'The Voyages of Vivian' by Talitha Kuomi

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Eight Clues Eight Designs Eight Destinations

by

T alitha K uomi

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All yarns courtesy of Mrs. Crosby Buttons for ‘Trek’ from Katrinkles.com Knitwear Design and Styling: Talitha Kuomi ‘Junket’ and ‘Trek’ Sample Knits: Jean Beaman Chapter Text: Sierra Blasko, Talitha Kuomi Storyline Development: Pam Vickers, Michel Franzese Storyline Consultants: Michael Franzese, The Saturday Morning Crew at ‘In The Loop’ of Plainville, MA Graphic Design: Stephen Culp of Culp Design Tech Editing: Kathleen Rose (katwriter on Ravelry.com) Knitwear Photography: Leslie Buckley of BlueEyedCrafty Photography Photoshoot Location Scouting: Wendy Randolph Photography of Clues: Michael Franzese Travel Photography Marissa Antosh: Iceland Candice Borden: Joshua Tree, CA Brenda Castiel: France Joel Curé: Ireland, Italy Jill Lazerri: Italy Steve Metcalfe: Home Kathleen Rose: The Alps, Home Michelle Rose: Sunset at Home Hélene Rudolph: Greece Pam Vickers: Paris Stephanie Wiseman: Joshua Tree, Thailand Published by Rusted Roof Rack Records Visit www.talithakuomi.com for the blog and more patterns. Feel free to contact me at talithakuomi@live.com with any thoughts or questions.


VOYAGE ONE

JAUNT M

y name is Vivian L’Amore. My friends call me Vivian. My friend Mrs. Crosby calls me dearheart and darling and any number of similar endearments, as she calls all of her friends. Yet she and I have the

distinct pleasure of having known each other longer than any others can lay claim to. We spent the days we had together as children climbing trees, befriending horses, and playing countless games of hide and seek. How funny it is that the present finds me doing much the same. In the words of Mr. Wayne T. Batson, “Adventures are funny things. They always begin with the unexpected, but they always end with the promise of adventures yet to come.” This is such an apt description of Mrs. Crosby and I. Our adventures began with the unexpected, and they haven’t ceased yet. The story of our first encounter has already been told*, but there is a new adventure beginning even now. Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of working at my small town library, amidst the shelves I grew up between. Now I return scores of books to their places on those same shelves each day. My job is to care for the dreams others have housed within the pages of these volumes. Looking back, with so many stories of journeys all around me, is it any wonder that I so often feel the stirrings of fernweh, the ache for distant places?


I was recently contemplating my next voyage, on a slightly overcast day at the library, when something caught my eye. Further inspection revealed it to be a note, peeking out of one of my favorite tomes. Addressed to me in a bold hand, it simply sat there, as though patiently awaiting my arrival. My curiosity aroused, I unfolded it, and a smile spread over my face at the familiar handwriting.

*You can read the story of our first meeting on Mrs. Crosby’s blog: http://www.mrscrosbyplays.blogspot.com/2015/07/i-still-say-she-started-it.html


Dearest Vivian, If you are reading this our journey has begun. Upon finding out you were going on sabbatical I just knew we should revive our childhood game of “Hide and Seek”, truly one of my fondest memories. I chose to start here, in Easton, knowing you would peruse this, our favorite autobiography “The Wonderful Adventures of Mrs. Seacole in Many Lands”. When last we met, you were wearing that delightful hat made in Carpet Bag. It seems like the perfect way to begin. Allow me the pleasure of leaving you a few more skeins of Carpet Bag (hidden on the shelf below) and of starting us off, as always, with your first clue. As my own father was fond of saying during his time at Bletchley Park, “And now the game is afoot.” Yours ever,

Mrs. Crosby


jaunt by T alitha K uomi YARN 1 skein Mrs. Crosby Carpet Bag in Hollywood Cerise (80% Superwash Merino Wool, 20% Silk; 240 yds/100g)

NEEDLES 16” circular needles size US 4 (3.5 mm) 16” circular needles size US 6 (4 mm) or size needed to get gauge One set double pointed needles size US 6 (4 mm)

