24 Toys to Sew and Love
Hillary Lang P h otograph s by Jen Gotc h
S TC C R A F T | A M E L A N I E FA L I C K B O O K
S T E WA RT, TA B O R I & CH A N G | N E W YO R K
the projects
Soho Smocked Dress 00 Pleated Arm Warmers 00 Subway Hat 00 Pavement Jacket 00 Layered Ruffle Sweater 00 Suspension Dress 00 Pigeon Hat 00 Seaport Skirt 000 Wrap-It-Up Dress 000 Accordion Cowl 000 Café Tunic 000 Keffiyeh Wrap 000 Ruffle Cuffs 000 Mulberry Hat 000 Museum Tunic 000 Cecily Sweater 000 Feather Dress 000 Annie Hat 000 Daytona Belt 000 Blueberry Cardigan 000 Coney Sweater 000 Jill’s Dress 000 Over-the-Ocean Slippers 000 Chrysler Skirt 000 Knitted Jewelry 000 Promenade Dress 000
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modern top-down knitting
sizes X-Small (Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, 2X-Large)
pavement jacket For the body of this tailored jacket, I chose a simple stitch pattern with a rough, pavement-like texture, which is accentuated by simple Garter Stitch sleeves. The top-down technique is especially useful for customizing sleeve lengths, which in this case I kept on the long side. Heavy-duty sewon snaps finish the look, enhancing the functionality of this cold-weather staple.
f inished measurements 34 (37 D⁄e, 40 D⁄e, 44 B⁄c, 49, 52 D⁄e)" chest, buttoned
yarn Botto Poala New Relax (100% merino wool; 546 yards/1 pound): 1805 (2085, 2380, 2660, 2960, 3295) yards #701 Grigio Note: If desired, substitute any heavy worsted wool yarn, such as Filatura di Crosa Zara Plus; just be sure to match the stitch gauge given.
needles
stitch patterns
One 16" (40 cm) long circular (circ) needle size US 7 (4.5 mm)
Shadow 2x1 Rib (multiple of 3 sts + 2; 2 row repeat) row 1 (ws): Knit.
One 32" (80 cm) long circular needle size US 7 (4.5 mm)
row 2: P2, *k1-tbl, p2; repeat from * to end. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for Shadow 2x1 Rib. Shadow 3x1 Rib (multiple of 4 sts + 3; 2 row repeat) row 1 (ws): Knit. row 2: P3, *k1-tbl, p3; repeat from * to end. Repeat Rows 1 and 2 for Shadow 3x1 Rib. Twisted Garter Stitch (any number of sts; 1-row repeat) all rows: *K1-tbl; repeat from * to end.
One set of five double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 7 (4.5 mm) Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
notions Waste yarn; stitch markers; stitch holders; 11 size 10 sew-on snaps; 11 size 24 capped prong ring snaps in #20242 Smoke; snap-affixing hardware; crochet hook size US G/6 (4 mm)
gauge
notes
19 sts and 25 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Shadow 2x1 Rib
( After the initial Provisional CO, use Backward Loop CO for any other COs in this pattern (see Special Techniques, page 000).
18 sts and 30 rows = 4" (10 cm) in Garter st (knit every row)
mulberry hat Easy, cheerful and elegant were the three words I had in mind when I designed this hat. A band of matching elastic trim sewn to the outside of the hat helps to accentuate the close fit at the top of the head and slightly flared brim, while the rich, radiant mulberry yarn provides a blast of uplifting color—perfect for a gray and dreary day.
sizes Small (Medium, Large)
f inished measurements 17 B⁄c (19, 20 B⁄e)" circumference
yarn Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (55% merino wool/33% microfibre/12% cashmere; 98 yards/50 grams): 2 (2, 3) balls #013 Wine
note ( When starting Hat, you may find it easier to work on 3 double-pointed needles (dpns) than 4. Adjust stitch positions accordingly and change to 4 dpns when there are enough stitches to fit comfortably. Change to circular needle when there are enough stitches to fit on the needle.
needles One 16" (40 cm) long circular (circ) needle size US 6 (4 mm) One set of five double-pointed needles (dpn) size US 6 (4 mm)
crown CO 8 sts. Distribute evenly among 4 dpns; place marker (pm) for beginning of rnd and join, being careful not to twist sts.
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
Shape Crown rnd 1: *K1-f/b; repeat from * to end—16 sts. rnd 2: *K2, pm; repeat from * to last 2 sts, k2—7 markers placed in addition to beginning of rnd marker. increase rnd: Increase 8 sts this rnd, then every other rnd 14 (15, 16) times, as follows: *K1-f/b, knit to marker, slip marker (sm); repeat from * around—136 (144, 152) sts.
notions Stitch markers; crochet hook size US E/4 (3.5 mm); tapestry needle; D⁄e" yard B⁄c" wide elastic ribbon; sewing needle and matching thread
Work even in St st until piece measures 2 ¼ (2 ½, 2 ¾)" from last increase, removing all 7 shaping markers on first rnd. next rnd: *K17 (18, 19), pm; repeat from * 5 times, knit to end.
the projects
gauge 22 sts and 26 rnds = 4" (10 cm) in Stockinette stitch (St st)
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“Kristina McGowan presents a charming collection of original designs in knitwear, to inspire knitters of all levels of skill. Her work incorporates the two essential qualities of good knitting direction: (1) her ideas are fresh, fashionable, and interesting; and (2) her instructions are clear and easily followed. Hers is an excellent book.” —Barbara G. Walker
For decades, knitters have been constructing garments using the wonderfully efficient top-down technique made famous by Barbara G. Walker in her renowned tome Knitting from the Top. But never have the results looked as glamorous and city-chic as they do in Modern Top-Down Knitting. In this sophisticated womenswear collection, designer Kristina McGowan presents streamlined, feminine dresses, tunics, and skirts; elegant cardigans and pullovers; and stylish go-to accessories such as hats and gloves. Step-by-step photo tutorials make top-down techniques easy to understand and sizing and style adjustments a cinch to achieve. Detailed instructions are also included for finishing garments with couture-quality trims and linings, so the garments look just as elegant on the inside as they do on the outside.
116 color photographs 160 pages, 81⁄2 x 97⁄8" Hardcover ISBN: 978-1-58479-861-3 U.S. $27.50 Can. $35.95 U.K. £16.99 Crafts Rights: World Pub month: October To place an order: Please call your sales representative or Hachette Book Group at 800.759.0190 or fax 800.286.9471 To inquire about publicity: Please call 212.519.1232 or fax 212.366.0809
modern top-down knitting Sweaters, Dresses, Skirts & Accessories Inspired by the Techniques of Barbara G. Walker
115 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 www.abramsbooks.com www.melaniefalickbooks.com
K R I ST I N A Mc G OWA N P H OTO G R AP H S BY G UD RUN G EO R G E S
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