interpretations Vol 3
interpretations Vol 3
by joji Locatelli and veera valimaki photographs by jonna jolkin
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foreword
Interpretations, our collaborative work, has become for us a very important and creative outlet in our yearly planning. Designing can be tricky, especially when you make creations as often as we do. A great project must hold some kind of significance for its maker. Knitting these projects, as we do, allows us to be expressive in our own unique way. But sharing this process with a designer friend makes it more rich and complex; that’s why we look forward to getting together to work on Interpretations every year. This time, the chosen place for inspiration was Germany. We decided to do a photoshoot in the charming city of Potsdam, just outside Berlin. The old walls, the bright foliage and the charming crisp light of the morning made this town the perfect backdrop for our collection. For this project we chose six words that inspired us: Free, Whole, Kind, Significant, Aged and Curious. Each of us designed a piece guided by our own interpretation of these words, and what you see as the whole collection is our design process enriched by the interaction of two different aesthetics. As knitters, we get obsessed with our projects. We think of them while working on other things. We carry them with us everywhere we go (no matter the size). They are always by our side begging us to pick them up to get in just one more row. Knitting, for us, is more than a hobby. It gives us a sense of accomplishment, something to be proud of. It gives us a feeling of distinction, and illustrates our love for art and colors. It is our job as designers to help you on your path, to provide you with that special pattern to keep your passion for crafting alive. This skill will never be forgotten for its significance is more than can be described. We hope you will find inspiration through these pages to keep your spark for fiber and creativity shining bright.
happy knitting, joji and veera
kind
I believe that kindness is a state of living, a decision that we must make consciously because human nature has wired us to always look out for ourselves first. To me, the true meaning of kindness is to practice putting yourself second more often. Kindness takes effort, tolerance, understanding and will. Kindness is being considerate, going out of your way to stay out of the spotlight, and instead pushing someone else into the limelight, secretly without them knowing. Kindness is holding back, being less critical, and allowing time to run its course. Kindness is letting go, it is acceptance, loving someone for the sake of making them feel good, not achieving satisfaction for yourself. Our world can be a scary place lacking in tenderness and heart. If we each take softer steps along our path in life, we can impact those around us to do the same. Decide to let more things go and open yourself up to a more compassionate way of living. The theme translated into two subtle, tender and compassionate designs. There’s no need to shine in the spotlight, only kind features that make you feel good.
kind
light rain sweater
looking ahead beanie
light rain by joji Locatelli
Worked in a very easy way from the top-down, this sweater will surely be among your favorites. Its simple shape and comfortable features like the big cowl neck, the thumb holes and split sides make this design very flattering while looking feminine. The delicate lace pattern was chosen to resemble the speckled yarn that I used, which painted this sweater as tiny colored droplets of rain.
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Sizes
light rain
XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL). Shown in size M. Finished bust circumference: 38 (42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66)” [95 (105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165) cm].
Materials
Yarn: 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6) skeins of BFL Sock by Madelinetosh (100% Blue Faced Leicester Wool, 100g/420 yards). Approx. 1400 (1480, 1550, 1680, 1800, 1950, 2100, 2300) yards of fingering weight yarn. The sample was knit in size M using colorway Filtered Light.
Gauge
22.5 and 34 rows to 4” (10 cm), on US 4 (3.5mm) needles, in stockinette stitch.
Finished Measurements 10½“ [26 cm]
10½ (11½, 12¾, 14½, 15½, 17, 17¾, 19¼)” [26 (29, 32, 36.5, 39, 42.5, 44.5, 48) cm]
38 (42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66) inches [95 (105, 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165) cm]
purchase pattern pdf
looking ahead by veera valimaki
Texture and long ribbing are the key elements in this lovely beanie - the colorful pompom just makes it even more pretty and playful. Looking Ahead beanie is kind in every possible way, keeping you warm and cozy throughout even the coldest of winters.
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looking ahead Sizes
Small (Medium, Large), shown in Medium. Finished measurements: Circumference of the brim -17 (19, 21)� [43 (48, 54) cm].
Materials
Yarn: 2 skeins of Australis DK by Skein Yarn (100% Merino Wool; 218 yards [210 meters]/100g), 1 skein of MC and 1 skein of CC. Approx. 160 (180, 200) yards [150 (170, 190) meters] of DK weight yarn. The sample was knitted in colorways Sterling (MC, grey) and Confetti (CC, speckles).
