Over mossy stones... Lookbook! by OwlCat Designs

over mossy stones...

by Simone Kereit for

Digit-a-less Fox Gloves

Fox Crossing

Fox Crossing Mittens

Hemlock Shade

Hemlock Shade Boot Toppers

On The Forest Floor

Rinde

Rugged

Kirsibaum

I know of a place, off the beaten path, where old hemlock trees grow by a creek. Fern fills the clearings between birch and pine stands and the scent of wildflowers fills the summer air. You can hear the wind in the tree tops and if you sit quietly by the stream, you might see the kingfisher. And if you get really lucky, you can spot a fox slinking silently through the brush on the other bank. So follow me! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see what we can discover, as we walk

over mossy stones...

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Acknowledgements

About me

Many, many thanks go to Polly Hammond for her invaluable support, editorial input, technical and copy editing, keeping my creative side in line and on schedule, as well as other miscellaneous magic. Without you this would never have been possible! Thanks also to Eleanor Dixon and Chris Church for their technical assistance in the early stages of this collection.

I grew up in Switzerland and have been knitting most of my life, and I have been designing, for just about as long. My formal education in languages and arts has given me the perfect background to write clear patterns while giving an edge and creative uniqueness to my designs which range from traditional to eclectic. My inspiration tends to come from nature and the natural world around us.

I want to thank my Mom for teaching me how to knit when I was a just a little girl and my Dad for kindling in me the love for photography and imparting the desire to ‘figure things out’, Nelson for being supportive of all my ventures and putting up with me when I needed to work on this until late into the night. And to all the folks at Ravelry that work so hard (Casey and Jessica in particular) at bringing the knitting world together. And last but not least, a huge thank you to all my fellow knitters for sharing my love for yarn’s creativity and therefore making this book possible.

Like many of my designs, the ‘over mossy stones...’ collection reflects this love for the outdoors, as it leads you along a path through the forest. I hope you join me!

To find out more about Simone Kereit (aka OwlCat Designs) and see more of her designs go to: www.Ravelry.com/designers/simone-kereit or www.OwlCatDesigns.com

over mossy stones... © Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Content

Content Digit-a-less Fox Gloves

pg 6

Fox Crossing

pg 12

Fox Crossing Mittens

pg 24

Kirsibaum

pg 28

Hemlock Shade Boot Toppers

pg 32

On the forest floor

pg 36

Rinde

pg 42

Rugged

pg 46

Hemlock Shade

pg 50

Abbreviations

Content ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

pg 55

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Digit-a-less Fox Gloves Where I used to live I would have foxes visit my backyard quite frequently. It was off the beaten path enough that ‘my’ fox would walk by the fence pretty regularly in the afternoon, curl up in the leaves and nap in the sun, all but invisible unless you knew he was there. These stranded colorwork mitts feature the slinky forest creature as it softly walks along its secret path in the starlight. Worked in the round from the cuff up, the thumb stitches are set aside and worked after the hand is finished.

Yarn Conversational Threads ‘Conversational Threads’ (100% Superwash Merino Wool) or other fingering weight yarn Color A: Natural (133 yards/122 meters) Color B: Rust (133 yds/ 122 meters) Needles US 2 (2.75 mm)/ US 3 (3.25 mm) DPNs or size to obtain gauge Needles one size smaller (for cuff only)

Gauge 34 sts and 38 rounds = 4”/10 cm on US 2 (2.75mm) needles 32 sts and 34 rounds = 4”/10cm on US 3 (3.25mm) needles in stranded color pattern. Notions 1 stitch marker Finished Sizes Approx. 7(8”)/ 18(20cm ) circ at palm, 7”/20cm length cuff to top.

Digit-a-less Fox Gloves © Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Fox Crossing Along a secret path in the starlight walks a shadowy forest creature, over mossy stones and leafy vines, through thickets and glades. Barely a leaf rustles underfoot. Shht! It’s a fox! The Fox Crossing Cardigan is worked in one piece from the yoke down to the hem, the stranded color design at the yoke is worked back and forth over the top rows of the sweater. The sleeve stitches are then picked up and worked in the round with stranded detailing at the cuff.

