Two Sweaters from Pam Allen's Plain and Simple

We have two sweaters from Quince & Co on display in the shop that we think you are going to love!  These pullovers are from Pam Allen's Plain & Simple book.  They are knit with Owl, a 50/50 American wool and alpaca blend in a worsted weight.Both of these sweaters have positive ease and simple sleeves.  Even better, they look good on every body type!Remember that if you want your sweater to fit, you must swatch!!  We've written two blog posts that might help you with swatching; here and here.My Sister Knits has help available for any stage of your sweater making journey.  Fearless Knitting is on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 - 1 when someone is at the shop whose sole responsibility is to help people who come in with questions.  We are happy to answer your questions at any time but Fearless Knitting is when we offer our undivided attention to you!

Willow

If you are intrigued with classic gansey sweaters but don't want to commit to knitting a full one, this sweater is for you!  Only the top portion has classic gansey knit/purl texture, with some also at the top of the sleeves.With plenty of positive ease, it is easy to wear and flattering on everyone.  Willow is knit bottom up in the round with only shoulder seams and those are done with a three-needle bind off.The pick up instructions for the sleeves and the neck ribbing are plain and easy to follow.  The stitches where the picking up is done will be easy to see because of the weight of Owl; the stitches themselves are large which should make picking up a breeze!

Ash

Ash is a completely different sweater with basically the same construction.  It is also knit bottom up in the round with a three-needle bind off at the shoulder seams.  Stitches are picked up around the armhole and neck.The wide swingy body is perfectly balanced with narrow sleeves.  The fun pockets offer an opportunity to perhaps learn a new skill that is plainly explained!The pattern calls for Half Brioche Stitch ribbing but our sample substitutes a twisted rib stitch.  You can take your pick or even do a 1 x 1 rib.This is a thoroughly up-to-date sweater design that will become a classic because, like Willow, it flatters everyone!Watch for details on Pam Allen's Plain & Simple trunk show between Christmas and New Year's Day. All of the samples from the book will be at the shop!

Short Rows

A word about short rows because these sweaters use short row shaping at the shoulders and Ash uses it at the neck also.  The patterns call for yarn-over short rows but you can use any kind you like and are comfortable with.  Again, come to Fearless Knitting if short rows intimidate you!  Coco Knits has a great tutorial for Shadow Short Rows.  Tin Can Knits has one for German Short Rows.  Mimi Kezer has an excellent YouTube tutorial that shows exactly how to substitute German Short Rows.We hope to see you in the shop, examining these exquisite sweaters!