Gauge
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4� [10 cm] in 2X2 twisted ribbing, using smaller needle, stretched lightly.
Finished Measurements
purchase pattern pdf
curious I feel curious today... It’s a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning. Not knowing what it is, but happily awaiting, being open to everything life sends us. I have always been told that I need to be patient, but sometimes, curiosity is stronger than patience. It sparks my thoughts and imagination, shakes my ideas and words. Curiosity isn’t bad; it is a natural part of the human condition and is a humble activity as you are seeking knowledge, not the need to be right. It is a youthful trait like playing and taking things apart. As humans we never stop learning and that is the most amazing thing of all. Eternally child-like with such big brains, it is essential that we be curious in order to survive and adapt to this crazy, ever-changing world, in an attempt to solve at least one of the millions of secrets life throws at us. Life is an unanswered question, why are we here? What difference do we make? I don’t know if it matters really but what does matter is that you enjoy yourself, be curious (in a kind way), learn as much as you can, never stop questioning things, cherish and embrace your curiosity and never grow up completely. These two projects reflect that curious mind: it can be seen in the use of color, in the blending of stitch patterns. It’s in the simple shapes that we are still eager to study and find more layers from them. What are you curious about today?
curious
peeping cowl
golden hour sweater
peeping cowl
by joji Locatelli
This was my chance for experimenting with stripes, color and different stitch patterns. There was no other excuse for this cowl design than wanting to have fun while knitting. I started this as my traveling project during a very special trip, and each band reminds me of a special time and place. I hope you have fun with yours too!
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peeping cowl Sizes
One size. Finished Measurements: 26½” (66 cm) circumference, and 23¼“ (58 cm) long.
Materials
Yarn: 4 skeins of Tosh Sock by Madelinetosh (100% merino - 100g/395 yd) in 4 different colors. Approx. 220 yards in color A, 200 yards in color B, 200 yards in color C, and 150 yards in color D. The sample was knit using colorways: Baltic (color A, teal), Gossamer (color B, gray), Bark (color C, brown) and Depth (color D, Navy Blue).
Gauge
27 stitches and 36 rounds to 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch on US 2½ (3mm) needles.
Finished Measurements
23¼“ (58 cm)
26½” (66 cm)
purchase pattern pdf
golden hour by veera valimaki
Who wouldn’t love that time of day, the golden hour? The time of day when everything you see, seems just a little bit better. The strict shadows of daylight change to soft, warm light and everything glows as the sun bounces and reflects off every corner. The Golden Hour sweater is reflecting those rays that make every stitch shine and sparkle a bit. Little spots of colorwork truly make this easy round yoke sweater sing. The sweater is worked easily from top down and the subtle shaping makes it wonderfully fitting.
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golden hour Sizes
X-s (S, M, L, X-l, 2x-l, 3x-l), shown in size small. Finished chest circumference: 30 (35, 38½, 42, 45½, 50, 54)” [75 (87, 96, 105, 116, 125, 135) cm].
Materials
Yarn: 5 (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 9) skeins of Tosh Merino DK by Madelinetosh (100% Merino Wool; 225 yards [206 meters] per skein), 4 (4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins of MC and 1 (1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 2) skeins of CC. Approx. 910 (1030, 1180, 1310, 1480, 1630, 1780) yards [830 (940, 1080, 1200, 1340, 1490, 1620) meters] of DK weight yarn; 780 (870, 990, 1090, 1240, 1370, 1470) yards [710 (795, 915, 1020, 1160, 1240, 1345) meters] of MC and 130 (160, 180, 200, 240, 260, 310) yards [120 (145, 165, 180, 220, 250, 275) meters] of CC. The sample was knit in colorways Mirth (MC, teal-blue) and Glazed Pecan (CC, brown).
Gauge
20 stitches and 28 rows = 4” [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch and colorwork patterns, using larger needle.
