because they get knit up and then go on tour?  It is sad! But this way you get to see them in your yarn shops and at shows, like Stitches Texas which is where ReGramps is headed in just a couple of weeks.

Notes on the updates: I adjusted the size labels because I think they were a bit confusing. They matched how my original model wore her sweater (which was pretty fitted) but it is more standard to include a few inches of positive ease for a sweater of this style. For example, the smallest size is now labeled as XXS instead of XS and so on. While the Finished Chest measurements are still your guide to what size you want to knit, I just wanted to mention this change to stem potential confusion. The other size adjustment was in the upper arm where I added just a tad more ease.

The only real design change is in the collar which is now a little bit more luscious and cozy because it is deeper and along with that, the buttonband is a bit wider.  These tweaks make me happy all the way around and they will keep you warmer, too.

Lastly, I went ahead and adjusted the gauge on the pattern to reflect the new yarn choice in the featured pattern sample. It was very close to the original gauge but as you probaby know, even a slight gauge adjustment can change how a sweater fits and also how much yarn you need for your project!  I don't want to be responsible for that!

I hope you fall in love with Gramps all over again just like I did.  You can get this pattern for 50% off with the code KATEOATES for the first 24 hours through the Pop Up Shop. If you already have this pattern in your library either on my website or Ravelry you should already have access to the new version.  I would love to hear your thoughts on the new look so leave me a comment! Also, comment to tell me which of my adult patterns you would most like to see updated and added to the line.  One lucky commenter will win a copy of next week's pattern release.

Cheers,

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 :)