Yarn String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn Bluefaced Sport (100% Blue Faced Leicester Wool, 252 yards /230 meters, 115g /4 ounces) or other sport weight yarn Color A 4(5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 9) skeins or approx. 1015(1110, 1285, 1455, 1605, 1765, 1945, 2095) yds/ 930(1015, 1175, 1330, 1465, 1615, 1780, 1915) m Color B approx. 85(85, 100, 100, 100, 110, 120, 120)yds/80(80, 90, 90, 95, 100 110, 110) m Color C approx. 55(55, 65, 65, 70, 70, 80, 80) yds/50(50, 60, 60, 60, 65, 70, 70) m Color D approx. 20(20, 25, 25, 25, 30, 30, 30) yds/ 20(20, 25, 25, 25, 25, 30, 30) m Sample used Carina (A), Natural (B), Java (C), Canyon (D)

Needles US Size 4 (3.5 mm) 24” circular needle, or size to obtain gauge, and DPNs (or needles for your preferred method of working in the round) for sleeves Gauge 24 st and 32 rows= 4” in stranded color pattern and stockinette, blocked Notions 5 stitch markers 8 buttons, 7/8 ”/ 22mm Finished Sizes Bust: 34(35, 39½, 44½, 48, 52, 56¼, 59)”/ 86(88.5, 100.5, 113, 122, 132, 142.5, 149.5) cm Best worn with 2-4” positive ease

Fox Crossing © Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Fox Crossing ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Fox Crossing Mittens Based on traditional Norwegian colorowork mittens but with a foresty twist, this Selbu style design features a traditional honeycomb pattern across the palm and little fox faces along the thumb. Worked in the round from the cuff up, the thumb stitches are set aside after working the gusset and the thumb is worked after the hand is finished.

Yarn Knit Picks Palette Yarn, (100% Peruvian Highland Wool, 231 yards/50 gram ball) or other fingering weight yarn in 4 colors: Color A: Oyster Heather #24559 (135-145 yards/125-133 meters) Color B: Bittersweet Heather #24239 (51-60 yds/ 47-55 meters) Color C: Autumn Heather #24002 (37-45 yds/34-42 meters) Color D: Salsa Heather #24003 (30-37 yds/ 28-34 meters) Needles Adult: US Size 2 (2.75 mm) double points or size to obtain gauge Child: US Size 1 (2.5mm) double points or size to obtain gauge Needles one size smaller (for cuff only)

Gauge Adult: 34 st and 34 rounds = 4”/10 cm on US 2 (2.75mm) needles in stranded color pattern Child: 38 sts and 38 rounds= 4”/10 cm on US1 (2.25mm) needles in stranded color pattern Notions 1 stitch marker Finished Sizes Adult: Approx. 4”/ 10cm across palm (8”/20cm circ at palm), 9”/23cm length cuff to fingertip Child: Approx. 3.25” / 8 ¼ cm across palm (6.5”/16.5cm circ at palm), 7.5”/19 cm length cuff to fingertip

Fox Crossing Mittens © Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Kirsibaum Kirsibaum means Cherry Tree in my native Swiss German dialect. The woven slip stitch pattern on the cowl evokes the striated markings characteristic of the bark of cherry trees. Although the pattern mimics the bark, I would compare the feel of the fabric more to cherry blossoms, it’s so soft and delicate! Wrap it twice for extra warmth and comfort yet without the bulk so it still fits under your favorite coat. Or wear it open and long on warmer days.

Yarn Dream in Color ‘Perfectly Posh Single Ply’ (70% Wool, 10% Mohair, 10% Silk, 10% Cashmere; 360 yds/329 m per 100g/3.5oz)1 skein, or other sport weight yarn Needles US 8/5 mm 24”/60 cm circular needle, or size needed for gauge. US 9/5.5 mm needles, one size larger than gauge needles, for cast on only.

