Impulsive Knits

Impulsive Knits

Dieuwke van Mulligen and Justyna Lorkowska

“A friend is a second self.”

– Aristotle

"There is nothing that does a knitter’s heart more good than finding a dear, dear friend who knits. There is very little that is more fun than sitting with someone who loves you, laughs at your jokes, and truly wants to have a two-hour conversation on the revelation you had about twisted ribbing.�

- Stephanie Pearl-McPhee aka Yarn Harlot

Impulsiveness can sometimes have negative connotations, but there’s a lot to be said for running with an idea and letting it take you to new and often unexpected places.

And as there’s safety in numbers and two heads are better than one, embarking on a spontaneous adventure with a good friend provides a certain sense of security while increasing the creative possibilities.

"Impulsive Knits” was conceived when Justyna and Dieuwke met at Unwind Brighton, hit it off, and impulsively decided, “Hey, why not put together a collection?” Since then they’ve gotten together whenever possible, meeting up at several European yarn festivals and in Justyna’s hometown of Torun, Poland. Their time together has been gleefully spent planning, designing, chatting, laughing, eating, sightseeing, and of course knitting.

(OK – there was a little bit of whining, but everybody knows that knitters don’t waste much time on that.)

The patterns in this collection were inspired individually, not based on a certain theme, but rather on each designer’s personality, aesthetics and yes, impulse, and enhanced by their new-found friendship and shared experiences.

And dessert… don’t forget dessert.

Happy knitting!

Dieuwke & Justyna

Tuga

by Dieuwke van Mulligen

Tuga

by Dieuwke van Mulligen

Long car rides are rarely a problem for knitters – in fact, they are often welcome opportunities to combine uninterrupted knitting, chatting with friends, and taking in the sights. It was during just such a drive in Poland that we crossed the Tuga River.

This pullover is the perfect project for a day in the passenger seat or for any other friendly get-together when you don’t want your knitting to distract you from your chatting, and vice versa. Stockinette makes for soothing and easy knitting, while the side-to-side construction and occasional color changes keep it interesting and engaging.

Sizes

Size: XS (S, M)[L, XL, 2XL].

To fit bust: 74 (84, 94)[104, 114, 124] cm/29 (33, 37) [41, 45, 49] inches.

Intended to fit with at least 5 cm/2� of positive ease.

Samples shown is size M (gray) and L (blue).

Yarn

Northbound Knitting BFL/Silk Fingering, (55% Wool, 45% Silk; 401 meters/438 yards per 100 g); colorways for gray/ blue sample: Midnight/Isis (C1): 1 (1, 1)[1, 1, 2] skeins; Nocturne/Ethereal (C2): 1 (1, 1)[2, 2, 2] skeins; Sterling (C3): 2 (2, 2)[2, 2, 3] skeins.

Gauge

18 sts and 27 rows over 10 cm/4�in St st worked flat, after wet blocking.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - worked sideways; - color blocks; - loose fit for comfortable wear; - 3/4 sleeves; - finished with I-cords.

Schematics

Threads

by Justyna Lorkowska

Threads

by Justyna Lorkowska

All friendships are knit together metaphorically, but knitting buddies are truly joined by a common interest in yarn – pieces of string which bind our lives together.

Threads, a comfortable-fitting pullover, was inspired by a comfortable-fitting friendship – you know the kind – where you can chat for hours about anything or nothing, deep or shallow, intricate lace or stockinette, while your busy needles hum a steady, comfortable rhythm in the background.

Sizes

XS (S, M)[L, XL, 2XL].

Finished bust measurement: 84 (88, 96)[104, 112, 120] cm/ 33.5 (35.25, 38.5)[41.5, 44.75, 48] inches.

The pullover is intended to be worn no ease or a small amount of positive ease at bust. Sample shown in size S.

Yarn

Eden Cottage Yarns, Oakworth DK (100% NZ Polwarth Wool; 225m/245y per 100g); colorway: Steel; 4 (5, 5) [6, 7, 8] skeins.

Gauge

20 sts and 28 rows over 10 cm/4� in St st worked flat with largest needles, after wet blocking.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - worked seamlessly from top to bottom; - contiguous shoulder shaping; - lace panels on body and sleeves; - slight A-line shaping; - ribbed hems.

Schematics

Sowa

by Dieuwke van Mulligen

Sowa

by Dieuwke van Mulligen Sowa is a reminder to balance life’s responsibilities and routine with just the right amount of impulsiveness and indulgence.

Named for a café in Torun, Poland, which serves the most delectable meringue cake, this otherwise simple tank is embellished with two fluttery ruffles – one for each visit I made to this delightful bistro during my 4-day stay!

Worked with double strands of lace weight yarn, the stockinette body knits up fairly quickly, so before you know it you can move on to the girlish, happy-go-lucky detail that tops off this feminine pullover like a yummy dessert treat.

Sizes

XS (S, M)[L, XL, 2XL].