Finished Measurements
purchase pattern pdf
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free To have freedom of the mind, to have a wandering soul: that is something that can’t be taken away from us and it is something we can make happen for ourselves. True freedom is found deep inside our souls and takes strength and determination to bring out. We imprison ourselves with insecurities, egos, and external pressures that force us into playing a role. To find our personal freedom we must decide to let go of the restrictions we and others may impose and open our minds to new possibilities with wondering eyes. It would be so magnificent to engage with people on a calmer, deeper level. Wipe the slate clean and forgive those who we hold grudges against. Let go of resentment, stop thinking about what makes us angry, unburden ourselves from self-criticism and open ourselves up for positivity and light. We are free to seek never ever ending love, to rest peacefully in our favorite spot and breathe in the fresh air. To enjoy our freedom for it comes at a price! Let’s live our lives in our own way and make a difference to the world, believing in ourselves and pushing the limits. This time, the theme of free turned into loose shapes, bright colors and strange stripes. There is no shame and no pretending, just going forward and making something fabulous.
free
breathing space sweater
let go cardigan
let go
by joji Locatelli
When you learned to knit, you probably were afraid of making mistakes and felt intimidated by any new technique. There was just so much to learn! But as you completed projects, you learned that knitting is an adventure enriched by experiences, and there’s always a chance to learn something from anything you make. You are now confident enough with your knitting techniques and you want to take a step forward and make something striking! Let your stitches glow with the beautiful cables in this masterpiece coat. Make your knitting an exciting adventure every time!
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let go Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL). Shown in size M on a 36” bust. Finished bust circumference: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58)” [75 (85, 95, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145) cm].
Materials
Yarn: 4 (5, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins of Cobblestone DK by Neighborhood Fiber Co (75% wool/15% cashmere/10% silk, 115g/275 yards). Approx. 1100 (1200, 1300, 1375, 1450, 1580, 1700, 1780) yards of light DK weight yarn. The sample was knit in colourway Georgetown.
Gauge
19.5 st and 28 rows to 4” (10 cm), on US 6 (4mm) needles, in stockinette stitch.
Finished Measurements
30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58)” [75 (85, 95, 105, 115, 125, 135, 145) cm]
39 (43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67)” [98 (108, 118, 128, 138, 148, 158, 168) cm]
purchase pattern pdf
breathing space by veera valimaki
The art of breathing, something we rarely really pay attention to, is so much like letting go. It’s something truly free. Let these lines guide you into that lovely and relaxed breathing space, keeping you grounded while your piece keeps growing, row after row and stripe after stripe. Find the quiet piece of movement with this little garment. The sweater is worked from top down with raglan yoke and the asymmetric shaping makes it a very stylish and at the same time very easy to wear.
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breathing space Sizes
X-s (S, M, L, X-l, Xx-l), shown in size small. Finished chest circumference: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)� [75 (85, 95, 105, 115, 125) cm].
Materials
Yarn: 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins of Singleton by The Uncommon Thread (100% superwash merino wool; 475 yards [435 meters] per 115g) and 1 (1, 2, 2, 2, 2) skeins of Tosh Merino Light by Madelinetosh (100% superwash merino wool; 420 yards [384 meters] per skein). Approx. 1140 (1280, 1450, 1650, 1820, 2000) yards [1040 (1170, 1325, 1510, 1665, 1830) meters] of fingering weight yarn. The sample was knit in colorways Peat (MC, brown, Singleton) and Holi Festival (CC, speckled, Tosh Merino Light).
Gauge
24 stitches and 30 rows = 4� [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch, using larger needle.
Finished Measurements
purchase pattern pdf
aged There is beauty so old and new: it’s the light coming from the sun and the moon. It is the wisdom of history, seeing our story, knowing all that is lost might be renewed again. There is beauty in passing of the seasons, the soft scent of spring holding close memories. Aged is the kindness in the pale eyes and the heart made of gold. Aged is happy to see the future that passed, all the good times seen, all the love that has been shared. Aged is in the memories, lasting forever, in the eyes that are looking backward. The aged for us translated into better understanding of the chosen shapes and stitch patterns, we know how to choose the favorite shapes and we are not afraid of complexity or hard labor. Inside we know the results will be worth every stitch. Now take your time, close your eyes and see the world like we do.
aged
timeless henley
heartfelt cardigan
timeless henley by joji Locatelli
This timeless sweater is worked in one piece from the top down using very detailed and careful shaping for a perfectly tailored fit. It requires some skills and attention when working, but once you establish the lace pattern, it’s just and easy and relaxing knit. The way the pattern is written in sections allows for all kinds of adjustments and customizations. What’s your version going to look like?