NOTIONS Tapestry or yarn needle Stitch marker

GAUGE 24 sts and 30 rows on larger needles working Slip Stitch Pattern in the round (after blocking)

SIZES Meant for head circumference: 19-21 (22-24)” Hat is meant to be very slouchy and worn with 1-3” positive ease


VOYAGE TWO

EXCURSION Dearest Vivian, Well done. And so we are well on our way. Let me say, ‘Velkomin’, you were always best at our little game. You absolutely must stop by Kol, enjoy a glass of Brennivín, a delightful little local flavor and the truffle churros, while not necessarily Icelandic, they are amazing. Yours ever,

Mrs. Crosby

H

aving discovered the lovely skeins of Carpet Bag left for me by Mrs. Crosby, I immedi-

ately set about knitting something soft to warm my neck as I prepare to tour the beautiful Icelandic countryside. Inspired by the steam that rises from the ancient geysers here, I sketched up a little colorwork in an effort to capture the beauty of the landscape that surrounds me.

Once I had bound off, with my neck now safely protected from the chill breeze, I set off to explore, and found myself arriving at a quaint little building sided with butterscotch hued shingles just in time to catch the noontime tour. I joined a group of seven other like-minded tourists, the lot of us bent upon soaking in all there was to see. Our guide was a handsome young man, regaling us with tales of his childhood among the waterways.


He must’ve had a delightful anecdote for every landmark we passed. Climbing trees in that field yonder, beating his brother in their daily race to the schoolhouse; his stories had us enthralled.


A fellow traveller’s compliment on my fresh off the needles cowl sparked a delightful conversation which lasted throughout the afternoon. We ended the day with a stop at Kol Restaurant, where we sampled the truffle churros and had a refreshing glass of Brennivín (as per Mrs. Crosby’s recommendations). There we also had time to contemplate my next clue.


excursion by T alitha K uomi YARN Mrs. Crosby Carpet Bag (80% Superwash Merino Wool, 20% silk; 240 yds/100g) 1 skein MC (shown in Greystone) 1 skein CC (shown in Midnight Aubergine)

NEEDLES 24” circular needles size US 6 (4 mm) or size needed to get gauge 16” circular needles size US 5 (3.75 mm)

NOTIONS Contrasting stitch marker (for beginning of round) 20 Stitch markers Tapestry or yarn needle

GAUGE 26 sts and 28 rnds = 4” in Stockinette st (worked in the round and blocked)

SIZE Bottom edge: 38” circumference Top edge: 25” circumference Height at center front: 17.5” Height at center back: 10”

PATTERN NOTES Excursion is worked in the round, using decreases and short rows for shaping. Be careful not to pull yarn carried on the WS (or float) too tightly in the colorwork sections. A float that is too tight will pucker the fabric. Also, most of the wraps in this cowl do not get picked up. Read directions carefully.


VOYAGE THREE

CROSSING A

h, Ireland. The smell of the history of this place, where generations have farmed the land, and cattle are as at home on the rolling hills as they are on the narrow roadways, wrapped around me as I stepped

off the ferry. After three days of the salty sea air in transit from Iceland, the lush greenness of the Irish countryside was a refreshing change. Pausing to locate myself on the map which I bought at the first of many welcoming local shops, I discovered that there were more sheep contentedly grazing within eyesight than there were signs written in a language I can translate. I find the Gaelic language beautiful, but the ins and outs of its meter remain a mystery to me. Having finally spotted my location on the map in my hands, I made my way to the pub Mrs. Crosby had referenced in her last clue. I felt quite like a spy as I analyzed my present company to deduce which ruddy young Irishman was indeed James. Having determined his identity and sought him out, we chatted pleasantly,


I soaking in the folklore he was happy to share and sipping at the pint in my hand. After a time, I slipped my Leopold quote covertly into the conversation and told him my name. He, in turn, grinned and handed me Mrs. Crosby’s prize, six gorgeous skeins of Steamer Trunk, along with a folded letter.