To fit bust: 74 (84, 94)[104, 114,124] cm/29 (33, 37) [41, 45, 49] inches.

Intended to fit with 0-5 cm/0-2” of negative ease.

Sample shown is a size M.

Yarn

Triskelion Emrys Lace BFL (100% Wool; 800 meters/870 yards per 100 g); colorway: Frosti; 2 (2, 3)[3, 3, 3] skeins.

Gauge

1 strand: 24 sts and 32 rows over 10 cm/4”; 2 strands held together: 21 sts and 34 rows over 10 cm/4” in St st after wet blocking.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - worked in the round from bottom upwards; - double stranded lace weight for easier knitting; - feminine ruffles shaped with short rows; - waist shaping; - folded hem.

Schematics

Nogat

by Justyna Lorkowska

Nogat

by Justyna Lorkowska

Picture two friends chatting over coffee and planning their next adventure together. One idea leads to another, and anything seems possible. It’s difficult to narrow down the choices and decide on just one.

Such is the case with Nogat, a pullover named for the river which winds its way around the Malbork Castle in Poland.

With a traditional raglan construction as its foundation, this project combines multiple stitch patterns and interesting details in one lively and adventurous sweater.

Sizes

XS (S, M)[L, XL, 2XL].

Finished chest measurements: 81 (88, 95.5)[106.5, 115.5, 124.5] cm/32.5 (35.25, 38.25)[42.5, 46.25, 50] inches.

The pullover is intended to be worn with a small amount of positive ease. Sample shown in size M.

Yarn

Julie Asselin, Fino (75% merino, 15% cashmere, 10% silk; 370m/400y per 115g); colorway: Tahiti; 4 (4, 4)[5, 6, 6] skeins.

Gauge

22 sts and 30 rows over 10 cm/4� in St st worked in the round with larger needles, after wet blocking.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - worked seamlesly from top to bottom; - raglan sleeves; - all raglan increases fully charted for each size; - fronts with cable panel and simple lace; - A-line shaping; - bottom of the back shaped with short rows; - variety of pattern stitches to keep interest.

Schematics

Likeness

by Dieuwke van Mulligen

Likeness

by Dieuwke van Mulligen

In a good friend, you often see something of yourself mirrored. It can be as small as a tiny glimpse, which sparks recognition and creates a bond.

The lace on the right front of this cardigan gives that little glimpse of the bigger picture on the back, a flowery lace that brings to mind thoughts of summer and good times.

Sizes

XS (S, M)[L, XL, 2XL].

To fit bust: 74 (84, 94)[104, 114, 124] cm/29 (33, 37) [41, 45, 49] inches.

Intended to fit with approximately 4-5 cm/1.5-2 inches of negative ease. Sample shown is a size M.

Yarn

Madelinetosh Tosh Sport (100% Merino, 247 meters/270 yards per 100 g); colorway: Antique Lace; 3 (4, 4)[5, 5, 6] skeins.

Gauge

20 sts and 28 rows over 10 cm/4� in St st worked flat with larger needles, after wet blocking.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - worked seamlessly from top to bottom; - raglan sleeves; - flowery lace panel on back and shoulder; - charted lace; - waist shaping.

Schematics

Familiar

by Justyna Lorkowska

Familiar

by Justyna Lorkowska

Birthed in Edinburgh, Scotland and inspired by Celtics and friendly chats in the pub, this cardigan synthesizes the familiar with the impulsive: tried and true cables and traditional stitches go off in unexpected directions and are creatively constructed to bring you a uniquely beautiful garment.

Sizes

XS (S, M)[L, XL, 2XL].

Finished bust measurements: 85 (91.5, 98.5)[105, 116.5, 128.5] cm/34 (36.75, 39.25)[42, 46.75, 51.25] inches.

The cardigan is intended to be worn with little or no positive ease. Sample shown in size S.

Yarn

Madelinetosh Yarn, Tosh Merino Light (100% superwash merino wool; 384m/420y per 115g); colorway: Moorland; 3 (3, 4)[4, 5, 6] skeins.

Gauge

24 sts and 34 rows over 10 cm/4” in St st worked flat with largest needles, after wet blocking.

Horizontal Cable Panel: 1 rep (26 sts and 16 rows) = 11 cm/4.25” x 6 cm/2.5” washed and blocked.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - seamless construction; - cables and shawl collar; - cabled midriff panel worked first, yoke worked upwards from horizontal panel then lower body worked downwards; - set-in sleeves with sleeve caps shaped with short rows; - elbow-length sleeves; - seamless set-in pockets; - empire waist.

Schematics

Brda

by Dieuwke van Mulligen

Brda

by Dieuwke van Mulligen Sometimes a beautiful skein of yarn, so pretty and so soft you just can’t keep your hands off, cries out for the perfect project – one that will show off its loveliness and use every last bit.

Such a skein was the inspiration for this shawl, named after the Brda River which flows through Poland. Here a winding river of lace runs through banks of simple, squishy Garter stitch in a design that ebbs and flows with increases and decreases.