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timeless henley Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL, 4XL). Shown in size M on a 36” [90 cm] bust. Finished Circumference of bust and bottom: 30½ (33, 36, 40, 44½, 48, 52½, 56½)” [76 (82, 90, 101, 111.5, 121, 131.5, 141.5) cm].
Materials
Yarn: 4 (4, 4, 5, 5, 5, 6, 6) skeins of Cozy Merino Fingering by Walk Collection (100% Merino, 100g/400y/365m). Approx. 1400 (1480, 1550, 1680, 1800, 1950, 2100, 2300) yards [1270 (1350, 1410, 1530, 1630, 1780, 1900, 2100) m]. The sample was knit in size M using colourway Metal Dust.
Gauge
26 st and 34 rows to 4” (10 cm), on US 3 (3.25mm) needles, in Hourglass Lace,.
Finished Measurements
30½ (33, 36, 40, 44½, 48, 52½, 56½)” [76 (82, 90, 101, 111.5, 121, 131.5, 141.5) cm
20” [50 cm]
purchase pattern pdf
heartfelt
by veera valimaki
Pretty lace and lovely yarn, that is soft as a dream - maybe this will be your dream cardigan? The lovely modern fit meets wonderful details and simple topdown construction. This cardigan is simply heartfelt.
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Sizes
heartfelt
X-s (S, M, L, X-l, 2x-l), shown in size small. Finished width of the back: 15 (17, 19, 21, 23, 25)� [38 (43, 48, 53, 58, 63) cm].
Materials
Yarn: 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins of Heartwood by Bumblebirch (75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon; 463 yards [423 meters]/100g). Approx. 1200 (1340, 1500, 1620, 1780, 1960) yards [1100 (1225, 1370, 1480, 1630, 1790) meters] of fingering weight yarn. The sample was knit in colorway Rainstorm.
Gauge
24 stitches and 32 rows = 4� [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch, using larger needle.
Finished Measurements
purchase pattern pdf
significant Have you ever looked a starry night in the darkness of the countryside, where there are no streetlights veiling the neverending space? We see too much and still feel like we see nothing. In the sky, there are no boundaries. Looking up to the sky widens our horizons; we see what a little speck we are in the universe, so insignificant and significant at the same time. It’s pushing us to see everything in perspective. When we turn the gaze inside, we see ourselves as mere specks on the globe yet each so significant. And we can see what makes us special. Everyone has something that makes them stand out and separates them from the pack. For this theme, we created two pieces that were meaningful to us. But you might find a different significance in them: a color, a shape, a laborious stitch pattern, an item that you want to live in. Only you can make this project significant to you by creating it with your own, meaningful way.
significant
expressive shawl
tidalground jacket
expressive by joji Locatelli
Worked in an airy light silky yarn, this delicate shawl is all about the fabric. The stitch pattern requires some effort, since it’s twisted ribbing, but as soon as this piece starts to grow on your needles you realize how significant this sheer fabric can become. The way these stitches reflect the light on its satin surface and the way the columns of ribbing move and flow along the whole shape of the shawl show that there’s really no need for anything more complex when the materials are perfect. The vivacious edge, filled with little bobbles, adds weight and body to this ultra-light piece, helping it stay impeccably on your shoulders.
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Size
expressive
One size. Finished Measurement: 68” (170 cm) wide and 24” (60 cm) deep.
Materials
Yarn: 3 skeins of Silkpaca by Malabrigo Yarn (70% alpaca / 30% silk; 420 yards [384m]/50g). Approx. 800 yards of laceweight yarn; 600 yards (2 skeins) of MC and 200 yards (1 skein) of CC. The sample was knit in colourways Polar Morn (MC, pale gray) and Pearl Ten (CC, dark gray/mauve).
Gauge
18 sts and 30 rows to 4” (10 cm) in twisted ribbing on US 4 (3.5mm) needles.
Finished Measurements
24” (60 cm)
68” (170 cm)
purchase pattern pdf
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tidalground
by veera valimaki
Are you a wanderer and a traveler by nature? Do certain scents and sounds throw you straight back to a certain time and place? This jacket tries to capture that feeling of familiarity; it’s simple with a statement, it’s significant. The Tidalground jacket is worked from top down with set-in sleeves and subtle A-line shaping.