Dearest Vivian, Céad míle fáilte. You are a bonnie lass of intelligence and adventure. I do hope all the James Joyce references weren’t too tedious. My stylish Lilly Daché bucket hat is off to you, darling. I felt that Steamer Trunk would be the perfect discovery on the fair Isle of Erin and do hope you agree. But I digress, let us resume to our adventure. Turas sábháilte

Mrs. Crosby



crossing by T alitha K uomi YARN 1 skein Mrs. Crosby Hat Box (shown in Wild Huckleberry) (75% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Silk, 10% Cashmere; 317 yd/100g)

NEEDLES One set double pointed needles size US 3 (3.25 mm) or or size needed to get gauge

NOTIONS 1 Contrasting stitch marker (to mark beginning of round) Stitch markers 1 clip-on stitch marker Tapestry or yarn needle Spare yarn or stitch holder

GAUGE 32 sts and 44 rows = 4� in p2, k1 rib worked in the round, blocked, but unstretched


VOYAGE FOUR

TRAVERSE P

aris is absolutely beautiful in the spring. To anyone who has not yet taken a stroll along the streets of the City of Love, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

After taking one myself, I was seated at a charming outdoor cafe when I was approached by a rather dashing young man. Upon catching sight of my hand crafted vest and striking up a conversation, he discovered that I had knit the piece myself. Almost immediately he was gone, only to return, bearing a cheerful bouquet of bright flowers from a nearby seller. He went on to implore me to knit him a sweater of his own. I accepted the gorgeous blooms at his insistence, though I declined his request. After all, as we all know, it wouldn’t do to knit a man a sweater until you are wed to him.



Dearest Vivian, TouchĂŠ, Viv. Do you not just adore the creativity of a good bartender? I know I do. I am so happy you have uncovered this latest gem in your adventure. Be a dear and tell Francois I miss his La Maillot Jaune, it is heavenly. Alas, onward and upward or shall I say eastward? Au revoir.

Mrs. Crosby


traverse by T alitha K uomi YARN 6 skeins Mrs. Crosby Steamer Trunk (shown in African Gray) (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 164 yds/100 g)

NEEDLES Size US 10.5 (6.5 mm) needles Size US 10 (6 mm) double pointed needles

NOTIONS Tapestry or yarn needle

GAUGE 16 sts and 24 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch (after blocking)

SIZE This is One Size Fits (Almost) All. The ‘on the bias’ drape and oversized armholes allow for it to fit well and look good on a very wide range of sizes. It was test knit and tried on by women from US size 4 to a US size XXL. Unexpectedly, it looked good and fit well on that full range of sizes.

PATTERN NOTES Circular needles are used to accommodate the stitch count, but the piece is knit flat from the left front edge, through the back, ending with the right front edge. Stitches are picked up from the armholes for i-cord edging.


VOYAGE FIVE

PASSAGE H

aving settled myself into a room with a breathtaking view of this new city, I made my way to the Teatro La Fenice. As I stepped through the enormous doors, I found myself craning my neck to take in the gorgeous architecture all around me. I developed a small crick in my neck from gazing upwards, but it was well worth it for the look it afforded of the grandiose chandelier brightening the lobby. I sank into the plush red seating, making sure my opera glasses (which I had ensured were in full working order just outside the theater) were adjusted properly for my distance from the stage, and opened my program. The performance promised to be spectacular. The hours passed quickly, and I emerged with that breathless feeling that every truly well done opera leaves one with.

My next intended outing was a trip down the canals in a gondola. As a light wind played with the ends of my hair and the water lapped at the side of the boat, I found myself fantasizing that I was the clever and witty heroine of the opera I had just emerged from. There was one main difference: my elaborate costumes were made entirely of yarn, in contrast to the embroidered costumes worn by the performers themselves.


Dearest Vivian, You are truly the cat’s pajamas. I have been following your travels closely and feel like a schoolgirl in Paris once more. I do hope our old game is pleasing you as much as I. When you are ready to continue please see below. Ciåo bella.

Mrs. Crosby



passage by T alitha K uomi YARN 2 (2, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3) skeins Mrs. Crosby Hat Box (shown in New Leaf ) (75% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Silk, 10% Cashmere; 317 yds/100 g)

NEEDLES Size US 9 (5.5 mm) straight or circular needles

NOTIONS 4 clip on stitch markers Tapestry or yarn needle

GAUGE 17 sts and 26 rows = 4” in Stockinette st (after blocking)

SIZES For chest circumferences: 29 (33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53)” Meant to be worn with 2-4” positive ease.