Choose one skein of fingering weight or two skeins of DK, and set sail on a relaxing river cruise.

Sizes

Fingering weight size (DK weight size): Length from tip to tip 125 (144) cm/49 (57) inches; Depth at widest point 37 (48) cm/14.5 (19) inches.

Yarn

Fingering weight: Triskelion Yarn & Fibre Dylan 4 Ply (50% Yak, 50% Silk; 402m/440yds per 100g); colorway: Rime; 1 skein.

DK weight: Lilou Blue DK (55% Wool, 45% Silk; 212m/232yds per 100g); colorway: Quarry; 2 skeins.

Gauge

24 (17) sts and 32 (32) rows over 10 cm/4� in Garter stitch.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - worked sideways from tip to tip; - simple lace insert; - simultaneous I-cord edging; - two yarn weight options.

Schematics

Meringue

by Justyna Lorkowska

Meringue

by Justyna Lorkowska

Perhaps the best way to remove the guilt from “guilty pleasures” is to share them with a friend – then they’re simply “pleasures.”

To commemorate our diligent search for the best meringue in Poland, this sweet beanie features a meringue-inspired lace pattern and will top off your wardrobe like the perfect dessert.

Sizes

One: to fit 54-56 cm/21-22” circumference.

Length from brim to top: about 18 cm/7.25”.

Yarn

Malabrigo Finito (100% Pure Superfine Merino Wool; 185m/200y per 50g); colorway: 31 Mostaza; 1 skein.

Gauge

28 sts and 38 rounds over 10 cm/4” in St st worked in the round with needle 3.5 mm/US #4, after wet blocking.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - worked seamlessly from brim to crown; - ribbed brim; - delicate lace pattern stitch fully charted and written out; - slightly slouchy.

Schematics

Castle Walls

by Dieuwke van Mulligen

Castle Walls

by Dieuwke van Mulligen

Resembling the neatly stacked bricks of Malbork Castle, a simple pattern stitch is the building block for these beautifully textured mitts.

Unlike building a castle, however, this project works up quickly, stitch by stitch, brick by brick.

Sizes

S (M, L, XL).

Yarn

Malabrigo Sock (100% Merino; 402 meters/440 yards per 100 g); colorway: Impressionist Sky; 1 skein.

Gauge

24 sts and 32 rounds over 10 cm/4� in St st, after wet blocking.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - worked seamlessly from cuff to fingers; - simple textured pattern on back of hand; - fitted.

Schematics

Bricks

by Justyna Lorkowska

Bricks

by Justyna Lorkowska

Simple ribbing is like spending time with a good friend – relaxing, safe, peaceful‌ but sometimes you need a change of pace to avoid the mundane.

Just as an excursion to Malbork Castle provided a delightful interruption to an otherwise ordinary airport run, the textured ribbing in Bricks, inspired by the castle walls, provides an interesting variation to the normal knit 1, purl 1 theme.

Relax with this project in front of the TV or use it to soothe your soul, then enjoy the charming and gratifying outcome.

Sizes

One: approx. 175 cm/70” wide and 70 cm/28” long at center spine.

Yarn

Malabrigo Yarn, Silky Merino (51% Silk, 49% Merino; 137m/150y per 50g); colorway: 400 Rupestre; 4 skeins.

Gauge

18 sts and 26 rows over 10 cm/4” in 1x1 Rib worked flat, after wet blocking.

Purchase pattern PDF

Design Features - triangular shape; - fully ribbed; - all sections charted and written-out; - perfect for solid yarns.

Schematics

Dieuwke Dieuwke started knitting at a young age, learning the magic her grandmother worked every time she created a garment for one of her children or grandchildren. Since childhood, she kept the knitting close to heart, picking it up at regular intervals.

Working in digital marketing by day, knitting and designing are her main hobby and second job. She loves trying out new constructions and techniques, which often result in new design inspiration.

Her main focus is on functional wardrobe additions that she would use herself, generating a wide range of women’s garments and accessories.

Justyna Justyna is a former teacher and a knitwear fanatic. She learned her first stitches from her mom when she was a teenager, but she gave up knitting quickly afterwards.

Having her first baby brought back her passion with great impact and this time she also started designing knitwear for adults and children.

She lives in Poland and designs knitwear that she would gladly find in her closet: flattering, versatile and seamless.

Thank You Justyna’s dear husband and our friend, Marcin.

Our fabulous tech editor, Eleanor.

All our amazing testers.

Yarnies: Eden Cottage Yarns Julie Asselin Malabrigo Yarn Northbound Knitting Triskelion

Photography: Marcin Duda Make Up: Sylwia Gromelska & Paulina Makowska Location: Coffee&Whisky House, Toruń;

Moose Cafe, Toruń;

Loft79, Toruń;

Wyspa Młyńska & Old Town, Bydgoszcz.

Impulsive Knits (c) 2015

Impulsive Knits (c) 2015