Introducing Bipartite

Is it a hat? Is it a cowl? Why, it just so happens to be both.

I fell in love with a naturally dyed skein of Cheviot Super Chunky from Skein Heroine earlier this year at Unravel and just had to have it. It was one of those times when you look at a hank of yarn and know exactly what it should be and then everything else just falls into place.

Since these are knit in super chunky yarn they work up in a flash. If you’re using the same yarn as I used in the sample you should be able to get both the hat and the cowl out of a single skein.

You can check out pattern specifics here.

New Pattern: B Street

Ever knit a pattern and fantasize about where you would wear it if you could be anywhere in the world? The entire time I designed this sweater I was thinking about temperate climates, which reminded me of my time in Ohio.

B Street is named after the real street in Hamilton, Ohio, where fall is a real season and sweaters are needed. But wherever you live you could probably use a nice lightweight pullover. This one is knit from the top down in fingering weight wool.

The pullover is designed to be worn with minimal positive ease to give the textured stitch a chance to shine. Knit one up to wear over a tank top on a crisp cool day or under a heavy coat in the dead of Winter.

If you knit B Street let me know either by linking your project to the pattern on Ravelry or tagging me on Instagram with #kathrynfolkerthdesigns. I love seeing my patterns out in the world and the way each knitter interprets them. Also be sure you are signed up for my mailing list for the latest pattern release info and occasional discount codes.

New Pattern: Cactus Blossom

The weather may be cooling where you are, but here in Eastern Africa things are warming up. But no matter what hemisphere you live in I think you’ll like Cactus Blossom.

Knit in laceweight yarn, it is perfect for both layering and wearing on its own. I had the joy of knitting this up in Mary Gavin Yarns Quail, which is a raw silk with excellent drape. If you want to use the same yarn, there are kits available through Sweater Sisters.

The construction on this one is very simple. Knit from the bottom up, the pattern is completely seamless. It also features ribbed detailing along the armholes that match the hem and cowl ribbing.

If you knit Cactus Blossom let me know either by linking your project to the pattern on Ravelry or tagging me on Instagram with #kathrynfolkerthdesigns. I love seeing my patterns out in the world and the way each knitter interprets them. Also be sure you are signed up for my mailing list for the latest pattern release info and occasional discount codes.

New Pattern: Sandbank

I spend a lot of my time in a warm climate. Home for our family is split between North Carolina and East Africa. A lot of knitters are surprised to hear that a knitting designer is based out of these climates, but I’m a firm believer that knit fabric can be used in warm as well as cold weather.

Sandbank fills such a role. I wanted a subtly textured tunic that was both simple and easy to throw on with leggings for a complete look. I had the opportunity to use Mary Gavin Yarns Canyon, a sport weight cotton rayon blend, which worked up beautifully for what I had in mind.

The finished garment is meant to be worn with some positive ease and is knit in the round, which means no seams! The texture pattern plays with the natural differences between stockinette and garter stitch in the round, creating a piece that is longer in the back than the front.

If you’ve wanted to try out warm weather knits, I hope you will give Sandbank a try. And don’t forget, to sign up for my mailing list for occasional discount codes on my new patterns!

Worsted Badlands Mitts

Last week I showed you my new Worsted Badlands Hat pattern, and this week I have matching mitts to share!

We all know a knitted hat is the gift that keeps on giving on a cold day, but your hands need some love too. Mitts like these are great because they keep your fingers free for necessary tasks, like knitting, scrolling Instagram, or (in my case) grabbing the hand of an enthusiastic toddler.

Like the hat, these mitts are perfect for knitting up leftovers. They are knit from the fingers down to the wrist, so you can simply knit until you run out of yarn rather than playing yarn chicken up your hand.

This pattern is sized from toddler to adult, so any amount of leftovers will do. Don’t forget that you get a discount when buying this pattern with the matching hat. And I send out discounts for my newsletter subscribers, which you can sign up for here.