PATTERN NOTES All slipped stitches are slipped purl-wise by sliding the tip of the RH needle through the first st on the LH needle as if you are going to purl that stitch, but instead slipping the stitch fully onto the RH needle and removing the tip of the LH needle. Be sure to pull the working yarn snug on each row that you slip the first 3 stitches. Also, do not worry that there always seems to be a very loose stitch near the edge and one or two rows below the row you’re on. As long as you pull the working yarn snug as you slip the first 3 stitches of each row, the loose stitch will tighten as you work the row or two above it. For the garment shown, M1 = Lli. You may pick any increase that you like as long as you use the same one for the whole pattern. The look of each increase becomes a reoccurring part of the finished piece.


VOYAGE SIX

PEREGRINATION

T

ravel has a way of ensuring that you will be rewarded with a change of scenery before

you’ve even begun to grow tired of the last. The idyllic water drenched views coupled with the clean lines of the architecture here in Greece are deeply refreshing. I find myself without a care in the world- except for early each morning as I make my way down the awakening streets to procure my morning sustenance. I find it daily crossing my mind that the white and blue of the buildings would make it easy for a person to turn down the wrong picturesque street and find themselves at a stranger’s doorstep. But once I have enjoyed a few sips of my warm Greek coffee, I feel as if roused from a dream, and the path back to my own doorway becomes clear. My days here are filled with white linen and knitting, I can’t imagine myself more relaxed as I head out in search of Mrs. Crosby’s next missive.



Dearest Vivian, Well done, finding your way to Heraklion and discovering the mysteries of the Labyrinth. Ariadne would be pleased, as am I. Thank Nikolas and the family for me. Your next clue is below. I hope you are enjoying and I cannot wait to see what you are creating. Kalรก taxidia.

Mrs. Crosby


peregrination by T alitha K uomi YARN 3 (4, 4, 4, 5, 5) skeins Mrs. Crosby ‘Train Case’ (shown in Roasted Chestnut) (55% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon, 30% Outlast ® viscose; 425 yds/100g)

NEEDLES 24” circular needles size US 8 (5 mm)

NOTIONS Scrap yarn or stitch holder 2 stitch markers, different colors – one to note beginning of the round. Tapestry or yarn needle Crochet hook (size H)

SIZES For chest circumferences 33 (36.75, 40.5, 44.25, 49, 52.75)”

GAUGE 17 sts and 25 rows = 4” in Stockinette st (after blocking)

PATTERN NOTES Two strands of fingering weight yarn are held double throughout the entire pattern. Top is knit from the bottom up. The bottom openwork edges of the FRONT and BACK are worked separately and flat, then the pieces are joined to knit the body to the armholes in the round. Stitches are divided at the armholes for knitting the neck and shoulders of the FRONT and BACK flat. A crochet edge is added to both armholes and the neckline in FINISHING.


VOYAGE SEVEN JUNKET

I

f Greece was about being refreshed, Thailand was about being bold. I was determined during my stay there to both ride a pachyderm and begin to master the art of recreating the local cuisine. But I had been missing my time among the stacks at my own dear library, and so I began my stay with a book that I consider an old friend. It rained the next day, causing me to put off my elephant ride. Undaunted, I enrolled with a cooking instructor whose specialty is the making of traditional Pad Thai. Although I am not very graceful in the kitchen, my persistence won out, and I walked away with a lovely meal that, while not perfectly executed, was extremely enjoyable all the same. When the sun rose the next day, the clouds had departed, and I set off at once in search of just the right elephant with which to share my next adventure. It turns out that I am even less graceful at climbing onto the back of an elephant than I am at finding my way around a kitchen. It isn’t at all like mounting a horse, as I imagined it would be. The ride, however, proved itself worth the climb. As I took in the view from that height, I began to ponder the beautiful ladies of Mrs. Crosby’s last clue. Had they gazed with such delight upon the scenery around them, as I had from my perch?