Gauge 18 sts and 34 rows = 4”/10 cm on US 8/5 mm needles in Woven Slip Stitch pattern Notions 1 stitch marker Finished Size approx. 52”/132cm circumference, 7”/18cm width

Kirsibaum © Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Hemlock Shade Boot Toppers Named after the mighty Eastern Hemlock trees that grow along the creek at my favorite camping spot. Deep green, the branches reach out over the water and their shade is often a welcome reprieve from the summer heat. As the weather turns cold, these evergreens offer year-round color even throughout the gray wintry months. Chunky textured with little pine cone cables peeking through the needles, these boot toppers with travelling cables and twisted slipped stitches will work up quickly in bulky weight yarn and keep your legs toasty warm.

Yarn Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Chunky: 100% Merino (300 yards /274 meters, 8 ounces/226 g), 1 skein (shown in colorway ‘Logan Circle’) or other bulky weight yarn 150(170, 190, 220, 235) yards/140(160, 175, 205, 215) meters Needles US Size 8(5 mm) double points or 16”(40 cm) circular needle or size needed for gauge Gauge 16 sts and 24 rounds = 4”/10 cm in stockinette st 18-19 sts = 4”/10 cm in Hemlock Cable pattern

Notions 1 stitch marker a fearless spirit (or 2 cable needles) Finished Sizes 9(10, 12, 14, 16)”/20(25.5, 30.5, 35.5, 40.5) cm circumference, 7” /18 cm long for all sizes Chose a size that is smaller than your calf circumference or boot size; wear with 0-2”/1-5 cm negative ease. Shown in size 12”/30.5 cm on 14”/35.5 cm calf.

Hemlock Shade Boot Toppers © Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

On The Forest Floor Dappled sunlight filters down to moist ground and vines, there’s mushrooms in the shady undergrowth and on old tree stumps, shoots and twigs grow and stretch up towards the light, over and under everything are twisted roots. All that and more you’ll find on the forest floor. This generously sized semi-circular, textured shawl uses simple techniques to produce stunning results. Knit, purl, and two types of increases are all that you need. And the easy appliqué crochet technique is explained in detail in the video tutorial.

Yarn Dragonfly Fibers ‘Traveller’ (100% Merino Wool, 280 yards / 256 m, 113 g / 4oz) Color A (That Ol’ Chestnut) 2 skeins Color B (Mushroom Hunting) 1 skein Color C (Whale Line) 1 skein or other light worsted weight yarn 560 yds/512 m Color A, and 280 yds/256 m each Color B and C

Gauge approx.18 to 19 st and 30 rows = 4”/10cm on US 7 (4.5 mm) needles in stockinette st Finished Size 51”/ 129 cm tip to tip wingspan and 21”/53.5 cm center depth

Needles US Size 7 (4.5 mm) 32”(80 cm) circular needle, or size to obtain gauge US size E, F or G (3.5 to 4 mm) crochet hook or size appropriate for yarn used.

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Rinde ‘Rinde’ is the German word for tree bark and just like bark on a tree, this cowl will protect you from whatever atmospheric conditions come your way, come winter, spring or autumn. Cowl is worked in the round using two distinct textural stitch patterns. Cozy, deep ridges form the edge, creating a fissured look, like on old trees and the less raised center snuggles against your skin and underneath coat collars to keep you warm.

Yarn Malabrigo ‘Twist’: 100% Baby Merino (150 yards /137 meters, 100 grams /3.53 ounces) 1 skein, shown in colorway ‘Piedras’ or other aran weight yarn

Gauge 16 st = 4” in Woven Slip Stitch pattern.

Needles US Size 8 (5 mm) 24”/60 cm circular needle, needles one size larger than size to obtain gauge, for cast on only.

Finished Size 21”/53 cm circumference, approx. 8”/20 cm high

Notions 1 stitch marker

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Rugged Whether walking through windy city streets, hiking up a rocky path, or pushing your bike across campus, these mitts are equally practical, useful and stylish. The woven look stitch pattern adds just the right amount of detail, yet keeps the mitts unisex. Color choice - now that is all up to you! Rugged was designed to knit up in a breeze using thick and cozy yarn, and of course, to keep your hands warm. The slip stitch pattern is easy and makes the best use of hand dyed or other slightly variegated yarns. Sized to fit both women and men.