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tidalground
Sizes
X-s (S, M, L, X-l, 2x-l), shown in size medium. Finished chest circumference: 31 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50)� [78 (85, 95, 105, 115, 125) cm], buttoned.
Materials
Yarn: 5 (5, 6, 6, 7, 8) skeins of DK Twist by Madelinetosh (100% superwash merino wool; 250 yards [229 meters] per skein). Approx. 1110 (1230, 1370, 1490, 1600, 1730) yards [1000 (1125, 1250, 1360, 1465, 1580) meters] of DK weight yarn. The sample was knit in colorway Deep.
Gauge
20 stitches and 24 rows = 4� [10 cm] in Stockinette stitch, using larger needle.
Finished Measurements
purchase pattern pdf
whole River inside the river, world within the world. Whole is something complete, something undivided and sound. We can divide it, we can split it, define it any and many ways possible, but still we should never lose the sight of the whole. We might find empty spaces between visible lines, but the whole is fulfilled and integral. There’s a balance between movement and stillness, a balance between light and shadow. We need both sides of the coin to make it whole. In these projects each stitch feels like a fragment of a universe, and yet whole. We chose the best elements we could to make this theme truly whole: these projects keep you safe, they embrace you like big warm hugs. There are complete, full shapes blended with our very favorite ingredients: cables and short rows.
whole
my everything cardigan
be kind shawl
my everything by joji Locatelli
I have always been fascinated by the circular shape applied to a sweater and I have used it several times, with each one becoming more fascinated than with the previous one. This sweater-coat design comes from a very special place in my heart, from a desire to explore this shape in combination with one of my favorite elements: cables. Reversible, wonderful, luscious cables. To me, the way this sweater develops is like magic, with each little piece connecting like the elements in a puzzle to create a beautiful stunning surprise.
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my everything Sizes
XS (S, M, L, XL, XXL, 3XL). Shown in size M on a 36” [90 cm] bust. Bust circumference (according to back measurement): 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)” [75 (85, 95, 105, 115, 125, 135) cm].
Materials
Yarn: 8 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12) skeins of Everyday Worsted by The Uncommon Thread (100% merino, 115g/200 yards). Approx 1550 (1650, 1750, 1850, 1950, 2050, 2150, 2250) yards of worsted weight yarn. The sample was knit in size M using colorway Plata.
Gauge
15 st and 26 rows to 4” (10 cm), on US 8 (5 mm) needles, in stockinette stitch. 32 st and 26 rows in Twisted Reversible Cable B: Approx. 4” (10 cm).
Finished Measurements 12 (12¾, 13¾, 15½, 16½, 17¾, 18¾) [30 (32, 34.5, 38.5, 41, 44.5, 47) cm]
12 (12¾, 13¾, 15½, 16½, 17¾, 18¾) [30 (32, 34.5, 38.5, 41, 44.5, 47) cm]
18½, 18½, 19¼, 19¼, 19¼, 20, 20 [46 (46, 48, 48, 48, 50, 50) cm]
purchase pattern pdf
be kind by veera valimaki
What you imagine, you create and become. Simple things are sometimes the most powerful ones. Garter stitch and eyelet details make this design sing and slow transformations give the yarn all the time to shine. Keep on knitting and enjoy the kindness of this wonderful shawl.
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Sizes
be kind
One size. Finished measurements: 102” [260 cm] wingspan and 16” [41 cm] at deepest spot.
Materials
Yarn: 3 skeins of Tosh Merino Light by Madelinetosh (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 420 yards [384 meters] per skein). Approx. 1100 yards [1000 meters] of fingering weight yarn. The sample was knit in colorway The Radness.
Gauge
18 stitches and 36 rows = 4” [10 cm] in garter stitch.
Finished Measurements
purchase pattern pdf
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thank you Agnes Akshata Ale Amy Andrea Anne Becky Carol Ce Charly Cindy Felicia Heli Iida Iiris Iisakki Jenica Jonna Julie
Karin Kate Maggy Maija Marion Mia Miyoko Sara Sarah Shannon Steffi Virginia Yael