Dearest Vivian, I bow deeply to you and say, “Kor sa dang kuam yin dee ka�. As a teacher, you do Anna proud. If you intend to ride elephants on safari may your journey be gentle and relaxing. I have always found the south seas to be such. Upon finding yourself rested mightily and having knit in the bright colours I left for you, please proceed on your merry way. Sanuk mak,

Mrs. Crosby



junket by T alitha K uomi YARN 3 sks Mrs. Crosby Satchel (shown in Spicy Habanero) (100% Superwash Merino Wool 370 yds/100g) 2 sks Mrs. Crosby Train Case (shown in Flame-colored Tanager) (55% Superwash Merino Wool, 15% Nylon, 30% Outlast® viscose; 425 yds/100g)

NEEDLES 16” size 10 (6 mm) circular needles

NOTIONS 6 Stitch markers (one contrasting to mark beginning of round)

GAUGE 22 sts and 14 rnds = 4” in Tilted Tile St after blocking to stretch stitch pattern in length

SIZE 78” long by 6.5” wide (13” circumference) after blocking

PATTERN NOTES Scarf is knit as a tube in the round. The easiest way to keep track of pattern stitch reps is to place a stitch marker each 16 sts to separate the reps. Fringe is added in FINISHING.

.


VOYAGE EIGHT TREK I

arrived at Joshua Tree eager to soothe my wounded pride by getting back on a horse,

something I know I excel at. As sweet as the elephant in Thailand was, I felt woefully incompetent on her back. I fell asleep that night with the howling of the wolves I had heard on my earlier trail ride still echoing in my ears. It was not long before I was dreaming of befriending two magnificent white wolves. They came close, and one allowed my hand to linger a moment on the soft fur at the back of its neck. It was so real in that instant, that I could feel my breathing synchronizing with theirs. When I awoke, I felt more at one with my surroundings than I remembered feeling before. As though I now carried a bit of the wolves understanding within my heartbeat.



Dearest Vivian, Our adventure is almost over and Joshua Tree is the perfect setting for things to wind down. The sunset here is so beautiful it is hard to imagine a more telling place. Sip your coffee in the morning and hike a trail just like Mary Henrietta Kingsley might. You shall soon be on your way to Easton, but first, and last, one more “clue�. Yours ever,

Mrs. Crosby


trek by T alitha K uomi YARN Mrs. Crosby Steamer Trunk (100% Superwash Merino Wool; 164 yds/100g) 5 (6, 6, 7, 8, 8, 9) sks MC (shown in Boston Fern) 1 (1, 1, 2, 2, 2, 2) sk(s) CC1 (shown in Smoky Granite) 1 sk CC2 (shown in Sunset Regatta)

NEEDLES 32” circular needles size US 6 (4 mm) or size needed to get gauge One set double pointed needles size US 6 (4 mm) 32” circular needles size US 5 (3.75 mm) One set double pointed needles size US 5 (3.75 mm)

NOTIONS 6 ‘Line Buttons Bamboo’ buttons (3/4”) by Katrinkles.com Tapestry or yarn needle Spare yarn or stitch holder 4 stitch markers

GAUGE 20 sts and 29 rows = 4” in Stockinette stitch (after blocking)

SIZES Chest circumference: 35.25 (38.5, 41.75, 45, 48.25, 51.5, 54.5) Shown in size 35.25”. Meant to be worn with -2” to +2” of ease.

PATTERN NOTES Trek is worked flat and from the top down. Colorwork just above the bottom hem is also worked flat.


VOYAGE

HOME I

returned home full of the new sights, distinct sounds, and rushing emotions of my journey. As is true after every adventure, home looked different, yet the same. The contrast between where I’d been and where

I found myself now was striking. I would not soon forget the people I’d shared conversation with, nor the many lands I had set foot upon.

And yet, despite all the beauty I had taken in, nothing compares to the charm of a New England sunset. Specifically the one outside my living room window, where I sit, needles in hand, plotting my next adventure.


Join Vivian L’Amore as clues from her friend Mrs. Crosby launch a journey that takes us around the world in search of lovely yarns and the knitwear that they become.

Š 2016 Talitha Kuomi. All Rights Reserved.


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