Yarn Malabrigo ‘Twist’: 100% Baby Merino (150 yards /137 meters, 3.5 ounces/100g) 1 skein, shown in colorway ‘Piedras’ or other aran weight yarn 85 (95, 105) yards / 78 (87, 97) meters

Gauge 18 sts and 24 rounds = 4”/10 cm in Woven Slip Stitch pattern Notions 2 stitch markers stitch holder or waste yarn for thumb stitches

Needles US Size 4 (3.5 mm) needles (or size to obtain gauge) 1 set double pointed needles or preferred needles for small circumference circular knitting

Finished Sizes Small (Medium, Large) Palm circumference 7 (8, 9)”/ 18 (20.5, 23) cm

over mossy stones... ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Hemlock Shade The cable stitches in this deeply textured hat, wind their way from the edge to the crown. Like branches disappearing from view, receding into the green needles of a mighty hemlock tree, while the garter stitch sections inside the cables remind me of the tiny pine cones at my favorite place to set up a tent, in the shade of the hemlock trees that grow along the creek. Worked in bulky weigh yarn for instant gratification and serious warmth.

Yarn Neighborhood Fiber Co. Studio Chunky: 100% Merino (300 yards /274 meters, 8 ounces/226 g) shown in colorway ‘Logan Circle’ or other bulky weight yarn 150 (160, 170) yards/137 (146, 155) meters Needles US Size 8 (5 mm) double points or 16” (40 cm) circular needle

Notions 1 stitch marker a fearless spirit (or 2 cable needles) Finished Sizes 18 (19.5, 21)”/ 46 (50, 53) cm circumference, 9”/23 cm length (all sizes) The deeply ribbed hat fits a 21 (22.5, 24)”/53 (57, 61) cm head comfortably.

Gauge 16 sts and 24 rounds = 4”/10 cm on US Size 8 (5 mm) needles in stockinette st 18-19 sts = 4”/10 cm on US Size 8 (5 mm) needles in cable pattern Hemlock Shade © Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

ABBREVIATIONS k: knit k2tog: knit 2 sts together Knitted cast on: knit into stitch without dropping stitch off of needle, and place just made loop on left hand needle, repeat same process through just made stitch until required amount of sts cast on m: marker M1R: insert left-hand needle from back to front into strand between st just worked and next st, and knit M1L: insert left-hand needle from front to back into strand between st just worked and next st, knit tbl m2: see knitted cast on p: purl pm: place marker psso: pass slipped st(s) over pu: pick up and knit R: round/ row rep: repeat RS: right side ssk: [slip 1 st as if to knit] 2 times, slip both sts back onto left needle, knit sts together tbl sl2wyif: slip 2 sts as if to purl, with yarn held in front of work s2kpsso: slip 2 sts at once (as if to k2tog), k1, pass both stitches over sk2psso: slip 1 st as if to knit, k2tog, psso sm: slip marker st, sts: stitch(es) tbl: through back loop WS: wrong side wyif: with yarn in front (of work) yo: yarn over

Many Thanks to the wonderful yarn companies that have helped make this book possible: Dragonfly Fibers www.dragonflyfibers.com Dream in Color Yarn www.dreamincoloryarn.com Knit Picks www.knitpicks.com Malabrigo Yarn Co www.malabrigoyarn.com Neighborhood Fibre Co www. neighborhoodfiberco.com String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn www.stringtheoryyarn.com

Hemlock Shade ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited

Technical Editing Eleanor Dixon, Polly Hammond, Chris Church Graphic Design & Layout Simone Kereit Editorial & Graphic Assistance Polly Hammond Photography Simone Kereit

over mossy stones... ÂŠ 2014 Simone Kereit All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in book reviews. 1. Edition printing 2014 (Printed in the USA) www.OwlCatDesigns.com

Kirsibaum ÂŠ Simone Kereit 2014. Photocopying is prohibited