Knitting in Another Dimension
Taking stitches to new heights - literally.
Unless you live inside a piece of paper (if you do, I’m sorry you had to find out this way), you’re already knitting in three dimensions. Arguably four if you bung the extra axis of time on there, given how much of it’s often spent in the making.
Our bodies take up space, and the knits made to fit them gain most of their dimension in the wearing. Usually. As always, there are exceptions - and what exceptions they are!
Some particularly sculptural numbers have no trouble taking up space all on their own. Perhaps you’re imagining an Issey Miyake-esque piece of experimental couture? Endless projection and drama, wouldn’t look out of place worn onstage by David Bowie? Perhaps that’s already exclusively what you wear, in which case, please don’t ever stop. I live in awe of your polyhedron chic.
This week’s pattern picks run from subtle raised texture all the way up to 3D folds, so you can add as much dimension as you dare!
Photography Shawl by Kristina Vilimaite
The pattern that inspired this week’s theme! A proper showstopper of a piece, and one that would look just as at home over a dressy outfit as it would going super casual. It’s like avant-garde architecture, or a giant sheet of origami paper that’s waiting to be turned into something even more impossible.
This reversible shawl is worked sideways and comes in three sizes; Small (61”/154cm W x 24”/61cm D), Medium (68”/172cm W x 27”68cm D) and Large (71”/181cm W x 28”/71cm D). Written and charted instructions are included, as well as guidance on blocking your shawl for maximum 3D effect.
Cheviot Marsh was absolutely made for a pattern like this! It holds its blocking beautifully, and has just the right amount of fullness and spring to give the structure some real oomph.
To knit in Cheviot Marsh DK, you’ll need 3 100g skeins for the Small size, and 4 100g skeins for either the Medium or Large.
Yeavering Bell wouldn’t hold the same dramatic shape, as mohair has less memory and more drape. However, if you’d prefer a ‘flat’ version where the focus is more on the stitches than the shape they create, it could be an option. Quantities would be the same as for the Cheviot Marsh.
Wusai Vest by Teti Lutsak
This vest is a brand new release, and has such a lovely combination of textures! The stripes of twisted rib up the sides and along the shoulders are a great frame for the mini-cable sections. It feels a bit like a depth-of-field illusion, where the cables are almost floating in the foreground. Dimension, indeed!
The pattern comes in five sizes, with finished bust circumferences ranging from 35.25”/88cm to 60.25”/150cm. I can see this being a really versatile year-round layering piece.
If you’d like to knit the Wusai Vest in Cheviot Marsh 4 ply or Yeavering Bell 4 ply, you’ll need: 3 (3, 3, 3, 4) 100g skeins.
Hana Shawl by Kristina Vilimaite
A second stunner by Kristina, and a great alternative for those who still want oodles of texture, but a less dramatic structure. You’ve still got plenty of strong lines with the twisted rib, but they’re softened at the edge by following the curves of some beautiful floral openwork.
It comes in two weights/sizes: Medium is DK weight, with a width of 63”/160cm and measuring 11”/29cm down the middle. Large is is worsted/aran weight, and is 73”/185cm wide and 13”/33cm down the middle.
To knit the Medium size, you’ll need 2 100g skeins of Cheviot Marsh DK or Yeavering Bell DK. For the Large, you’ll need 4 100g skeins of Cheviot Marsh Aran or Yeavering Bell Aran.
Feeling proud of a project you’ve made with our yarn or fabric? The Creators’ Gallery on the wall of our shop is crying out for your lovely photos! If you’d like to be a part of things, please drop us an email at studio@whistlebare.com with your project photo and accompanying info (your first name, details of yarn/fabric and pattern).
As a little thank you, once a month, we will be choosing one of the pictures at random and sending the lucky creator a 10% discount off anything bought from our website or from Whistlebare Fold!
We’d love to see you at our Wednesday Open Stitch Book Club and Knit and Natter Nights, 7pm-9pm, £7.50 including hot drink and cake!
We’ve also got some fantastic Sewing Workshops coming up, as well as two utterly heavenly Yoga & Knitting Day Retreats in July and September.
A warm welcome awaits at Whistlebare Fold from 8.45am - 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am - 5pm on Sundays. Online orders remain open as ever.
If you’d like to visit, you can find us at: 17A Bridge St, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 1ES
As always, thank you for your company this week. And, of course - if you’ve been inspired, we’d love to see your wonderful creations!
Wishing you all the happiest of knitting,
Claire
